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page 8 out of 19
CARACOL MAYA TOUR
Caracol, a major and dominant site in Mayan history, is an expansive city covering nearly 6 square miles and rivaling the ancient metropolis of Tikal in size, power, ... moreand riches. This is a fantastic site to visit, set high on the Vaca Plateau, in the heart of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve (a subtropical forest south of San Ignacio near the Guatemalan border). Caracol is accessed through the Mountain Pine Ridge, a beautiful area with flowing rivers and hidden limestone caves.
After a 1.5-hour drive from San Ignacio up rough dirt roads, passing through small Mayan villages and scenic countryside we will arrive at the sprawling archaeological site of Caracol. Here you will learn about the anthropology, archaeology, and flora and fauna of the area, including rare and endangered wildlife such as Keel-billed Motmots, Tapirs, Jaguars, Oscillated Turkeys, Gibnut (the “Royal Rat”), and Coatimundis.
Caracol was a huge population center at its peak, with over 150,000 inhabitants and 30,000 structures, including an astronomical observatory. It was the largest metropolis in the Mayan Lowlands during the Classic Period, built with elaborate city planning and complex agricultural systems. This site was hidden for many centuries by the trees in the tropical broadleaf forest. Today you might catch a glimpse of howler monkeys in the mammoth trees towering over the ancient Mayan ball courts and plazas.
Revel in the engineering and architectural sophistication of the Mayan people as you climb the temple pyramid structure of Caana (Sky Temple), the highest man-made building in Belize to this day. Once at the top, nearly 135 feet above the courtyards below, you will get impressive panoramic views of Belize and neighboring Guatemala.
The history of the inhabitants of Caracol is documented by scribes of the past in hieroglyphics and carvings on the monuments, stelae, wall facades, and altars that are found throughout the site. Caracol has a very unique history, different from other major ancient cities in the region, and your guide will illuminate the rich and complicated past of this glorious civilization with a fully guided tour of the excavated portions of the Caracol site.
After touring the ruins, refresh yourself with drinks and a picnic lunch. We then continue back through the Pine Ridge area where we take a break at the Rio On Pools, a series of natural swimming holes, to cool down and relax in the clear water. We will also visit the Rio Frio Cave, which has the largest entrance of any cave in Belize.
Type of Tour/Activity: Mayan Ruins and Archaeological Sites
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
HALF DAY ORGANIC FARM HORSEBACK RIDING
This tour is a leisurely horseback ride around an organic fruit and vegetable farm. If you are looking to spend a shorter period of time horseback ... moreriding and want to see something other than Mayan ruins, come to learn about organic farming in Belize. This short guided tour of the farm includes a slow-paced horseback ride through the property, with stops to view, discuss, and learn about the natural exotic fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants that thrive in Belize, as well as see some local cattle. This tour also includes guiding your horse through the picturesque Mopan River and lunch.
Type of Tour/Activity: Cultural Immersion
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE
Rio on Pools, Rio Frio Cave, and Big Rock Falls
The Mountain Pine Ridge reserve is over 100,000 acres of protected forest. It is comprised mainly of Honduras pine ... moreforests, some wetlands, the Macal River valley, and some subtropical forests. The area is mainly granite and limestone, and the area is home to numerous rivers, springs, waterfalls, and caves. This is truly a nature lover’s haven! There is a small forest ranger post and very little habitation, save for a couple of isolated Mayan communities and a small settlement of Mennonites. A former logging settlement at San Luis is now abandoned since the area has been protected since the 1940s.
This stunning and unique natural habitat is home to numerous bird and mammal species and is a great place for birdwatching and enjoying the peace of the natural environment. The first feature of the reserve that we will explore is the Rio Frio Cave, the source of the Rio Frio River and the largest cave entrance in Belize. Our next stop is the Rio On Pools, a series of shimmering natural swimming holes and rock water slides that allow for cooling relaxation, and meditation.
Enjoy a water massage from cascading waterfalls that run over a wide river bed and smooth granite rocks. We take a homemade picnic lunch break at the pools, followed by a short drive to our next destination, the fabulous Big Rock Falls, a 150-foot waterfall on Privassion Creek. Here, the cool spray of mist from the waterfall refreshes swimmers in the clear, deep pool below. This is a day of hiking, spelunking, and swimming with opportunities for wildlife watching not to be missed!
