ITINERARY:
Day 1 – Arrival in Belize / Transfer to La Milpa – 16th Jan
Please plan to arrive in the morning at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, Belize (BZE) no later than 14.00pm where we will meet our professional birding guide and begin the scenic journey north into the vast wilderness of the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area, one of the largest protected forests in Central America. The drive transitions from open farmland and savannah into dense lowland rainforest, offering early chances for roadside species such as Fork tailed Flycatcher, Social Flycatcher, Gray Hawk, and flocks of Olive throated Parakeets moving between fruiting trees. We will eventually reach La Milpa Lodge by late afternoon and settle into our comfortable jungle cabanas before heading out for an introductory bird walk around the lodge gardens and forest edge. Feeders and fruiting trees attract a colourful mix of species including Keel billed Toucan, Green and Red legged Honeycreepers, Yellow throated Euphonia, Wedge-tailed Sabrewing, Yellow-winged Tanager, and often Black-cheeked Woodpecker. The surrounding forest edge may also reveal Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Dusky Antbird, White-bellied Wren, and mixed flocks of tanagers and migrant warblers. We could also find Yucatán Black Howler Monkeys moving through the canopy, and then after dinner, an optional night walk offers the chance to encounter nocturnal species such as Common Pauraque, Northern Potoo, and Mottled Owl, along with mammals like Kinkajou. 
Overnight at La Milpa Lodge.  B,L,D

Day 2 – La Milpa Forest Trails and Maya Site – 17th Jan
We begin the morning with a pre breakfast walk along the mature rainforest trails surrounding La Milpa Lodge, an area known for its towering hardwoods, dense understory, and rich bird activity. Early light filters through the canopy, illuminating mixed feeding flocks that may include Red-throated Ant Tanager, Dot-winged Antwren, Northern Bentbill, Stub-tailed Spadebill, and several woodcreepers such as Ivory billed, Wedge billed, and Ruddy. The deep forest is also excellent for secretive species like Black-faced Antthrush, Tody Motmot, and the elusive Pheasant Cuckoo, whose haunting call often betrays its presence. Overhead, Slaty-tailed and Black-headed Trogons perch quietly in the mid story. Later in the morning we visit the impressive La Milpa Archaeological Site, one of Belize’s largest Maya cities. The open plazas and towering temples provide superb vantage points for canopy species such as Keel-billed Toucan, Mealy Amazon, and soaring raptors including Barred Forest Falcon, Gray Hawk, and King Vulture, while at ground level we can expect to find the beautiful Ocellated Turkey alongside Great Curassow. This blend of archaeology and birding creates a uniquely atmospheric experience. In the afternoon we explore forest roads and savannah edges where raptors are frequently encountered and open habitats may reveal Laughing Falcon, Roadside Hawk, Bat Falcon, and even the elegant Aplomado Falcon. The nearby transitional forest edge also supports species such as Yellow-olive Flatbill, Tropical Pewee, Black-crowned Tityra, and flocks of colourful tanagers moving between fruiting trees. 
Overnight at La Milpa Lodge.  B,L,D

Day 3 – Rio Bravo Backroads and Wetland Birding – 18th Jan
Today we explore the remote backroads and seasonal wetlands of the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area, a region celebrated for its exceptional biodiversity. We begin with early morning photography opportunities around the lodge feeders, where hummingbirds such as White necked Jacobin, White bellied Emerald, Purple crowned Fairy, and Rufous-tailed Hummingbird compete for nectar. Tanagers, euphonias, and honeycreepers add splashes of colour, often joined by Black cheeked Woodpecker and Clay-coloured Thrushes. As we travel deeper into the forest, we encounter mature broadleaf habitat rich with parrots, woodcreepers, and possibly an elusive forest raptor or two. Possible species here include Crested Guan, Brown hooded Parrot, Mealy Amazon, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Rufous Piha, Gray-throated Chat, and Northern Schiffornis. Mixed flocks may also include Lesser Greenlet, Yellow-bellied Tyrannulet, and migrant warblers. By late morning we reach an area of seasonal wetlands and open marshes, a dramatic contrast to the surrounding forest. These habitats often host impressive waterbirds such as Snail Kite, Limpkin, Wood Stork, Jabiru, Black bellied Whistling Duck, Northern Jacana, and herons including Tricolored, Little Blue, and Green Heron. Raptors frequently patrol the marsh edges, and the open skies offer excellent viewing conditions. We return to La Milpa Lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the sounds of the forest settling into evening.
Night Milpa Lodge. B,L,D

