2025 Fordham Preparatory Belize Conservation Expedition

Accommodations

ECOMAR Research Station

Founded in 2009, the St. George’s Caye Research Station & Field School supports archaeological and marine research for visiting professors and their students. The facilities at ECOMAR are based on traditional Creole colonial architectural styles, students will share screened-in dorm rooms with bunk beds and private bathrooms. As water conservation is a integral part of island life, power is generated each night, and hot water and air conditioning are not available. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

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Rumors Resort Hotel

Located in San Ignacio, Rumors Resort Hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with cable-TV.  In suite bathrooms are quipped with a shower, towels and toiletries. This property also has a restaurant and a pool available for guests. Rumors Hotel features free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

 

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Group Flight

Once your flight schedule has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.

Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.

Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.

We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.

FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION 
Air travel can be unpredictable.  Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc.  Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route.  Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night.  Our primary role will be to  keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a  quick and effective resolution.

Host Community and Project Details

ECOMAR MARINE BIOLOGY CENTER at ST. GEORGE’S CAYE
Historical St. George’s Caye is less than 10 miles from Belize City and one mile from the Belize Barrier Reef, making it an ideal location for getting to and from the mainland and reef ecosystems. The Caye, and the other cayes, reefs, and estuaries that surround it, collectively make up Belize’s section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, a chain of barrier islands stretching from Mexico to Honduras that together comprise the largest coral reef ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere. This “seascape” is also the second longest reef in the world, and is home to hundreds of invertebrate and vertebrate species such as whale sharks, Antillean manatees, and hundreds of mollusks found nowhere else in the world. The unique geology of the region and the biodiversity it harbors make it a priority conservation area, and one of Sylvia Earle’s “Hope Spots.”

During our stay in Belize, we will be partnering with ECOMAR, and organization that coordinates marine biology and conservation projects that focus on conserving the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System and World Heritage Site, along with the associated marine ecosystems and the diverse marine life that is so important to the people that live near the coast. ECOMAR’s mission is to help local people, governments, and visitors learn more about the marine ecosystems that support their livelihoods. “When resources users are more knowledgeable about the ecosystem processes they take ownership of the environment and become involved in protecting these valuable natural resources.”

They do this through a variety of programs that we will learn about and participate in, including sea turtle nesting and in water studies, coral reef ecology studies, manatee and conch research, and a variety of other marine biology research education programs which we will learn about during our stay. We are privileged to be guided in our work by local and visiting researchers who are experts.

Packing List

What follows is a sample packing list that is provided as a guideline. Feel free to augment as you feel necessary.  We recommend you bring a larger piece of luggage like a roller, duffel bag, or backpack, as well as a smaller backpack that you can bring on hikes, weekend excursions and shorter activities.

“Less is more” is a packing tip we encourage for all our travelers. The list below should cover everything you would need, but know yourself and what you are comfortable traveling with.  We suggest bringing only as much as you would be able to carry on your own.

Finally, we recommend consulting a weather forecast for your destination. 

CLOTHES

• Underwear
• Socks (a mixture of good hiking socks and casual socks)
• T-shirts or work shirts (some quick dry)
• Long sleeve shirts
• Set of pajamas
• Light sweater
• Rain jacket (light weight). In case of rain showers or cooler temperatures at night.
• Travel/athletic shorts that are breathable and light
• Comfortable/hiking/everyday pants
• Durable athletic/hiking shoes
• Beachwear / Swimsuits
• Sandals (Chacos/Tevas etc)
• Long-sleeve rash guard, to protect from sun while snorkeling
• Leggings for warmth and sun protection during snorkeling
• Hat/s

Important: Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, and fins). Visit your local dive shop or sports equipment store and have the staff fit you with a mask. A good fitting, comfortable mask and a well-sealed snorkel can make or break a snorkeling or diving trip, so make sure to try it on and practice at a local pool a couple times before you travel. Snorkeling gear can be rented at ECOMAR for a fee of $12.00/day, and this is not included in the cost of tuition. If you plan to not bring your own gear, please bring enough cash to rent gear for the duration of your time at ECOMAR.