Type of Tour/Activity: Jungle and Rainforest Adventures
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
MAYA & MENNONITE CULTURAL VILLAGE TOUR
Barton Creek Mennonites
There are approximately 10,000 Mennonites living in Belize. Although originally of European descent and heritage, ... moremany Mennonite children and their parents have been born and raised in Belize, creating a unique blend of culture and spirituality. The Mennonites are much like the Amish, living a humble and religiously pious lifestyle. The Mennonites of Belize are peaceful, hardworking people and the more remote communities like Barton Creek retain a very traditional and simple way of life, relying on their knowledge and strength to farm and survive in the jungle with few modern amenities. Belizean Mennonites speak a dialect of German as well as the local languages of English, Kriol, and Spanish.
The communities are very conservative and the women wear bonnets and long dresses, while the men wear denim overalls and wide-brim hats. The men may wear traditional suspenders and dark trousers. They use horse-drawn buggies for transportation and till their farm fields with horses. In the most remote communities, they still use horses to drive their sawmills.
The Mennonites of Barton Creek are very restrictive with their use of machinery and they produce many agricultural crops without any modern machinery. They are highly productive people and they produce honey, milk, eggs, poultry, beans, and other staple crops. Often confused with the Amish, the Mennonites are actually their own distinct religious group with strict Christian principles and their own language. They have many traditions and practices that date back hundreds of years, including arranged marriages. Come to explore this fascinating and reserved culture on a trip through the jungle and back in time to how things were before cell phones, cars, iPods, and even before electricity.
San Antonio’s Women's Group
Located on the road to the Mountain Pine Ridge, the village of San Antonio was named after St. Anthony of Padua when a Spanish Priest who visited regularly from the town of Benque Viejo del Carmen brought a statue of St. Anthony to the Village. The statue can be seen in the Catholic Church near the Village Square. Prior to the name change, San Antonio was known in the local Yucatec Maya dialect as “Osh Multun Kakab” which translates to “Three Mound Virgin Forest”. Today villagers simply refer to their village as “Tanah,” which is the Mayan term for “our home.”
This is a beautiful and productive community with various cultural activities throughout the year, especially in the months of June and December. June 13 marks St. Anthony Day and villagers celebrate for 13 days with traditional Mayan music, foods, such as tamales, and festivities. This is mainly an agricultural community and the local residents grow crops such as peanuts, corn, squash, and beans, much like their ancestors. There are currently three Women’s Groups in San Antonio. One group operates the community bakery, the other specializes in pottery, local jewelry, and embroidery, and the most recent group is making hammocks, embroidery, and clothing. Tour this lovely village and get a firsthand look at living Mayan culture. Local Mayan lunch is included with your tour.
Type of Tour/Activity: Cultural Immersion
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Caracol (Snail) is the largest known Maya city in Belize. In AD 650, the urban area of Caracol had a radius of approximately 177 square kilometers. It boasts the tallest man-made structure ... morein the country and a dynasty that was desired and looked up upon by many, while hated and feared by others. It covered an area much larger than present-day Belize City (the largest metropolitan area in the country of Belize) and supported more than twice the modern city’s population. Caracol is a must-see, as it is one of the largest cities of the classic period and was in the middle of a power struggle with powerful cities like Tikal and Naranjo in Guatemala.
Being specialized in Maya Hieroglyphs; during our tour, you will learn about the kings of Caracol and their achievements based on the hieroglyphic evidence. A couple of years ago Lion got the privilege of reporting one of the last carved monuments at Caracol. The date of this monument adds 25 years more of hieroglyphic history to this great royal lineage.
We also offer the Caracol tour combined with a refreshing stop at Rio on Pools to cool off after a long day at the site.
Type of Tour/Activity: Mayan Ruins and Archaeological Sites
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
XUNANTUNICH MAYAN RUINS ON HORSEBACK
Riding through the jungle on horseback is an exciting way to discover the ancient Mayan city of Xunantunich. The tour begins at a local stable ... morewhere you will meet your Riding Guide, mount your horse and depart. The ride to Xunantunich takes you along a well-maintained trail through a large private farm, along the banks of the Mopan River, in the village of San Jose Succotz.
Here you will cross the river on an ancient (yet well-maintained and very safe) hand-operated ferry and then ride your horse up to Xunantunich. When you arrive prepare to dismount and let your horse rest and you spend as much time as you desire to explore the Xunantunich temples and plazas on foot. Afterward, we will ride to nearby Benny’s Kitchen for a delicious lunch of traditional Belizean dishes or enjoy lunch at the farm before returning to the stables. The horseback ride includes lots of nature viewing of local birds and plants.
