Tours from Western Belize
Cave Tubing & Zipline
Duration: 7.25 HRS
Located 37 miles up the Western Highway brings you to the Nohoch Chen Archaeological Park. The zip-line tour features an intricate harness system of pulleys on horizontal traverse cables which lets you glide 100 ‒ 750 feet between platforms up to 120 feet high in the trees at canopy level. Clients will be zipping through a series of 7 zip-line runs from 10 jungle platforms! Cave tube through the ancient Maya underworld ‒Xibalba. Clients can see intricate crystalline formations line the cave and stalagmites and stalactites magically appear out of the darkness. On several occasions they will emerge into the sunlight only to enter into another cave system.
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM)
Duration: 7 HRS
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave) is most famous as an ancient archaeological site, containing the skeletal remains of Mayan human sacrifices, pottery, and other ancient artefacts. Visitors go bananas over the fully intact skeleton from around 700-900 AD that literally sparkles, thanks to time and science. Youʼll hike to the location, wade across rushing rivers in waist-deep water, climb wet ladders inside a cave in just your socks, then enter a deep, dark hole in the side of a mountain because a tour guide told you to (and maybe pee yourself a little ‒ but thatʼs okay!). This is one of the more difficult tours offered in Belize, but the effort is well-worth the experience. ***Warning: This is not a cave for young children, those not physically fit, with knee, hip or ankle problems or with problems with claustrophobia and/or heights.
Cave Canoeing at Barton Creek
Duration: 4 HRS
A great cave to explore for first time spelunkers, active seniors, and junior travelers to get a glimpse into the sacred Maya underworld. Board a canoe at the cave entrance and use the provided spotlight to look while your guide tells the caveʼs story through its natural rock formations and the significance of this unique space held for Maya rituals. Some evidence of Maya visitation has been cataloged by archaeologists. Another highlight about Barton Creek is that youʼll drive through farm houses on rolling hills owned by the Amish. They grow various tropical fruits and are often seen on their horse-drawn buggies transporting produce to sell at the market in town.
Yaxhá
Duration: 6.5 HRS
Yaxhá, which translates to “Blue Green Waters,” sits between two beautiful lakes in Guatemala and is best viewed during sunset. The climb up of many of its temples yields breathtaking views of the area, including both the lakes and the Rio Azul which feeds them. The site offers a variety of construction styles. Yaxhá is famed for its organized street structure, unique to the Maya world, and stelae which are influenced by Mexicoʼs Teotihuacan. Both spider and howler monkeys inhabit the area and add to the experience.*Note: Borders fees of $22.75 US are not included in price.
Tikal
Duration: 8 HRS
Cross the border to Guatemala to see the largest city of the ancient Maya world. With over 100 years of archaeological study, Tikal has become one of the most famous Maya sites. Visit various main attractions including Temple IV, the lost world, and the imposing ceremonial Center Plaza. You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable licensed guide, often of Maya ancestry himself, exploring the amazing architecture of tower-temples which rise above the jungle canopy. Additionally, the flora and fauna of Tikal is just as diverse with favorable sighting odds of spider and howler monkeys and colorful tropical birds. Enjoy lunch at the park then shop at the souvenir shops displaying artisan crafts resembling those the ancients might have bartered.
Xunantunich
Duration: 4 HRS
Xunantunich is an ancient Maya archaeological site in western Belize, about 70 miles west of Belize City, in the Cayo District. Xunantunich is located atop a ridge above the Mopan River, well within sight of the Guatemala border ‒ which is a mere 0.6 miles to the west. It served as a Maya civic ceremonial center in the Late and Terminal Classic periods to the Belize Valley region.
Caracol
Duration: 9 HRS
Caracol is the largest known Maya center in Belize, covering about 75 square miles. Itʼs a remarkable city complex deep in the rainforest of Belize. After an hour and a half driving along dirt roads though the vast nature reserve of the pine forest, you come upon a modern paved highway leading to Caracol. “Caana” meaning Sky Palace, the main pyramid of the site, features 4 palaces and 3 temples. At 141 feet, it
is considered the tallest building of Belize to this day. Archaeologists deciphered that the ruling family of Caracol defeated Tikal and Narango cities, and there is evidence of the architectural mimicry this conquest left at Tikal. Finish the excursion by choosing to add on a swim and picnic at the Rio On Pools or Big Rock Waterfalls.
Cahal Pech
Duration: 4 HRS
The site consists of seven plazas and over 30 structures including temples, residential buildings, ball courts, an altar, and a sweat-house, all situated on just 2 acres. A royal burial chamber was found in one of the structures. Inside the tomb a ruler had been laid to rest with the accouterments necessary for the afterlife. Included in the find were shell & bone ornaments, pottery vessels, obsidian blades, and jade objects, the most impressive being a jade & shell mosaic mask.