TOILETRIES

• Your basics
• Reef-safe or mineral sunscreen, deet-free mosquito repellent
• Aloe vera for after sun treatment
• Basic first aid
• Hand Sanitizer
• Medication in properly marked original container
• Lip balm with SPF

*Those with long hair, a small bottle of conditioner for tangled hair

MISCELLANEOUS

• Passport, three months validity required for Belize
• Completed Belize Traveler Declaration
• Singed and notarized minor-permission letter
• Small backpack
• Sunglasses
• Journal and pen
• Book
• Camera
• Ziplock bags to keep valuables out of humidity and water.
• Debit card/US Dollars (we recommend about $50-$150, depending on amount of desired souvenirs, extra items etc.)
• Durable water bottle 1lt.
• Quick-dry towel
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Portable cell phone power banks
• Deck of cards, games
• Floating strap if you wear prescription glasses, this is handy if you´ll be using them while doing water activities, canoeing, tubbing, kayak, etc.

Support Team

At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find the the team members involved in the preparation, planning and execution of your program.

Luke Mueller

Co-Founder of Walking Tree Travel and Business Lead - Denver, CO

[email protected]

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Emory University – B.A. Sociology and minor in Latin American History

Luke’s path to student travel began in Mexico, during a year abroad in Mexico and Central America. This formative time led him to join an international volunteer program which, after graduating from college, sent him to the small village of San Gerardo de Rivas in south-central Costa Rica. Welcomed by the loveliest of host families, his experience in this tiny town is directly connected to the beginnings of Walking Tree five years later. His love for travel still burns bright, and today he’s lucky to have a wife and daughter who are equally passionate about exploring the world. Settled in Denver, he adores his family and colleagues, skies whenever possible, and is a devoted fan of all Colorado sports teams.

Juan Pablo “JP” Rabanales

Global Country Operations Manager

[email protected]

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Earlham College – B.A. International Studies, Minor in Economics

Born and raised in Guatemala in a big family, JP spent seven years living and studying in the U.S., where he was exposed to highly diverse communities. He worked as a Wilderness Leader guiding expeditions across the American Southwest and later attended Earlham College in Indiana after completing the International Baccalaureate in New Mexico. His passion for international affairs led him to study abroad in China and travel extensively throughout Asia and beyond. To date, JP has visited 33 countries, often combining travel with service projects and cultural immersion experiences. Today, he is based in Costa Rica and works full time with the Walking Tree team. Outside of work, he enjoys photography, art and design, hosting friends and travelers, and planning road trips across Costa Rica and Latin America.

Guillermo Montoya Berganza

Guatemala & Belize Country Director

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Universidad Rafael Landivar – B.A. Marketing with emphasis on Advertising
Postgraduate studies in Business Management, Costa Rica and India

Guillermo, a globetrotter from Guatemala, has explored North and Central America, Europe, and India, immersing himself in intercultural experiences. His journey began as an exchange student in North Dakota and Canada, later volunteering with an educational organization in Guatemala. This role allowed him to lead Latin American students through Norway and Denmark, fueling his passion for travel. Now based in Antigua, Guatemala, Guillermo champions independent coffee farmers and artisan communities while leading customized programs. Fluent in Spanish and English, he combines his love for adventure, photography, mural painting, and history to create memorable experiences for his clients.

Guillermo has crafted tailored walking tours for VIP clients, including Real Madrid’s Álvaro Arbeloa and former CNN presenters Alberto Padilla and Claudia Palacios, earning a reputation as a sought-after guide. In 2023, he presented on “The Leadership of a Tour Guide” at the XIV National and Ibero-American Congress of Tour Guides in Playa del Carmen. Guillermo has also authored a booklet on Antigua Guatemala’s coats of arms and delivered academic presentations on mural paintings and women’s roles in tourism. With a focus on inclusive tourism and cultural preservation, Guillermo continues to enrich the tourism landscape, blending expertise and passion to showcase Guatemala’s heritage.

