Immerse yourself as you leave Hopkins to experience a scenic drive through the mountains of Belize as we drive to our destination. Arrive at the head of the Caves Branch River, jump into an inner tube, and prepare for a thrilling ride down the river. Glide through the river’s fascinating tunnels and hidden caves to see the surrounding jungle and plant life from a different perspective. Keep an eye out for tropical birds, parrots, and the national bird the toucan. At the end of your journey enjoy a delicious picnic lunch with the scenic river as your backdrop.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CAVES TO THE ANCIENT MAYANS

Throughout Mesoamerica caves take on special meaning that may vary between cultures, but share common themes surrounding life, fertility, and abundance juxtaposed with those of danger, evil, and death. In Mesoamerican thought, both in the past and present, caves are ambiguous spaces associated with indwelling good and evil deities that can be coaxed, flattered, or angered by humans. It is for this reason that rituals in caves were used as a place to petition and honor these deities so vital to human well-being.

If you are hearing the word Xunantunich for the first time, you might ask “what is Xunantunich?” It is a small area of archaeological ruins located near the Mopan River, in southern Belize. Xunantunich means “stone Woman” or “Maiden of the rock” in the Yucatec dialect. These names are derived from the image of a woman depicted in one of the paintings.

These ruins represent the period of AD 650- 1000 of Mayan civilization when the people had mastered the art of construction. Residential structures spread over 22 acres were found in this site. It seems Xunantunich was abandoned in AD 900 and was again occupied in post classic period. Castillo, a 40m tall building, is one of the tallest Mayan buildings in Belize. The causeways, ball courts and platform mounds excavated here prove that they were far ahead of their generation.

Xunantunich was the first excavated Mayan site in Belize that was opened for the public. Though it is smaller compared to the other Mayan sites, it consists of the tallest structures. The huge statue of the Sun God, El Castillo, and the 130-foot tall pyramid are a couple of structures that attract visitors.

In the 1800s, Thomas Gann excavated Xunantunich. He used dynamite to blast the site; this destroyed most of the artifacts. Other excavations after this were equally unreliable with most of the artifacts being destroyed or vanishing. It was only in the 1990s that careful excavation began. Archaeologists discovered 2 altars and 8 stelae. Stelaes found at various other locations were carved and designed, but the ones found at Xunantunich were plain.

The three most remarkable segments of Xunantunich are the elite residential structures, the middle class residential structures and the ceremonial center. The six plazas of the city were surrounded by 25 palaces and several temples. Very brutal games were played in the ball court complex where the losers were put to death.

 This particular tour allows you to travel on 3 of the 4 major highways in Belize. It also allow you to see the true country side of Belize while enjoying the breath taking view of the mountains.

Birds are everywhere in our lives. Can you think of a day that went by without seeing or hearing a bird? As many as 612 birds have been recorded in Belize, of these, approximately 20 percent are migrants from North America. Some are transient and every year new species are being documented. Eight new records were accepted in 2007, including the Crested Caracara, Canada Goose, and Spot-breasted Oriole.

Belize is an ideal setting for bird watchers with many birding hotspots. In addition, six Important Bird Areas (IBAs) have been identified in Belize, of which portions are located within protected areas, including those co-managed us. The tropical forests, savannahs, numerous cayes, wetlands, and coastal plains of Belize offer a myriad of habitat to many birds. Nearly half of our nation’s land and adjacent waters are protected under forest reserves, marine reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and other protected area designation. With English as the official language, many visitors from abroad converse easily with local guides.

There are 3 areas that we visit for our bird tour. Jaguar Preserve that records about 300 species, sittee river village and Mayflower national park. Our national bird is the keel Billed Toucan which has been the bird with the highest demand to be sighted.

For the fit and adventurous, this is a hands down, the most talk about cave in Belize. Discovered in 1989 and opened to the general public since 1998. The ATM cave is a full five kilometer deep. After a 45minutes hike in the cool tropical rainforest and across three streams, you enter its hour-glass shape mouth a 10meter swim in water about 5metre deep, to land on them rock shelf. The next 600metre is a journey of well over half an hour filled with many sharp and slippery edges and water depth alternates from just covering your toes to portion where only the tallest won’t need to swim. Along the way, you pass many calcite formations and a few which have undergone minor sculpting (purpose unknown) by the. After this distance, you ascend 2 or 3 meters to a shelf above the river. From this point forward is shallow ground where you walk barefoot (socks only).

Near the mouth of the cave, whereas later generations moved further into the caves perhaps believing that this would bring them closer to the lords of Xibalba. The closer to the gods, the better chance the ceremonies would be answered. Pottery of all sizes and styles lay within the cave, all broken to release spirits contained with within. A not so common artifact found is human remains. So far, remains of 14 individuals have been found, 7adults and 7 children all under the age of 5.

This unique sanctuary in southern Belize covers an area of about 150 square miles of tropical forest and is the world's only Jaguar Preserve. Declared a Forest Preserve in 1984 and finally a Jaguar Preserve in 1986, the park is the culmination of many years of work and perseverance by individuals and national and international organizations.