Type of Tour/Activity: Mayan Ruins and Archaeological Sites
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
CAHAL PECH BIRDWATCHING
Cahal Pech was the ancient palatial compound of an elite aristocratic Mayan family. The site name is Maya for “House of Ticks” (given in the 1950s when the ... morearea was used for grazing cattle) and it is situated on the highest hill overlooking modern-day San Ignacio town. This is a serene jungle setting close to the town, and the 2-acre compound is not only rich in ancient artifacts and structures but also in wildlife. Cahal Pech is an excellent place for birding in Belize. This is a fascinating site for birdwatching as the morning mist rises over the various temples and courtyards, which were built over several centuries spanning from 1000 BC to 800AD. Belize birding tours at Cahal Pech will offer birders a chance to see a vast variety of tropical bird species, including hummingbirds, parrots, birds of prey, and many colorful migratory birds. Your bird-watching vacation in Belize is not complete without a morning spent in this otherworldly environment, where the jungle allows glimpses of the cultural past of this ancient landscape.
Type of Tour/Activity: Wildlife and Nature Encounters
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Recommended
The Cave Tubing and Crystal Cave Adventure An Accessible Journey into the Maya Underworld Seek adventure without the extreme physical strain. The Cave Tubing and Crystal Cave Tour ... moreoffers a perfectly balanced, less strenuous alternative to the rugged ATM cave, making it ideal for families, couples, and travelers of various fitness levels.
Your journey takes place within the sacred Nohoch Che'en Archaeological Reserve, part of the world-renowned Caves Branch System. Inside, you will:
Glide through History: Settle into your tube and float along gentle underground rivers, navigating through massive limestone caverns.
Behold Crystal Formations: Step out of your tube to explore awe-inspiring chambers adorned with shimmering, crystalline stalactites and stalagmites.
Connect with the Past: Listen as your licensed guide brings the cave to life, sharing insights into Belize’s unique geology and the deep spiritual significance these caves held for the ancient Maya.
Enjoy the mystery and beauty of Belize's underworld comfortably.
Type of Tour/Activity: Water Sports
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
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ATM CAVE TOUR
Taking a journey into the Mayan underworld at Actun Tunichil Muknal, or the “Cave of the Stone Sepulchre”, will be one of the most enlightening, epic, and unique experiences ... moreof your life. Leave the world of the living behind as you venture into the heart of the ATM Cave with your licensed guide. Recently deemed the #1 Sacred Cave destination in the world by National Geographic, the ATM cave is not only beautiful geologically, with its crystalline stalactites and stalagmites, but also historically, as is a natural museum of ancient Mayan artifacts, as well as a sacred burial place. This is the final resting place of the “Crystal Maiden”, an ancient Mayan ceremonial victim, as well as the remains of 13 other sacrificed men, women, and children. MayaWalk guides have led government officials, National Geographic teams, the Discovery Channel, The British High Commission, and US Embassy officials into the ATM Cave.
This sacrificial site is accessed by approximately an hour's drive from our office in San Ignacio. Here we enter the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and park our vehicles at the ranger post. From this point on we are on foot, hiking through the jungle for approximately 45 minutes to the entrance of the cave. The hike includes three stream crossings. To access the cave, we swim across a small spring-fed pool with the assistance of a rope and wade into knee-high water into the dark underworld of the cave that allows us access to the extensive underground maze of tunnels, passageways, and chambers, climaxing in the ceremonial chamber housing stoneware, ceramics and the famed crystallized skeleton of the “Crystal Maiden”. We spend approximately 3 hours in the cave under the instruction of our experienced guides.
Leave your cameras behind and experience the power of ancient spirits with your mind, body, and soul. This is not only a physical adventure but a journey into the spiritual realm. We enter back into the jungle world and hike to our vehicles, where we relax and enjoy a homemade picnic lunch, with water and soft drinks, before driving back to San Ignacio.
Type of Tour/Activity: Jungle and Rainforest Adventures
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
This trip is a full-day adventure to a UNESCO world heritage site that is the largest archaeological site of pre-Columbian day. You will need your passport to cross the border. Our ... moreknowledgeable guide will be with you every step of the way. Tikal is a worthy 1.3 hours drive from the Belize border.
This package includes lunch, snacks, and water. book today to go back in history. Tikal is the ruin of an ancient city, which was likely to have been called Yax Mutal, found in a rainforest in Guatemala. At Tikal, you might be about to see Five different cats, including Jaguar and Puma, several species of monkeys and anteaters, and more than 300 species of birds among the notable wildlife. The forests comprise more than 200 tree species and over 2000 higher plants have been recorded across the diverse habitats.
Type of Tour/Activity: Mayan Ruins and Archaeological Sites
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
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