Mayan Ruin Tours & Activities
Immerse yourself into the lost ancient society and culture of the mystical Maya. Explore large temples, trading posts and cultural centers that rise high above the jungles canopy. Learn how these people lived, worked and played and marvel at their grand structures built long ago.
A visit to Belize would not be complete without visiting its many mainland attractions. Recently introduced to San Pedro, the Reef Rocket provides a thrilling ride to Belize City for connection to one of the many tour destinations in and around Belize. The Reef Rocket departs San Pedro at 7:30am. On arrival in the City, you are met by your guide and you immediately set off for your adventure. A continental breakfast is served en route. Departure from Belize City is at 4:30pm with return to San Pedro. (Lunch is included in all full day tours.)
Lamanai & The New River Safari
After a 45 minute transfer from Belize City, you will start one of the most interesting tours in Belize. The drive up the Northern Highway brings you to Tower Hill, where you board a riverboat and head up the New River. While traversing the many little creeks and lagoons, it is easy to encounter hawks, kites and falcons. Dainty Jacanas lightly walk on the lily pads while the crocodiles bask in the morning sunlight. At the entrance to the New River Lagoon, the ruins of Lamanai (Maya for Submerged Crocodile) rise into view. While touring this site, huge masks depicting dead rulers and gods seem to materialize out of the rainforest, amid the chatter of birdlife and the haunting call of the Howler Monkeys. Your guide will point out the Copal and Ramon trees, which were of great importance in ancient times.
Wildlife River Rafting & Altun Ha
The beginning of this tour focuses on the contrast between the ancient Maya city of Altun Ha and modern day Belize City. Altun Ha (Maya for “Rock Stone Water”), thrived as a trading post to the Maya World during the Post Classic and Classic periods. This site is where the famous Jade Head of “Kinich Ahau” was uncovered by Dr. David Pendergast of the Royal Ontario Museum. Altun Ha was once a major trading center linking the Maya on the Caribbean with the Central American mainland Maya. Belize City today is home to about 35% of the country’s population and your guide will provide an interesting reflection of the city’s history. After lunch board your river raft and float gently along the Olde Belize River with the currents. Crocodiles, howler monkeys, iguanas and birds abound. Turtles, manatees and even dolphins are sometimes spotted as well.
Belize Zoo and Xunantunich
Depart Belize City in your air-conditioned Van up the scenic Western Highway en route to the Cayo (pronounced Ky-o) District and the impressive Maya site of Xunantunich. Before reaching the entrance of this ancient city, you are hand-cranked across the Mopan River by a nineteenth century ferry. “El Castillo” (the castle), is the largest temple at Xunantunich and shows it's dominance by its towering height. From the top of “El Castillo” view the panoramic vistas of the surrounding rain forest in the Cayo District as well as the bordering towns between Belize and Guatemala. This segment of the tour is followed by a hot lunch at a Cayo area restaurant.
On return to Belize City you will make a stop at the Wildlife Habitat known as The Belize Zoo created as a sanctuary for the country’s indigenous species. The Belize Zoo was first created for animals which were injured or donated to the facility and could not be returned to the wild. This is home for am impressive array of Large Cats, Primates, Reptiles and Birds, which gives you the opportunity of viewing Belize’s prolific wildlife in one location.