The park area is rich in beauty, wildlife and even Maya culture; a well concealed minor Maya ceremonial site known as Chucil Baluum is typical of the Classic Period The Cockscomb Mountain Range towers over the basin to the north. The highest mountain in Belize, Victoria Peak at 3,675 feet presides over the range and offers, in its largely unexplored reaches, chances for unrivaled exploration and adventure. The fine and abundant stands of mahogany and cedar have historically been in demand throughout this area and logging here provided a staple of Belize's economy for many years. 
The terrain is dense tropical rainforest with well-maintained trails, jungle canopy to 120'. Wildlife to see includes jaguar, jaguarundi, peccary, howler monkey, gibnut, agouti, snakes, coatamundi, over 300 bird species.

There are about 17 different trails that are available for hiking at the park. It is also known for 2 breath taking waterfall for swimming and a beautiful river for river tuning.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is recognized as the world’s first jaguar preserve. A hike through this area will lead you past spectacular waterfalls, mountain views, nature trails, and a rich diversity of exotic tropical birds. The tracks of wildcats, tapir, deer, and other wildlife can often be seen on the hiking trails, and will be pointed out to you by your guide, along the way. There are several different trails, one which leads to a smaller waterfall from which you embark on your tube, for a totally relaxing float down the river. Spend some time swimming later on and then hike back for another hour and 30 minutes.

Julio Caqui is a master chocolate maker who offers two-hour farm-to-factory tours including a trip to the cacao plantation. The full process is explained right through to the finished bar of dark chocolate. The guide takes you through a cacoa orchard to educate you about the origin of the plant and in-depth information about plant and its significance to the ancient mayans. After a brief tour in the orchard, you are taken to a chocolate factory where you can witness how organic chocolates products are made and you can also participate in making your own chocolate bar.

The drive to your destination is about 20 minutes. Your horse will be waiting to you through the citrus orchard as you get consumed with the sweet fragrance of its flowers. Suddenly, you find yourself riding through dense forest with huge ceiba, gumbo limbo and other emergent which offer homes to a variety of tropical birds. Aracari,   river (seasonal). The horses are well trained they are led by a tour guide who is an experienced horse wrangler. As you take a break in the middle of the forest, you will be complemented with a beautiful river as you take a swim.

It's now tried and tested and the results... AWESOME, THRILLING, A BLOOD FLOWING ADVENTURE!!! The tour starts by a short hike to the first zip line. After a safety briefing you get your first taste of zipping. The first line is short to get you used to the equipment. After that you fly through the canopy on various lengths of zip, some fast, some very fast. There are a total 8 zip lines and 2 small rappels. The longest zipline in Central America being an impressive 2,300 ft. The length of this tour depends on how many people are on the tour, for 2 it takes about an hour, for 6-8 just over 2.5 hours.

This beautiful 11-sq-mile park of jungle, mountains, waterfalls, walking trails, swimming holes and small Maya sites lies about 12 miles northwest of Hopkins. The walks here are at least as good as the trails most people do at nearby Cockscomb Basin, and you’ll encounter far fewer tourists. You’ll see lots of birds, and the park is home to troops of black howler monkeys.

A 4-mile unpaved access road heads west from the Southern Hwy, 2 miles north of Silk Grass village, to the park visitors center, where you pay the park fees. Here you'll also find the partly excavated Mayflower Maya site , with two pyramids and nine other structures, occupied in the late 9th and early 10th centuries. The Antelope Trail leads down over Silk Grass Creek to the larger, unexcavated, partly tree covered Maintzunun temple mound, 250yd away (built around AD 800). Continue on a further 1.7 miles – steep and strenuous in places – to the beautiful 100ft-high Antelope Falls, with great panoramas. The less demanding Bocawina Hill Trail (1.4 miles) leads to the lower and upper Bocawina Falls: there’s a cool swimming pool at the foot of the 50ft upper falls.

The Antelope Falls is the most popular waterfall visited by tourist and locals alike. It is considered the most strenuous of all hikes that has a gradual incline. Before doing this hike, you must be physically stable and have the ability to endure the high humidity.

This tour is conducted in a southern Mayan village known as Red Bank. Every year, several flocks of these birds aggregate to feed on different types of fruits. This is a cyclical migration between the months of December to March.

 Research has repeatedly shown that a macaw will return to a nesting site, even though it is sub-standard, and attempt to use it as the “chosen place” for their reproduction attempts. Occurring now is that a decreased population of these rare birds has become geographically isolated and, in addition, is faced with poaching and further habitat loss. Scientific-based warnings about this very probable parrot-situation, one which would likely lead to local extirpation, were aired and spoken about during the Chalillo dam debate. Few cared to listen.

Enjoy the Monkey River Tour by traveling to Placencia. As you travel along the beautiful coastal shores of Belize and stunning views of the mangrove tunnel, you will see exotic wildlife such as birds, crocodiles, turtles, bats, snakes, dolphins, Monkeys and manatees. Keep your eyes wide open to see to see the gentle giants the (manantees). 