Cahal Pech & Xunantunich
Duration: 6.5 HRS
Uncover the ancient mysteries of archaeological sites, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, on an enriching tour from San Ignacio. Travel deep into the Belizean jungle with a guide and discover Mayan structures and exotic flora and fauna. At Xunantunich, gaze at spectacular views of the lush forest from El Castillo, Belizeʼs second highest man-made structure, and marvel at the intriguing limestone structures of Cahal Pech. Gain fascinating insight into the history and culture of the Maya empire from your expert guide on this educational tour.
Black Hole Drop
Duration: 10.5 HRS
The ʻMother of all Cavesʼ is Actun Loch Tunich! This expedition starts off with a vigorous hike into the foothills of the Maya Mountains. The edge of the Actun Loch Tunich sinkhole sits over 300 feet above the basin below, 200 feet above the rainforest canopy that grows out from the sink hole basin. Fully trained caving guides rig a system of rappelling ropes for your descent to the basin below. The first 10 feet provides the adrenaline, the next 200 feet provides an unforgettable experience and sights to behold, the last 100 feet takes you down through the rainforest canopy. Once you have reached the jungle floor you will be served lunch. Then itʼs off to explore the jungle and caves as you make your way back up the mountainous terrain to return to base camp.
The Belize Zoo
Duration: 2 HRS
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center, which gives you the unique opportunity of viewing Belizeʼs prolific wildlife in one location. A sanctuary for the countryʼs indigenous species, the Belize Zoo was first created for animals that were injured, orphaned, rescued, rehabilitated or donated to the facility and which could not be returned to the wild. The Belize Zoo is now home to over 150 animals, representing over 45 species, including an impressive array of large cats, primates, reptiles and birds who reside beneath the forest canopy in natural settings.
Birding at Aguacate Lagoon
Duration: 5.5 HRS
The Spanish Lookout area and Laguna Aguacate are amazing spots in Belize for birding! This mosaic of agricultural lands, open fields, riparian habitat and patches of forest has a diverse mix of birds. Species such as slaty-tailed trogon, rufous-tailed jacamar, ruddy woodcreeper, and strong-billed woodcreeper can all be seen here. Blue-winged teals, wood storks, least grebes, and yellow-crowned night herons can be found where the forest merges into a small lake. The open fields are playgrounds for aplomado falcons and crested caracaras, while white-tailed hawks soar, looking for a meal. Towards the end of the day, spend some time near the river where you will find species like the mangrove swallow, Amazon kingfisher, and perhaps even the elusive and super-cute American pygmy kingfisher.
Birding at Sweet Songs & Aguacate Lagoon
Duration: 7.5 HRS
At Aguacate, we find a pristine broadleaf forest with species such as the slaty-tailed trogon, rufous-tailed jacamar, ruddy woodcreeper, and strong-billed woodcreeper. The forest merges into a small lake where blue-winged teals, wood storks, least grebes and yellow-crowned night herons can be found. Above the canopy, look out for white hawks and gray-headed kites. Along with the abundance of plants on the riverbanks around Sweet Songs Lodge and the Belize Botanic Gardens, the birding here offers highly favorable sighting odds for keel-billed and collared aracari toucans, Lessonʼs motmots, red-lored parrots, red-billed pigeons, gartered trogons, and black phoebes.
Birding at Xunantunich
Duration: 5 HRS
Xunantunich is an ancient Maya site located atop a ridge above the Mopan River with beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area. This incredible site is just 25 minutes away from Sweet Songs. To get there, you cross the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry, located about a mile from the site. This is a fascinating site for birdwatching as the morning mist rises over the various temples and courtyards. Birding tours at Xunantunich 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.
Birding at Mountain Pine Ridge & Caracol
Duration: 12 HRS
In Mountain Pine Ridge and Caracol Mayan Ruins is one of the last outposts where the Keel-billed Motmot, and globally vulnerable species is relatively common. Other notable birds seen at Caraol inlcide the Ocellated Turkey, the Crested Guan, and the Great Curassow. While admiring the largest Maya site in Belize, you will also likely see colorful toucans and trogons.
Cahal Pech & Cave Canoe
Duration: 8 HRS
Cahal Pech is a Maya site located near the town of San Ignacio in the Cayo District of Belize. The site was a palatial hilltop home for an elite Maya family, and though the most major construction dates to the Classic period, evidence of continuous habitation has been dated to as far back as 1200 BC during the Early Middle Formative period (Early Middle Preclassic). This makes Cahal Pech one of the oldest recognized Maya sites in Western Belize. This is a relaxed, but exciting, canoe trip inside a mountain on an ancient waterway where you can observe grand cathedral ceilings in the cave, as well as stalactites and stalagmites.
