Summer has officially started and if you haven’t planned your summer vacation as yet, then you have come to the right place! We have the perfect trip for you; and, and the best part is, you can complete this trip in just one week! We call this the
ultimate adventure and relaxation experience of a lifetime. Yeah, it’s a long name for it, but that just summarizes this unique week-long vacation.
Here are some of the top things to do in Cayo:
- Kayaking, horseback riding, Xunantunich
- Bird watching, barbeque and swimming at Big Rock Falls, Mountain Pine Ridge
- St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park and Nohoch Che'en Caves
- Green Iguana Conservation Project and cultural tours
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM Cave)
Day 1: Kayaking, Horseback Riding, Xunantunich
To start things off exciting, we’re going on a triple combo trip in the Village of
San Jose Succotz. In this village you will go farming for potatoes and sit in a dory to go fishing. Just joking! Although that sounds interesting, you won’t be working in a farm or catching fish. Instead, you’ll be kayaking or canoeing down the
Mopan River from the
western border in Benque Viejo del Carmen to the banks near the ferry to the
Xunantunich Archaeological Site. After being washed down the rapids of the river, it is the perfect time to take off those wet clothes, hang them up on a nearby tree to dry and go explore the ancient Maya city of Xunantunich. But don’t just hike or walk up to the site – go on horseback! Yes! You can go horseback riding up to Xunantunich. Not only will this save you some energy from the uphill hike, but you can feel the adrenaline of riding a friendly, tamed horse up to the historical archaeological site, Xunantunich! Here, you can take a tour of the once-thriving Maya city and climb up the highest temple on the site, El Castillo.
Places to eat:
Day 2: Bird Watching, Barbeque and Swimming at Mountain Pine Ridge
After the first day of adventure, day 2 is more relaxed as you set off to the areas of the
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve where you can set out camp and start a makeshift fire for the barbecue. You can choose between several locations where the river flows. Two of most popular locations would be Big Rock Falls and
Rio On Pools. This forest reserve is the perfect place to unwind, relax and enjoy nature. The best part about this is getting to swim in the flowing river and waterfalls and getting to eat some delicious barbecue. While the meat is cooking on the grill, you can occupy yourself by going on a hike, scout for birds in the area, or sun tan near the riverbanks. If you would like to include a little more adventure, you can explore the Barton Creek Caves System on canoes. After all the exploring in the lush pine forests in Mountain Pine Ridge, the barbecue will be waiting for you to devour it.
Places to eat:
- Pine Ridge Lodge
- Blancaneaux Lodge
- Gaia River Lodge
Virtual Audio Experience
Jorge De Leon from Lion Adventure Tours gives us a brief history on Caracol and takes us on a virtual tour of the site. Put this tour on your Belize bucket list.
with Video
Take an adventure with us through caves, rivers, waterfalls and mountain. This is Part-1 of our three-day Adventure in Belize with Belize Caving Expeditions.
Day 3: St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park and Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch
After a day of relaxation at Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, it is time for some serious adventure – we call it, extreme Belizing! Within the limits of Belmopan City, there is St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park. Here resides the stunning inland Blue Hole, officially known as the St. Herman’s Blue Hole, and impressive cave systems – Crystal Cave and St. Herman’s Cave. This is a full day trip that would include exploring one of the caves then take a dip into the refreshing waters at the Blue Hole. The Crystal Cave and St. Herman’s Cave are both unique and impressive. At the Crystal Cave, you will get to witness a spectacular cave system filled cavern that is adorned with mesmerizing crystalline formations. The journey through the cave is rigorous and requires a lot of energy and upper body strength. You will also be required to crouch down or squat to get through the entire trail in the cave. You’ll spend at least three to four hours in the cave before you get to see sunlight again. In the other cave, St. Herman’s Cave, you can walk through the cave and see the artifacts that were left by Maya shamans and priests and beautiful speleothems. This cave is also connected by an underground stream that will take you to the Blue Hole where you can go cave tubing and swimming. If you would also like- you could pencil in some time to go ziplining at Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch. You can ride through lush forests or enjoy the cool water of the river while cave tubing.
Places to eat:
Day 4: Iguana Conservatory Tour, Cultural Tours
While you may be sore from all the exploring in some of Belize’s impressive cave systems and swimming at the Inland Blue Hole, you may want to take it easy the next day. That is why the fourth day is perfect for a moderate trip to the Green Iguana Conservation Project at the
San Ignacio Resort and Hotel in the morning and a
cultural tour in the afternoon. At the Green Iguana Conservation Project, you will be guided through the exhibit where the conservation of endangered Green Iguanas are being protected. This is a highly interpretive and education exhibit that has been designed to allow for a closer look at this amazing reptile specie. In the afternoon, you can go on a
chocolate foodie tour a
Mayan Village/ Mennonite Community tour that is offered by
Purple Mayan Tours. This day is great for learning about the importance of Green Iguanas to the ecological balance of the river habitat and a little about the cultures that exists in this melting pot we call Belize.
Places to eat:
Day 5: Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave
For the final day of the greatest summer vacation, you can go visit the infamous
ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave). This cave is a popular archaeological site for both locals and tourists as you get to travel to the gateway of the Maya underworld. This is one of the most impressive Maya ceremonial caves where Maya priests and shamans conducted their sacrifices. You will be able to see the rare bloodletting altars that were used in sacrifices, calcified skeletons, remains of ceramics and stoneware. This is a full day trip that is great for ending your vacation with a bang. Although it doesn’t require a lot of energy and adrenaline – other than the hike to the cave – this cave will knock the socks off your feet when you see these ancient artifacts and remains by the Mayas. It an extraordinary archaeological site that must be on any traveler’s bucket list – so why not close off your ultimate vacation in Cayo, Belize with the ATM Cave? Trust me, it is worth the visit!
Places to eat:
And that concludes your 5-day adventure vacation in Cayo, Belize! These activities and tours can be shifted around according to your liking. It recommended that you book these tours with
trusted providers, such as those listed on Belizing.com. You can also check out Belizing’s
“Where to Eat” page to find restaurants, cafes or bars. If you are planning on staying in the Cayo District and would like some accommodation recommendations, here are a few that are most popular:
What are you waiting for, these adventurous trips are waiting for you! Get off that chair and start
Belizing today in Cayo, Belize!