As we tour along, you will pass the wooden homes of the locals of once the first town of Belize. There will be small hike where you will learn about the different medicinal plants used by locals every day. There is always the possibility of swimming to cool yourselves on a hot day. On our way, observe the locals doing traditional fishing and other daily chores with
Belizean tour guides. Once the river tour is completed, enjoy authentic, traditional meal from a locally owned and operated restaurant. On your way back to Placencia, you will have the rear opportunity to stop and look at one of Belize’s most sought after endangered animal, the manatee. 

Before the tour come to an end, you will be given the opportunity to enjoy the most popular ice cream in Placencia known as Tutty Frutty.

The drive alone to the zoo will be a treat as you take in the views of the breath-taking mountains on the Hummingbird Highway. Once you arrive at the zoo you will certainly enjoy the up close viewe of a vairiety of animales, all native to Belize. The Belize Zoo was started in 1983, as a last ditch effort to provide a home for a collection of wild animals which had been used in making documentary films about tropical forests. Shortly after the backyard "zoo" began, it was quickly realized that its Belizean visitors were unfamiliar with the different species of wildlife which shared their country.

This very aspect fomented the commitment to develop the little zoo into a dynamic wildlife education center. Today, The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center is settled upon 29 acres of tropical savanna and exhibits over 170 animals, representing over 45 species, all native to Belize. A visit to the zoo is the best way to get an introduction to the animals of Belize, and to understand why it is important to protect the habitats that sustain them.

Ride with us through the most untouched part of Belize’s wilderness.  All Spice farm and Botanical Garden is located at the foot of the maya mountains of Belize. Driving along the Thomas Vincent Highway, gives you an opportunity to witness some of the small Mayan
communities along the way. A well renown friend from India introduced a one of it’s
kind adventure in Belize.

The weather of Belize mirrors that of Kerala India where the
Mathews were born and raised. Starting a Spice farm in Belize seemed so
enticing, Mathews decided to jump in and give it a try. Many years ago, Nutmeg
was introduced to Grenada and Cardamom to Guatemala with great success. So, the
idea to do something similar was very tempting. With the help from GOB Mathews
imported Black pepper, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove and vanilla to Belize. Most of
these plants adopted to their new home and thrived. Over the years the Spice Farm
also became a Botanical Garden by adding a fruit Orchard with exotic fruit
trees and an aquatic garden with Lotuses, and water lilies from Thailand and
Gigantic Victoria amazonica native to Brazil. Belize Spice Farm and Botanical
Garden (BS&BG) was born and grew up to be a favourite tourist attraction
for Belizeans and thousands of visitors every year. 

Let the wild adventure begins on an ATV. Lets explore the private, wild and rugged
terrain of the Belize’s tropical rain forest while having the best time of your
life with friends and family. Drivers license is not required on the tour. All
ages can join this once in a life time experience. The children can ride along
with the adults while being lead an experience guides. 

Belize Coast offers some of the best marine ecosystem in the world.  With the abundance of Mangrove trees along with our coast, they offer the best nurseries for the marine lives.  Bountiful fish gives you a chance to go for the big game in a 25 ft Mexican skiff.

It takes about 35 minutes to get to the reef where you will first witness how the guide catches bait using a cast net.  The guide eventually goes in search of traditional and non-traditional fishing spots.  There, you can catch barracudas, snappers, grouper and porgy.  Trolling is also popular where you have the chance to catch floating fish such as King Mackerel, wahoo, more Barracuda and Big Jacks.  The guide will also clean your choice of catch to be prepared for dinner.

Belize has the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere with approximately 185 miles of beautiful coral formation.  this pristine reef is known to have a wide variety of marine life.  This stunning barrier reef offers different snorkeling sites for the beginners and experienced snorkelers.  With great visibility. the guests can enjoy a variety of marine animals such as: tarpon, snappers, sharks, turtles, octopus, manatees, etc.  

Most of the snorkeling sites are about 30 to 40 minutes boat ride offshore.  These snorkeling trips are accompanied by experienced guide and captain to ensure safety.  these guides are equipped with great knowledge of the reef and historical significance to their livelihood.  You will get to learn both the local and scientific names of the different marine creatures of the barrier reef.  For the inexperienced snorkelers, we are able to accommodate you by snorkeling off the popular island of South Water Caye right off the beach.

The experience at Cockscomb is indeed a low-key one, and seeing wildlife requires patience and luck. You'll have the best chance of seeing wild animals, perhaps even a jaguar or one of the other large cats, if you go at night, preferably for several hours, in the sanctuary. You may also have better luck if you go for an extended hike with a guide.

Cockscomb Basin has native wildlife aside from the jaguars. You might see other cats—pumas, margays, and ocelots—plus coatis, kinkajous, deer, peccaries, and, last but not least, tapirs. Also known as the mountain cow, this shy, curious creature appears to be half horse, half hippo, with a bit of cow and elephant thrown in. Nearly 300 species.