Canoe to San Ignacio & Market Tour
Duration: 6 HRS
San Ignacio lies between two rivers, the Mopan and the Macal. On either of these two rivers, youʼll see the occasional monkeys, bats, birds, giant iguanas, and any number of other exotic creatures. The Saturday Market is a combination Flea Market and Fresh Produce Bazaar - a popular attraction for visitors. It is the place to experience the pulse of the local culture. There are also sample tacos, tamales, pupusas, homemade breads, cheeses, and of course seasonal fruits that taste so much better in the tropics! Donʼt miss the spice and medicinal herbs stalls while you sample local wines as you mingle amongst the locals in the festive atmosphere of this bustling marketplace.
Cave Tubing
Duration: 7 HRS
Enter a realm where rivers disappear into the underworld as you float on inner tubes with headlamps to spot the interesting stone formations into the massive black echoing caves, under the earth itself, and out into sunlight again. This tour is perfect for refreshment of the spirit, or if you want to bring the whole family, or just to relax and wonder at the beauty of the jungle caves, floating serenely like a leaf on the water.
Xunantunich & Barton Creek Caves by Canoe
Duration: 7.25 HRS
Xunantunich is an ancient Maya archaeological site in western Belize in the Cayo District. Xunantunich is located atop a ridge above the Mopan River, well within sight of the Guatemala border ‒ which is a mere 0.6 miles to the west. It served as a Maya civic ceremonial center in the Late and Terminal Classic periods to the Belize Valley region combined with a tour of Barton Creek Cave which is a natural cave in Belize, known as both an archaeological site and as a tourist destination. It is located in the Barton Creek area near San Ignacio in the Cayo District.
Cave Canoe & Zipline
Duration: 7 HRS
Barton Creek is a great cave to explore for first time spelunkers, active seniors, and junior travelers to get a glimpse into the sacred Maya underworld. Board a canoe at the cave entrance and use the provided spotlight to look around while your guide tells the caveʼs story through its natural rock formations and the significance of this unique space held for Maya rituals. Zip line across the jungle canopy and view the Cayo District from above. This is a thrilling way for the adventurous visitor to soar through the jungle treetops high above the forest floor. The canopy tour involves traversing from one platform to another along steel cables suspended up to 80 feet above the forest floor.
Horseback to Xunantunich
Duration: 7.5 HRS
Depart Sweet Songs Lodge by horseback onto the hilltops and valleys of the countryside to the Maya village of Succotz. Take your horse
on a hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River and up the hill to Xunantunich. Wave your equestrian guide good-bye if youʼll be taking the van back, or choose to ride back to the lodge by horse. On your way back, stop at a local Belizean restaurant for lunch.
Jungle Pontoon Waterfall Adventure
Duration: 6 HRS
Float a jungle-fringed river on an adventurous journey through the Cayo district of Belize, where lush mountains meet clear water. Youʼll pause to swim and cliff jump at three waterfalls along the river, relaxing between stops on a comfortable pontoon boat. A fresh lunch will be prepared on-board the boat, where youʼll enjoy shaded seating under an awning.
Mountain Pine Ridge
Duration: 9 HRS
The Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve is the largest and oldest protected forest area in Belize, encompassing 300 square miles. This unique area has long been a favorite holiday weekend getaway for Belizeans and visitors alike. Even getting there is interesting as you drive through the predominantly Maya villages of Cristo Rey and San Antonio. The Reserve boasts the highest waterfall in Central America at 1,600 feet. This tour takes you through a land bridge known as Rio Frio Cave, with a picnic at the Rio On Pools, followed by a refreshing swim at Big Rock Falls.
San Ignacio Market Tour
Duration: 3 HRS
The Saturday Market is a combination Flea Market and Fresh Produce Bazaar - a popular attraction for visitors. It is the place to experience the pulse of the local culture. The people are as colorful and interesting as the tropical fruit stalls and merchandise ‒ come exchange wide smiles and pleasantries with them! There are also sample tacos, tamales, pupusas, homemade breads, cheeses, and of course seasonal fruits that taste so much better in the tropics! Donʼt miss the spice and medicinal herbs stalls while you sample local wines as you mingle amongst the locals in the festive atmosphere of this bustling marketplace.
San Ignacio Market, Iguana Project, & Chocolate Tour
Duration: 6 HRS
Chocolate originated in Central America and was so valuable that cacao beans were even used as currency by ancient indigenous people. Learn how chocolate was prepared the old-fashioned way and take part in roasting cacao beans over a wood fire, grinding on a granite and mixing until you have 100% pure chocolate. At the Iguana project, you will have the opportunity to take a closer look at these descendants of dinosaurs. The Saturday Market is a combination Flea Market and Fresh Produce Bazaar - a popular attraction for visitors. It is the place to experience the pulse of the local culture. There are also sample tacos, tamales, pupusas, homemade breads, cheeses, and of course seasonal fruits that taste so much better in the tropics! Donʼt miss the spice and medicinal herbs!
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