Belize Attractions & Tours
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Maya sites of Belize |
 |
1. Santa Rita
2. Cerros
3. Cuello
4. La Milpas
5. Altun Ha
6. Lamanai
7. El Pilar
8. Xunantunich
9. Cahal Pech
10. Mayflower
11. Caracol
12. Lubantunn
13. Ni Li Punit |
Lamanai (6)
One of Belize's largest Mayan ceremonial centers, is located on the banks of the 30
mile long New River Lagoon in North Central Belize. The Lamanai Archaeological
Reserve also contains a museum, the remnants of two 16th century Spanish
churches and a colonial sugar mill that was established in 1860. Set in tropical
forest and providing spectacular views from several of its large temples,
Lamanai provides a unique experience in the culture of the Maya and the
biological diversity of a tropical forest. It is accessible by road, air, and
river. Take a short flight from Ambergris to add the Mayan day trip to your
island vacation, or select the river route from Belize City for an extraordinary
natural history experience. Local accommodations range from guest houses to full
service jungle lodges.
See “Belize City and North…”
Lamanai is included in the following guided itineraries..
Xunantunich (8)
Approximately eight miles west of San Ignacio in the
Cayo District, this major ceremonial center overlooks the Mopan River and dates
from the Classic period. The site is composed of six major plazas surrounded by
more than twenty-five temples and palaces. The most prominent structure, located
at the south end of the site, is the pyramid "El Castillo" (The Castle)
which rises 130 feet above the plaza.
Xunantunich is included in the following guided itineraries..
Caracol (11)
Currently in excavation and restoration. Permits must be obtained from the
Department of Archaeology in order to visit this extraordinary ruin. Caracol is
one of the more inaccessible sites in Belize, and though the drive through the
Chiquibul rain forest is quite scenic, it can be a challenge in the rainy
season. Caracol is the largest known Maya center in Belize. Canaa, the largest
temple, rises 143 feet high, making it is the tallest man-made structure in the
country.
The following guided itineraries include transportation and government
permits necessary for visiting Caracol.
Tikal
Whether you fly from Belize or take the overland route, the opportunity to visit
the grandest site in the Kingdom of the Maya should not be missed. Located in
Guatemala's Peten, Tikal was once the most powerful city in the Mayan World
encompassing over 23 square miles and supporting a population of over
100,000. Today, the ruins lie amidst 220 acres of rainforest reserve, home
to countless birds and animals including a healthy population of howler monkeys.
While the basics of Tikal can be experienced as a day tour using air transfers
from Ambergris or Belize City, it is a good idea to make Tikal at least an
overnight stop.
Altun Ha (5)
The most extensively studied site in Belize, and one of the most important,
Altun Ha is the closest major site to Belize City and quite accessible by
private vehicle. In the Classic period, Altun Ha was a major ceremonial site and
trade center. It was here that archeologists discovered the largest carved jade
piece in the Maya World: the beautiful jade head of Kinich Ahau, the Maya sun god.
Famous from the moment of it's discovery, the head has become a national symbol
of Belize and appears on it's currency.
The Belize Zoo
Native Belizean
animals, including endangered species, are featured in natural
habitats.
The Belize Zoo is settled upon 29 acres of tropical savanna and
exhibits over 125 animals all native to Belize.
The zoo keeps animals which were either orphaned, born at the zoo,
rehabilitated animals, or sent to The Belize Zoo as gifts from other
zoological institutions.
You'll see jaguar, margay, ocelot, coatimundi, agouti, howler monkeys,
kinkajou,
tapir, toucans, jabiru, scarlet macaw, harpy eagle, iguanas,
crocodiles, and
boas to name a few. Nature trail, natural lectures, and a canoe trip is
possible
through the educational center. The zoo is easily accessible, only 40
minutes
from Belize City, and is enjoyed by schoolchildren and locals as well
as
tourists of all ages.
The Belize zoo is included in the following guided tours:
Panti Medicine Trail
One of the major attractions of the Cayo District, the medicine trail is steeped
in the tradition of Mayan healer Don Eligio Panti who trained American Dr.
Rosita Argivo in the use of all the
medicinal plants that were growing along the path. Visitors to the Ix Chel
Tropical Research Center can walk along the trail, which has signs in front of
each medicinal tree and plant describing its history and uses. There is also a
recreation of Don Panti's home. Dr. Rosita has established Rainforest Remedies, a cooperative enterprise that
markets herbal remedies and medicinal teas. The company shares its profits with its employees and the
traditional healing cooperative. These remedies are derived from the plants that
are "rescued" before the bulldozers can get to them. They have
colorful names, such as "Traveler's Tonic" and "Belly Be Good,"
and are sold in most gift shops in Belize. The Panti Trail is an easy self
tour.
Crooked Tree Bird Sanctuary
During the dry season, thousands of birds take
advantage of the inland lagoons, swamps and food resources at this reserve which
was established in 1984 for the protection of resident and migrant species. Located 33 miles north of the city, just
off the northern highway, Crooked Tree makes an easy day tour, but most birders
will want to spend a night or more in nearby accommodations. Expect a variety of
fauna from boat-billed herons to snail kites and jabirus with a huge 10 foot
wingspread. Monkeys, crocodiles,and several species of turtle and iguana also live in the reserve.
The Community Baboon Sanctuary
Through a grassroots effort, villagers and landowners in
this section of the Belize district, 30 miles west of the city, have committed
to preserving the habitat and population of Black Howler Monkeys. With
assistance from the World Wildlife Fund and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee
County, a small natural history museum and visitor's center has been erected. The
lands of the reserve are all privately owned and a guide is required in order
to use the trails.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (Jaguar Reserve)
Originally established to protect the jaguar population
as well as other resident wildlife, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is
also known as The Jaguar Reserve. While not likely that you will glimpse one of
the large nocturnal cats, your visit will still be well rewarded. 300 species of
birds and 55 mammals are at home in the 100,000 acre tropical forest. For the intrepid nature lover, the
second highest point in Belize, Victoria Peak (3,675 feet) is a three day hike.
Cave tubing
Much of Belize sits atop a limestone foundation riddled
by a network of caves and sinkholes. While many caves are challenging to the
experienced spelunker, several are easy adventures even for beginners. Then
there are the spectacular examples where rivers disappear underground – making
cave tubing a major Belize attraction. You’ll see banks littered with relics
of the Mayan past, crystal clear spring water, extensive stalactite and
stalagmite formations, waterfalls, cracks and crevices, cave creatures, and
small sandy beaches. Not to be missed!
Mountain Pine Ridge
The Mountain Pine
Ridge is home to the Hidden Valley Falls (1,000 Foot-Falls), the Rio On
River, the Rio On Pools, and the Rio Frio Cave and Nature Trail, as
well as numerous small streams and waterfalls. Besides offering
magnificent vistas, the cooler temperatures along with a refreshing
swim can provide a welcome respite to the travel weary visitors.
The Blue Hole
Inland Blue Hole
Shark & Ray Alley
Snorkeling
Scuba Diving
Reef Fishing
River Fishing
Rainforest Trail
Guided Itineraries
14 Nights
7 Nights
3 Nights
Self-Guided Itineraries
14 Night Itineraries
7 Night itineraries
1-(800)-282-8932
(352)-588-4132