Rich in Maya culture and jungle beauty, this Belize trip will take you into the Maya Mountains, to the ancient ruins of Xunantunich and Caracol, and into the underground world of mystifying caves and beautiful water wonders. Settle into the lodge, surrounded by pristine forests and lush trails perfect for exploration. The journey includes a visit to the refreshing Rio On Pools for a cool dip, followed by an exploration of the Rio Frio Cave. You'll also venture deep into the jungle for a challenging trek to the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, where you'll explore sacred chambers filled with Maya artifacts and skeletal remains. This trip is designed to introduce you to Maya culture and history while offering plenty of hiking, caving, and other activities to keep your body and mind engaged and excited. Welcome to Belize Travel!
Highlights
Explore the Mayan ruins of Caracol, Xunantunich and the ATM cave
Canoe down the Rio Macal and keep a keen eye out for Belizian wildlife
Visit Rio Frio, the largest cave in Belize
Choose to book additional excursions like ziplining and more
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive at the Belize City airport and transfer to your jungle retreat. Along the way stop at the Belize Zoo, where in typical Belizean fashion animals roam 29 acres in large natural enclosures. The jungle lodge is located on the banks overlooking the Macal River. Surrounded by pristine forest, your days at the lodge are filled with natural discoveries as you explore the lush vegetation of the Maya Mountains, miles of trails, and on-site farms to explore.
After a leisurely morning, set out to canoe down the Macal River for your first introduction to Belizean wildlife. Your guide will help you spot iguanas, peccaries, coati mundis, and a myriad of bird life. After lunch in town, visit the Maya ruins of Xunantunich, once a major ceremonial site and the second-tallest ruin in Belize. From atop, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Cayo District of Guatemala.
Today, continue your explorations of the ancient Maya with a visit to the ruins of Caracol. Surrounded by breathtaking Belizean jungle, a visit to the ruins offers massive structures, haunting tombs and burial sites, and intriguing carvings that tell stories about the people who lived and worked in this fantastic Maya city. There is still much to be discovered at Caracol and archaeologists continue their digs and preservation of the site. With time you'll stop at Rio On Pools and Rio Frio Cave. A stop at the pools makes for an inviting dip, especially after hiking the afternoon under the hot Belize sun. The smooth granite stones make for great slides, but be sure to watch your step. Even for those who prefer to keep dry, the beauty of the pools is well worth the stop. Not far from the pools is the Rio Frio Cave. This is the largest cave in Belize. Approaching the cave's enormous mouth invites a magical, almost frighteningly fantastic, sensation. Long ago the cave was used as a ceremonial site for the Maya, but while artifacts no longer remain, the cave still holds onto its mysticism.
Wake early for an unforgettable adventure into the Maya underworld. Begin your journey from the lodge doors, crossing creeks and venturing deep into the Belizean jungle to reach the opening of the sacred Actun Tunichil Muknal – the Cave of the Stone Sepulcher. At the entrance, gear up with a helmet and waterproof headlamp, then wade into the emerald-colored water flowing from the cave's gaping mouth. Follow the river's path through wet and dry chambers, surrounded by hanging stalactites and towering stalagmites. Your final destination is the spectacular primary chamber where ancient kings and priests once made blood sacrifices to appease the Maya gods. Your lights reveal the ghostly outlines of skeletal ritual victims and scattered ceramic shards from ancient rituals. As this is an active archaeological site, take care not to disturb the sleeping skeletons and artifacts before returning to the light above ground. This is a fairly rigorous trip, so being in good shape is essential.
Click here for an alternative excursion available at Black Rock Lodge
Day 5: Return Home
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Belize City for your departure.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for Mar 27, 2025 not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for Mar 27, 2025 are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$1,015
Notes
$419 Single Supplement Additional Cost for Private Room when traveling with others. Traveling Solo? Contact us for a custom quote.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
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