Daily Tour
Unlimited
English, Espanol
Embark on an unforgettable full-day journey that masterfully blends the echoes of ancient history with the heart-pounding thrill of jungle adventure. This is more than a tour; it is a deep dive into the soul of Belize. You will walk in the footsteps of Maya kings at the magnificent ruins of Altun Ha, feel the exhilaration of soaring through the rainforest canopy on a state-of-the-art zipline course, and finally, paddle through the mystical, sacred underworld on our signature Belize Cave Kayaking experience. Prepare for a day that will captivate your senses and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
This tour departs from Belize City. Your incredible day of discovery begins with a prompt and friendly 8:00 am pickup from your designated location. As you settle into our comfortable, air-conditioned tour van, your professional guide will extend a warm welcome and provide a fascinating overview of the day ahead. The journey itself is an introduction to the diverse landscapes of Belize. We’ll leave the coastal cityscape behind, traveling north along the Philip Goldson Highway. Watch as the scenery transforms from mangrove-lined shores to quaint Creole villages, lush sugarcane fields, and the dense, verdant broadleaf forest that defines the heartland of the country. This scenic drive builds anticipation for our first destination: the awe-inspiring ancient Mayan city of Altun Ha.
Altun Ha Maya Ruins: A Window to the Mayan World
Arriving at Altun Ha, which translates to “Rockstone Pond,” you’ll feel an immediate shift in the atmosphere. The hum of the modern world fades, replaced by the symphony of the jungle—the distant call of a tropical bird, the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. As you step out of the van, the first sight of the towering stone temples rising from the manicured green plaza is truly breathtaking. Here, you will step back in time over two thousand years.
Altun Ha was not just a settlement; it was a vital ceremonial and trading hub in the ancient Maya world, flourishing for centuries. Its strategic location allowed it to prosper, connecting coastal trade routes with the larger inland cities. Your expert guide is a passionate storyteller who will bring this “lost” civilization to life. You’ll learn not just about the stones, but about the people who built them—their complex social structures, their profound spiritual beliefs, their groundbreaking achievements in mathematics and astronomy, and their eventual, mysterious decline.
The site is centered around two main plazas, Plaza A and Plaza B. As you explore Plaza A, you will stand before the impressive Temple of the Green Tomb, where the remains of a Maya priest-king were discovered, accompanied by a trove of jade, pearls, and ceremonial flints. The true highlight, however, is the majestic Temple of the Masonry Altars. This iconic structure, the largest at Altun Ha, is a testament to the ingenuity of Maya architecture. You are invited to climb the stone steps to its summit. The effort is rewarded with a stunning, 360-degree panoramic view that stretches over the entire archaeological site and the vast, unbroken jungle canopy beyond. It’s a moment of profound connection, a chance to see the world as the Maya rulers once did.
Perhaps Altun Ha’s greatest claim to fame is the discovery of the “Jade Head.” Unearthed from a tomb within the Temple of the Masonry Altars, this magnificent ten-pound, six-inch high jade carving of the Sun God, Kinich Ahau, is considered one of the crown jewels of Maya archaeology and is a national symbol of Belize. Your guide will share the thrilling story of its discovery and explain its immense cultural and spiritual significance. While exploring, keep your eyes peeled for the resident wildlife. The surrounding jungle is a sanctuary for howler monkeys, whose guttural calls often echo through the site, as well as vibrant toucans, parrots, and countless other bird species.
Journey to the Adventure Outpost
After immersing yourself in the rich history of the Maya, you’ll reboard your van and journey towards the next chapter of your adventure at the Nohoch Che’en Archaeological Park. This drive takes us deeper into the Belizean interior, a region of rugged limestone hills and dense rainforest that the ancient Maya believed was a sacred portal to the underworld, or “Xibalba.” Upon arrival at our jungle outpost on the banks of the Caves Branch River, you’ll be greeted by the lively energy of fellow adventurers. Here, we’ll pause to refuel with a delicious, traditional Belizean lunch. Savor the authentic flavors of the region, typically featuring stewed chicken, flavorful rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, fresh coleslaw, and sweet fried plantain. It’s the perfect energy boost for the thrills that lie ahead.
