TOURS AVAILABLE
LAMANAI
Lamanai is one of the most interesting tours from Belize City. After an hour’s drive on the northern highway, you board a riverboat at Tower Hill. Along the New River leading into swamps, little creeks and lagoons, it is easy to encounter hawks, kites and falcons. You may spot the dainty jacanas bask in the morning sunlight. An hour and a half on the river and then you arrive at Lamanai (Maya for Submerged Crocodile). Huge masks depicting dead rulers and gods seem to materialize out of the rain, forest, amid the chatter of bird-life 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.
ALTUN HA
Altun Ha is located in the north – central part of the Belize District on the old Northern Highway, 31 miles from Belize City. Contains a structure B-4 (Temple of the Masonry Alters), the tallest, best preserved structure at the site and the place where one of the largest carved jades in the Mayan world was found. It was an important trading center between the Caribbean and the interior featuring two main plazas with some thirteen temples in a pleasant park- like atmosphere. It was also one of the major ceremonial centers during the classic Period. Many tombs discovered during extensive excavations and restorations from 1964-1978. Burial goods included hundreds of jades and green obsidian blades, some traceable directly to Teotihuacan in central Mexico. An unusual feature at Altun Ha is the absence of carved stelae.
THE BELIZE ZOO
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. The tour of the zoo requires about 1-2 hours.
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 1-½ 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.
BABOON SANCTUARY
You will be driven to Bermudian Landing which is a 45 minute from Belize City. The Community Baboon Sanctuary on the banks of the Belize River is located approximately thirty miles west of Belize City. The sanctuary exhibits the spirit of coexistence that Belizeans have with nature. The Howler Monkeys are protected by the villagers, and let the monkeys roam freely on their property. With assistance from the World Wildlife Fund and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee County, a small natural history museum and visitors’ center has been erected in Bermudian Landing, which is the most central location in the sanctuary.
BELIZE CITY TOUR
Not only is Belize City your gate way to mystic Mayan Sites (only found in Central America), adventurous caves, rivers, flora, fauna and relaxing breathing beaches, but is also filled with history. Belize City has the only manual swing bridge in the world and is still being swung daily. The oldest Anglican Cathedral Church in Central America, St. John’s Cathedral, was built in 1812 from brick brought as ballast from European sailing ships. Over the years, Government House (now a Museum) was used as an administrative office and living quarters for the governors of Belize. This was built in the early 1800 with a combination of Caribbean Vernacular and English Urban architecture. The Lighthouse monument at the Fort George Point towers over the harbor entrance. This was built from money donated to the country by Belize’s greatest benefactor – Baron Bliss, the 4th Baron of Portugal. At his request, he was entombed in front of the lighthouse which he designed himself prior to his death.
CAVE TUBING & ZIPLINE
A transfer from Belize City on the Western Highway brings you to the Cave Branch River and its winding path through the Maya Mountain and numerous ancient caves once inhabited by the Maya. On arrival at Jaguar Paw, be prepared for a 45-minute jungle trail hike. Your guide will point out various plants, roots, and herbs once used by the ancient Maya. The entrance tunnel that heads into the underground cave system is the start of an “eye opening” adventure. Your guide hands out flash lights, and you are ready to float in inflated inner tubes assisted by gentle current taking you through the cave system. Intricate crystalline formations line the caves and stalagmites and stalactites add to the serene opulence of nature. Come dressed in bathing suits, T-shirts, shorts, tennis shoe or water shoes. A change if clothes, shoes and a towel are recommended.
ZIPLINE
The drive will take you to the Western Highway for approximately 50 minutes where you will reach the limestone Hills of Belize. Once at the Zip Line location the Guides will help you with
your gear, your harness, Helmet and Hand Gear in preparation for your aerial adventure. A short 5-minute walk in this amazing natural rainforest will bring you to the start of the excursion where you will once again be instructed on the zip line method. Your Zip Line adventure begins from the First Platform where you will “jump” from the first Platform to zip to the next Platform found 150ft away. Flying through the air surrounded by nature is the most exhilarating feeling ever encountered, the birds and Howler Monkeys found onsite will be at eye level making you one with the prolific nature Belize if famous for. The Zip Line Adventure consists of 10 Zip Line Platforms each strategically located within the Rainforest canopy. Double cables (each capable of withstanding 2,000 pounds of weight, the requirement for this tour truly has nothing to do with weight but with the size of the safety equipment) are used for the ultimate safety. All landing Platforms are equipped with safety gear, handrails and Guides to meet your next landing as well as to ensure your personal safety throughout the tour. The Platforms are as high as 85ft into the Canopy and as far apart as 250ft! So, get ready for this fantastic ride and ensure to reserve early as spaces are limited!!!