Travis Belville

Program Leader

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Colorado Mountain College, Outdoor Recreation Leadership

After graduating high school in Indiana Travis moved to the pacific northwest. There his love for the outdoors really grew, and he spent most of his time hiking in the back country exploring national forest and parks. Knowing that he wanted to travel and spend his time working in the outdoors he moved to Colorado where he attended the Colorado Mountain Collage to study Outdoor Recreation Leadership. From there he went on to become a guide in Vail Colorado, guiding snow mobile tours in the White River National Forest, and raft guiding on local rivers. Tiring of the long winters and with a desire to explore, Travis traveled through Central America and eventually settled in Costa Rica. There he pursued his passion for whitewater kayaking. He started his own whitewater kayak outfitter and rafting company 10 year ago, Selva Whitewater Adventures. Now Travis gets to share the magic and beauty of the tropical Costa Rican rivers with the many tourist he has the pleasure to guide each year.

Group Roster

Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.

• 1 Aaron Flores
• 2 Adriano Atallah
• 3 Alexander Kaplan
• 4 Cole Cathcart
• 5 Cooper Radin
• 6 Courtney Wares
• 7 Declan Lynch
• 8 Drew Pagen
• 9 Gianni Fava-Pastilha
• 10 Ivan De La Cruz
• 11 John Daniel Guzman
• 12 John Spillane
• 13 Jonathan DiFonzo
• 14 Kareem Campbell
• 15 Kevin Arcia
• 16 Lucas Gilardi
• 17 Marco Favuzza
• 18 Matthew Guerrero
• 19 Matthew Pinter
• 20 Nathanael Ambrosino-White
• 21 Nicholas Massi
• 22 Paul Olivo
• 23 Rohan Ross
• 24 Samantha Lala
• 25 Sean Flaherty
• 26 Sean Nocerino
• 27 Thomas Cozzi

Blog and Communication

During travel we work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blog posts and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program.  Students regularly contribute to these posts, providing families back home a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will be notified when the first update is posted, after which we recommend checking in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this webpage.

Assuming your school allows the use of cell phones, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants access WiFi at different moments in the program, allowing them to communicate directly with home. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.

GLC Curriculum

Standards of Behavior

In order to run a safe and successful program, it is vital that travelers are prepared to be on their best behavior and bring enthusiasm and interest to each and every day. A communal atmosphere of trust and mutual respect is the foundational.  As such, all individuals participating on a Walking Tree program are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of personal conduct.

IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL

1. Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
2. Associating with participants while they are in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.
3. Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety. This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.

GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE

1. Getting a piercing or tattoo.
2. Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
3. Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
4. Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
5. Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
6. Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
7. Breaking group rules.

These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.

Health and Safety

We strongly recommend visiting the CDC Belize website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. In addition, we encourage you to consult your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before traveling.

Our in-country staff meticulously prepare for all programs. Walking Tree receives regular updates from the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to proactively stay ahead of any potential security concerns. Our in-country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families through in-depth interviews and visits, and stay informed about important current events in the region.

Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in comprehensive leadership training. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff, and U.S.-based staff.

We collect medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we can meet every student’s needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues not listed during your initial registration process. Leaders and in-country staff are prepared to respond promptly to any mental, physical, or emotional health concerns and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.

Insurance

While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel can be unpredictable. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) provision. Detailed explanations of plan options can be found via the link below.

To provide travelers and families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry.  Begin by getting a quote here.

IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage that includes CFAR, you must purchase the plan within 14-21 days of your first payment to Walking Tree. Be careful when you read the tenets of the policy to ensure you understand the required timeframe for purchase. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight. Please reach out to us with questions.