Day 4 – Transfer to San Ignacio – 19th Jan
After breakfast we depart the northern forests and travel southwest toward the lush valleys of San Ignacio in the Cayo District. The changing landscape provides varied birding opportunities, with stops in savannahs, agricultural fields, and forest edges. These open habitats are excellent for raptors, and we may encounter Laughing Falcon, White tailed Hawk, Roadside Hawk, Gray Hawk, and the striking Aplomado Falcon perched on exposed snags. Pastures often host Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Vermilion Flycatcher, Tropical Kingbird, and flocks of Bronzed Cowbirds and Melodious Blackbirds. As we approach San Ignacio, the scenery transitions into lush river valleys and tropical gardens. Upon arrival at Crystal Paradise Resort, we settle into our accommodations and enjoy birding around the lodge grounds, which are rich with fruiting trees and feeders. Regular visitors include Collared Aracari, Lesson’s Motmot, Blue-gray Tanager, Olive-backed Euphonia, Red-legged Honeycreeper, and Golden-hooded Tanager. The surrounding forest edge may also reveal Squirrel Cuckoo, Black-headed Saltator, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, and White-collared Seedeater. The lodge’s proximity to both riverine and foothill habitats makes it an ideal base for exploring the diverse birdlife of the Cayo District. As evening falls, the gardens come alive with the calls of Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Pauraque, and sometimes Mottled Owl.
Overnight at Crystal Paradise Resort. B,L,D

Day 5 – Manakin Trail and Macal River Valley – 20th – 21st Jan
This morning we explore the renowned Manakin Birding Trail, located in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. This mature broadleaf forest is known for its active manakin leks, where males perform elaborate displays, a highlight of any tour to Central America. We hope to encounter both Red-capped Manakin and White-collared Manakin, whose snapping wing sounds echo through the understory. The trail is also excellent for a variety of forest flycatchers and woodcreepers, including Ivory billed, Tawny-winged, and Northern Barred Woodcreeper, while the dense understory and mid story supports species such as Black-faced Antthrush, White-whiskered Puffbird, Tropical Royal Flycatcher, Slaty Antwren, Sepia-capped Flycatcher, and Bright-rumped Attila. We can also keep a look out for Gartered Trogon, Keel billed Toucan, and mixed flocks of tanagers and honeycreepers. The forest is also home to mammals such as Central American Agouti and Yucatán Black Howler Monkey, which we may encounter along the trail. In the afternoon we continue birding along the scenic Macal River Valley, a mosaic of riverine forest, open banks, and tall emergent trees. Raptors are often active here, including Bat Falcon, Black Hawk Eagle, Double toothed Kite, and Gray Hawk. The river corridor may also produce Montezuma Oropendola, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Amazon Kingfisher, Green Heron, and Mangrove Swallow. The combination of foothill forest and river habitat makes this one of the most productive birding days of the tour. 
Overnight at Crystal Paradise Resort. B,L,D

Day 6 – Slate Creek and Green Hills Area – 22nd Jan
Today we explore the Slate Creek area on the northwestern edge of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, one of Belize’s most scenic and ecologically diverse upland regions. This landscape blends granite hills, pine savannah, broadleaf forest pockets, and clear mountain streams, creating a rich mosaic of habitats. The pine ridges support species not commonly found in lowland rainforest, including Acorn Woodpecker, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Rusty Sparrow, Grace’s Warbler, Hepatic Tanager, and Eastern Bluebird. Open pine savannah may also reveal Black headed Siskin, Olive-crowned Yellowthroat, and soaring Short tailed Hawk. Slate Creek itself flows through a picturesque valley of pine forest and tropical hardwoods, forming shaded riverbanks and rocky pools. These waterways attract Amazon Kingfisher, Ringed Kingfisher, Bare-throated Tiger Heron, Boat-billed Heron, and occasionally Green Ibis. Forest edges along the river may produce Dusky Antbird, Rufous tailed Jacamar, White collared Manakin, and mixed flocks of tanagers. Later we continue toward the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch, a well known hotspot for hummingbirds and forest edge species. Feeders and flowering shrubs attract Violet Sabrewing, White-bellied Emerald, Green-breasted Mango, Long-billed Hermit, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, and Scaly-breasted Hummingbird. Fruiting trees nearby often host Yellow-winged Tanager, Red-legged Honeycreeper and Black-headed Saltator, while in the lower scrub we can find Gray-headed Tanager and Blue Bunting. The surrounding forest is also good for Slaty-tailed Trogon, Collared Aracari, and Black-faced Grosbeak. We then return to Crystal Paradise Resort in the late afternoon.  
Night Crystal Paradise Resort.  B, L, D