Jungle Zipline Adventure: A Bird’s-Eye View
First up is an adrenaline rush like no other. Our highly trained and safety-conscious guides will get you fully equipped with top-of-the-line gear, including a harness, helmet, and gloves. They’ll provide a comprehensive safety briefing, ensuring you feel completely comfortable and confident before you take flight. Then, it’s time to climb the first platform and clip in. The initial step off the platform is a leap of faith that gives way to pure exhilaration as you feel yourself soaring through the air. You’ll glide over the turquoise river and through the dense jungle canopy on a series of ziplines, each offering a different perspective and thrill. The feeling of wind rushing past you, the sounds of the forest below, and the incredible bird’s-eye view create a sensory experience that is both thrilling and liberating.
Belize Cave Kayaking at Nohoch Che’en: Paddling Through Xibalba
The grand finale of your day awaits. After a short, informative hike through the jungle, where your guide will point out fascinating flora and fauna, you’ll arrive at the entrance to the vast cave system. Here, you’ll be outfitted with your kayak, paddle, and a helmet equipped with a bright headlamp. As you paddle from the sun-drenched jungle into the cool, immense mouth of the cave, you’ll feel like you’re entering another world.
This is the heart of your Belize Cave Kayaking adventure. You will navigate the gentle currents of the sacred river that winds its way through magnificent caverns. Your headlamp will illuminate a subterranean wonderland. You’ll be mesmerized by the intricate geological formations that have been sculpted over millennia—massive stalactites dripping from the ceiling like ancient chandeliers, mighty stalagmites rising from the cave floor, and entire walls covered in glittering flowstones and delicate crystalline formations. Your guide will lead you through cathedral-like chambers, pointing out formations that resemble animals, faces, and even entire cities. They will also share the deep spiritual significance these caves held for the Maya, who conducted important rituals and ceremonies within these hallowed halls. Evidence of their presence, such as pottery shards and carved altars, can still be seen in hidden corners. This serene and awe-inspiring Belize Cave Kayaking journey is a peaceful yet powerful experience, offering a unique perspective on the hidden, geological wonders and the profound spiritual history of the Mayan underworld.
After emerging back into the daylight, you will have time to change before boarding the van for a comfortable and relaxing journey back to Belize City, your mind filled with the incredible sights and sounds of a day packed with history, nature, and pure adventure.
Departure & Pickup Information
Tour Departs From: Belize City
Departure Time: 8:00 AM
Pickup is available for the following guests:
Staying in Belize City: We offer pickups from all hotels, AirBnBs, and rental homes in and around Belize City.
Arriving from San Pedro / Caye Caulker: We provide convenient pickups at the Ocean Ferry or San Pedro Belize Express water taxi terminals, as well as the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airstrip (TZA).
Return Time: Approximately 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM to your original pickup point in Belize City.
What’s Included:
Round-trip transportation from Belize City
Professional licensed tour guide
All park entrance fees (Altun Ha & Nohoch Che’en)
Zipline adventure with all necessary equipment
Belize Cave Kayaking tour with kayak, paddle, life vest, and helmet with headlamp
Complimentary water and sodas
Delicious Belizean lunch
What’s Not Included:
Cost of water taxi or local flight tickets from San Pedro or Caye Caulker
Gratuities for your tour guide (optional)
Souvenirs and personal expenses
Breakfast
What to Bring:
Comfortable clothing and walking shoes
Swimwear (can be worn under your clothes)
Water shoes or sandals with a secure strap for kayaking
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Hat and sunglasses
Towel and a change of clothes
Camera (waterproof recommended)
Cash for souvenirs or tips
See all our Belize Excursions
Member Since 2022
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