EXPLORE MAYAN BELIZE
A trip to Belize without visiting the ancient Mayan Ruins is like visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Why not treat yourself to a fantastic Belize inland adventure and explore these breathtaking Mayan structures? Our tour office staff can set you up with your choice of several Belize Mayan ruins tours.
In the time that it takes you to say “Belikin Beer” – you’ll fall in love with the island and diving Ambergris Caye.
ALTUN HA MAYAN RUIN
Lamanai is one of Belize’s largest Mayan ceremonial centers located in the Orange Walk district on the New River Lagoon. It is characterized by exotic styles of ancient Mayan art and architecture. The word Lamanai means Submerged Crocodile.
This interesting tour starts with a 10-minute boat ride to San Pedro Town. You will be getting on the 7:00 am Maya Island Air flight, which is only a 15-minute flight to Belize City. Your guide will take you on a 60-minute van ride through the Northern Highway to Tower Hill. Once there, you will board a boat and cruise the New River viewing the wildlife along the route. Look out for different species of birds, including the famous Jabiru Stork which can be seen nesting while crocodiles lurk along the river banks. Howler monkeys are commonly seen on this tour; so keep your eyes and ears alert to spot these interesting little creatures along the way to the ancient Mayan ruins.
Once at Lamanai, you are served a picnic lunch of delicious local cooking which prepares you for your hike through the dense jungle to explore the ancient Mayan temples built majestically on the water’s edge. Of particular interests are the huge masks of dead rulers and gods, depicting the great importance of this site in ancient times.
XUNANTUNICH MAYAN RUIN AND CAVE TUBING
Xunantunich (pronounced Su-nan-tu-nich) is located across the river from the village of San Jose Succotz in the Cayo district. At 130′ or 40 meters high, it is the second tallest Mayan ruin in Belize.
Travel by air or by sea to Belize City. You will be greeted by a private guide who will escort you to the western border through San Ignacio Town. When you arrive at Succotz, a hand-cranked ferry takes you across the Mopan River followed by a mile drive uphill to the famous Mayan archaeological site.
Xunantunich was a major ceremonial center for the ancient Maya and the first Mayan site in Belize to be open for public viewing in 1954.
After exploring Xunantunich, and a break for lunch, you will venture to the Belize Caves. Your excursion begins with a hike through the exotic rainforest to the mouth of the cave. The view is stunning as you float away from the cave entrance on your inner tube with only your headlamp to lead the way. Imagine yourself floating through the caves surrounded by the stalactite and stalagmites above and clear cool waters beneath you.
