General Tour Information
ENTERING BELIZE: Your passport, as a general rule, should be valid for at least six months after the date the tour ends. US, Canadian and British citizens do not need a visa to visit Belize. Citizens of other countries may require a visa. You should contact the Belize Embassy for more details: Embassy of Belize, 2535 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, tel: (202) 332 9636, fax: (202) 332 6888 (also deals with inquiries from Canada).
BELIZE MAP AND COUNTRY INFORMATION: You can view maps of Belize in the University of Texas series here. You can review the U.S. Department of State background notes on Belize here.
HEALTH: No specific inoculations are necessary, although up-to-date tetanus protection is a good idea. There is some risk of malaria in the rural areas of Belize. Please check with your doctor or local health department as to advisability of your taking a malaria prophylaxis (chloroquine — brand name Aralen — is the drug recommended for this region). You might also want to discuss with your doctor the need for vaccinations for typhoid and hepatitis A, as there is some risk of these diseases in Belize (as in most developing countries). Special medications may be unavailable so bring enough to cover your needs for the entire trip.
You can review the CDC latest advisories here.
We have found that with proper eating habits, intestinal problems can be largely avoided. In most of Belize, it is unwise to drink untreated water, although bottled soft drinks are reliable. At Chan Chich, the tap water is potable and there is always bottled water available
Biting insects can be locally numerous, but are rarely a problem in the dry season. Careful application of repellant provides good protection and the leader will advise you when it will be necessary.
PACE OF THE TOUR: As on most tours to the neotropics, early starts are important for seeing and hearing birds. This is countered by the option for an afternoon siesta and only 12 hours of daylight, so late nights are not a problem. Also, this tour will be divided into early morning, late morning and afternoon outings so that an early rise is optional. All meals are taken at our accommodation. This is not a strenuous tour and there are no major climbs, but much of our time at Chan Chich will be spent on foot. Some trails have numerous exposed roots and others may be muddy so proper footwear is needed.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Biltmore Plaza Hotel is a full service hotel situated in the quiet area of Bella Vista on the outskirts of Belize City. At Chan Chich Lodge we stay in thatched-roof cabañas that surround two central buildings that contain the reception desk, restaurant, bar, gift shop, and library. Each cabaña is fully screened and has a king or two queen-size beds, ceiling fan, private bath with hot and cold water, 24 hour electricity and a wrap-around veranda complete with hammocks. Internet access is available at both the Biltmore and Chan Chich.
CLIMATE: The average rainfall for December is about 4 inches so rain might be encountered, although it will probably not be heavy or prolonged. A light rain jacket or traveling umbrella is advised. Daytime high temperatures averages 85°F and nightime lows average 68°F. The general nature of the climate is humid.
VEHICLES: Travel will be by air from Bleize City and small bus for our away from Chan Chich outings.
SMOKING:We request that you do not smoke in the vehicles or when the group is gathered for meals, checklists, etc. If you are sharing a room with a non-smoker, please do not smoke in the room. If you smoke in the field, we ask that you do so well away and downwind from the group, if possible.
GENERAL INFORMATION & CONDITIONS OF WINGS TOURS: Please take a moment to read the WINGS General Information & Conditions. This section contains important information about how we conduct tours, e.g., what is included in the tour price, refund and cancellation policies, pace of the tours and other information that will help you prepare for the tour.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Belize and Chan Chich will be sent to registrants on receipt of their booking. Final information with instructions for meeting the group, hotel addresses, etc., will be mailed about three weeks before trip departure. Other news will be communicated as necessary. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Updated: February 2007