Caracol Tour
Discovered in 1938 and later explored in the 1950’s, Caracol was thought to be little more than a Maya ceremonial center. It was not until more extensive excavation efforts began in 1985 that the importance and expanse of Caracol became known. In 1986, a round, elaborately carved altar stone was uncovered which described a victory by Caracol over Tikal, once considered to be the most powerful Maya metropolis. This discovery filled an important missing piece of Maya history, covering approximately 140 years in the Middle Classic period, and positioned Caracol as the “Supreme” Maya city. The largest pyramid at Caracol, the Canaa, (Maya for “sky place”) rises 140 feet and is the tallest man made structure in all of Belize. Caracol is located 2 hours south of San Ignacio in the Maya Mountains.
Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Tour
Located in the Cayo District of Belize, about 30-40 minutes from San Ignacio, the reserve covers an area of over 300 square miles. Here you will find a scenic combination of cool pine forests, tumbling streams, lush river valleys, caves and waterfalls. The most popular of the waterfalls is the Hidden Valley Falls, a spectacular fall that drops 1500 feet to the valley below. The Rio Frio Cave is the largest cave in Belize and the Rio On pools are a must for an afternoon swim before heading out of the reserve.
Tikal
The largest and most spectacular of all the Mayan sites in Meso-America is located in the Peten area of Guatemala, deep in the high canopy jungle. Tikal is about 1 ˝ hours from San Ignacio. The flora and fauna in this area is almost as breathtaking as the Mayan temples themselves. The original city covered an area of 35 square miles and although the archaeologists have been excavating here since the 1930’s, they tell us that there is at least another 100 years of work to be done.
Barton Creek Cave Canoeing Tour
Barton Creek Cave was an ancient Maya Indian burial site. The cave is only accessible by canoe. The formations of stalactites and stalagmites are beautiful. The trip to the cave is very scenic and passes through the Barton Creek Mennonite community. You will get a glimpse of the Mennonites as they go about their daily routines. After the cave canoe trip, you will want to take a swim in the crystal clear Barton Creek. The cave is about 1 hour from San Ignacio.
Xunantunich Tour
Xunantunich in Maya is “The Stone Maiden”. The site is about 30 minutes from San Ignacio and is only accessible by taking a hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River. Xunantunich is one of the most popular Maya sites in Belize and was one of the first to be excavated and opened to the public. Standing atop “El Castillo”, the largest pyramid at the site, you will have a panoramic view of western Belize and eastern Guatemala.
Belize Zoo Tour
The Belize Zoo is located approximately 30 miles west of Belize City on the Western Highway. The zoo is home to over 100 species of native Belizean animals and birds including the tapir, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, jaguars, ocelots, margays, scarlet macaws, toucans, and many, many others. You will have the opportunity to see these unique creatures in their natural habitat.