Day 7 – Transfer to Crooked Tree / Sunset Lagoon Boat Tour – 23rd Jan
Following breakfast we travel northeast toward the expansive wetlands of Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Belize’s most important habitats for waterbirds. Upon arrival at Bird’s Eye View Lodge, we settle into our lakeside accommodations overlooking the vast Crooked Tree Lagoon. Today we include a highlight as we will embark on a spectacular sunset boat tour, one of those special moments of the entire trip. As the light softens, the lagoon comes alive with feeding activity. Typical sightings include Jabiru, Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, Bare throated Tiger Heron, Great Egret, Tricolored Heron, Northern Jacana, and Snail Kite. The open water and marsh edges may also reveal Black collared Hawk, Purple Gallinule, American Pygmy Kingfisher, and flocks of Neotropic Cormorants. The surrounding savannah and woodland edges support Vermilion Flycatcher, Rose-throated Becard, Spot-breasted Wren, Yucatan Jay, Black-cowled Oriole, Red lored Amazon, and Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, which often calls at dusk. As the sun sets over the lagoon, large flocks of herons and egrets return to their roosts, creating a dramatic end to the day. 
Overnight at Bird’s Eye View Lodge. B,L,D

Day 8 – Lamanai River and Maya Ruins – 24th Jan
We begin the day with an early morning boat journey along the scenic New River, traveling north toward the ancient Maya city of Lamanai. The slow pace of the boat allows for exceptional river birding, with likely sightings including Anhinga, Green Heron, Black crowned Night Heron, Belted Kingfisher, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Mangrove Swallow, and Northern Waterthrush along the shaded banks. The river corridor is also excellent for Bare throated Tiger Heron, Snail Kite, Limpkin, and occasionally Morelet’s Crocodile basking on exposed logs. Upon arrival at the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, we explore the towering temples and surrounding rainforest. The combination of archaeology and wildlife makes this one of Belize’s most atmospheric birding locations. Forest species may include Collared Aracari, Keel billed Toucan, Gartered Trogon, Bright rumped Attila, Black headed Trogon, Red lored Amazon, and White fronted Parrot. The forest understory may reveal Red capped Manakin, White whiskered Puffbird, Northern Bentbill, and some colourful mixed flocks. After a full morning exploring the ruins and surrounding forest, we return to Crooked Tree in the afternoon.
Overnight at Bird’s Eye View Lodge. B,L,D

Day 9 – Sunrise Lagoon Tour and Savanna Birding – 25th Jan
A sunrise boat excursion across Crooked Tree Lagoon offers some of the most spectacular birding of the tour. Early morning light illuminates the shallow wetlands where waterbirds feed actively. Highlights may include the difficult and elusive Agami Heron, Sungrebe, Purple Gallinule, Limpkin, Black collared Hawk, Snail Kite, Bare throated Tiger Heron, and flocks of Black bellied Whistling Ducks. The open water often hosts Neotropic Cormorant, Anhinga, American Coot, and Pied billed Grebe, while the marsh edges attract Northern Jacana, Green Heron, and Tricolored Heron. After breakfast we explore the savannah habitats around Crooked Tree Village, a mix of pine woodland, open grassland, and scattered palms. This area is excellent for regional specialties such as Fork tailed Flycatcher, Yucatan Flycatcher, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Yucatan Jay, and White bellied Wren. Open areas may also reveal Eastern Meadowlark, Tropical Pewee, Brown crested Flycatcher, and soaring Gray Hawk. Our last afternoon will be at leisure, as this is such a wonderful place to reflect on what we have already seen. For those that wish we can still enjoy some optional birding around the lodge grounds and lagoon edge, which often produces Mangrove Vireo, Tropical Mockingbird, Rufous breasted Spinetail, Yucatan Woodpecker, and flocks of Melodious Blackbirds. As evening approaches, the wetlands glow with returning herons and egrets, providing a peaceful end to the day and our wonderful tour to Belize. 
Overnight at Bird’s Eye View Lodge. B,L,D

Day 10 – Departure Day – 26th Jan 
We enjoy a final early morning bird walk around the lagoon, taking in the last sounds of waking wetlands as mist rises off the water. This is a good moment to revisit familiar species and savour lingering views of Tropical Mockingbird, Mangrove Vireo, Rufous breasted Spinetail, Yucatan Woodpecker, and Melodious Blackbird, all regulars around the lodge grounds. Along the lagoon edge, we may once more encounter Northern Jacana, Snail Kite, Green Heron, Purple Gallinule, and flocks of Black bellied Whistling Ducks commuting between feeding areas. Depending on timing, we might also scan for late rising herons and egrets, or watch Black-collared Hawk and Snail Kite quartering the marshes in the soft morning light. It’s a gentle, reflective finale to our journey through Belize’s forests, foothills, and wetlands—a last chance for photographs, checklist updates, and quiet appreciation of this remarkable landscape. After breakfast, we transfer to Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, Belize (BZE) for international departures, concluding our 10 day Belize birding adventure. B  Try to book flights departing no earlier than 12.00 midday