| Rio On Pools: What a delight to slither over
natural water slides, sit under waterfalls, and swim in a variety of pools! Unpaved roads
that wind through two picturesque Mayan villages contribute to this wonderful adventure.
On the way back through the Mayan village of San Antonio, you'll stop at a very special
place called the Garcia Sister's Museum and Craft Center. Here, the industrious sisters
work to carve slate to sell to tourists. The museum includes many of their larger carvings
and some other items from the Mayan culture. These charming young ladies explain to
visitors how they collect and carve the slate. |
Rio On Pools |
Saint Herman's Cave |
Blue Hole National Park: The Blue
Hole isn't always blue, but it's always pretty. Found right in the middle of the jungle
along the Southern Highway south of Belmopan, it's a good place for birding and swimming.
Quite a number of stairs descend to this small spring, the cool water from which is quite
refreshing. St. Herman's Cave is part of the same park and is a brisk 15 minute hike from
the pools. |
| Five Blues National Park: After
driving down the picturesque Hummingbird highway halfway to Dangriga, you'll enjoy the
trails and a lovely swim in a lake surrounded by cave-riddled karst outcrops. This
national park is founded on a strong community-based ecotourism initiative with simple bed
and breakfasts hosted by local villagers. The villagers themselves initiated the formation
of the park. Crooked Tree National Park:
Located on the northern highway about 1 hour north of Belize City, this park is a
premier wetlands area with excellent birding from either the shore or from small boats.
The small visitor center is excellent. The once-isolated village is reached today by a
causeway across the lagoon. |
| Baboon Sanctuary:This reserve has
set an example to the world of how cooperation can allow the development of a
revenue-generating resource. The farmers of this area, with the advise of a biologist
researcher, determined to establish a community reserve for the howler monkeys by agreeing
to some guidelines for the protection of the monkeys.. Now guests are given guided tours
to see the monkeys. They may also enjoy the excellent visitor center and museum as well as
overnight in simple bed & breakfast accommodations in the villager's homes. |
|
Black Howler Monkey |
.Archaeology | National Parks & Reserves | Other Activities
El Castillo |
Xunantunich: To reach the Maya
ruins of Xunantunich, you cross the Mopan River on a hand cranked ferry and proceed up,
up, up a steep incline to the site. The excavated temple, El Castillo, is one of the
highest structures in all of Belize and boasts an awe-inspiring view, a reconstructed
frieze, a number of stele, and a ball court. |
| Che Chem Ha: Only 40 minutes by
van from Maya Mountain Lodge, this cave is set in the remote upper Macal River area. The
Morales family, owners and pioneers to this location many years ago, can recount many
stories of the logging days, jaguars, and the long mule trips into their little
"paradise". The cave, a healthy 40 minute climb through the bush from the
Morales farm, consists of Mayan pottery-filled chambers with large intact pots varying in
size, shape, and decoration. |
|
Che chem Ha Cave |
Sky Temple at Caracol |
Caracol Ruins: The colossal
Caracol Ruins are right here in the Maya Mountains! Caracol is an exciting site, 9 miles
square, blessed with a number of awe inspiring temples and numerous stele. Enshrouded by
Macaw and Tapir-filled forests, it is set in the heart of the Mayan "empire". TIKAL:
This long day trip over rough roads is richly rewarded as your guide explains the
breath-taking ruins and shows you the monkeys and birds. The time is all too short, but
the inspiration and insights gained will stay with you a lifetime. This is a World
Heritage Park. |
| Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins & Museum:
Right at the edge of San Ignacio town, the catacomb-like ruins of Cahal Pech await your
visit. As the home of the family of royalty, Cahal Pech is distinct from other sites. Here
a small museum and native guide are available for interpretation. |
|
Royal Residence at Cahal Pech |
| El Pilar Ruins: This site is one
of the most recently available to the public and quite interesting. It has a causeway that
continues into Guatemala. This site is located on the Bullet Tree Road about 45 minutes
from San Ignacio. Department of
Archaeology Vault: By appointment, one can visit this vault which contains the
countries most treasured Maya artifacts which will eventually be housed in the Belize
Museum which is under construction at this time. This tour is frequently combined with a
tour of the capitol, Belmopan, and the inland Blue Hole |
|
Other Activities | National
Parks & Reserves | Archaeology
Belize Botanical Gardens
/ Natural History Museum / Butterfly Farm /Macal Jungle River Boat Trip: This
full day expedition is one of the highlights of the Cayo
District. Guests paddle down the vine-covered Macal River by canoe. The
guide will point out iguana, kingfishers, Toucans, and other wildlife. If lucky, you may
spot a river otter, Grey Necked Woodrail, porcupine, or an elusive jaguarundi. Ferns,
bromeliads, strangler fig trees, and many other tropical plants adorn our beautiful Macal.
You'll see Hanging Rock, Monkey Falls, Cristo Rey Village, and other sights en route.
This is done with a guide.
|
|
Butterfly farm & Natural History Museum: The beautiful Blue Morpho butterfly
can be viewed in all its stages of development at the Butterfly Farm. The Natural History
Museum is small and specific to our Cayo District. It encompasses culture, archaeology,
and biological sciences in its enlightening and professional displays. Iguana Farm: An
iguana farm is close to Maya Mountain Lodge. Here the baby iguanas are hatched and raised
for release into the wild. |
| Canoe Trips (without guide): A variety of canoe trips are
available including the most popular one which covers the same run as the Macal Jungle
River Boat / Botanical Gardens. This can be a full day trip or a leisurely
full day trip with lunch and swimming along the way. |
|
Macal River Canoeing |
| Mountain Bike Trips (without guide): Trips to Xunantunich
Mayan ruins, to the Guatemalan border, to San Antonio Village and the Mountain Pine Ridge,
to the Mennonite Community, and to Belmopan, are all possible. Mountain Pine Ridge
requires an overnight in the Pine Ridge or vehicle shuttle. |
Cayo Horseback Riding |
Horseback Jungle trail ride with guide: Short and long
rides are available. Our guide knows the `bush' and bush survival skills very well. The
usual half day trip will take you along unpaved roads and paths to a variety of sights in
the San Ignacio area. |
| Mennonite Community: To get to this area, one must cross
the Belize River on a hand cranked ferry; it's takes about 1/2 hour by van to reach the
area. A modern community, it is an example of economic cooperation. You can visit any
number of small farm businesses, homes where cottage industry is practiced, and the main
Farmer's Trading Center. |
| Nearby San Ignacio Town: If you have a half day free,
you'll enjoy visiting San Ignacio town and Cahal Pech ruins, just one mile away. San
Ignacio town is a former logging town where the Macal River was used to float logs all the
way to Belize City. A view from the Cahal Pech area reveals the beautiful little town with
its two main streets and red tiled roofs...beyond a large orange grove, a meandering river
and...jungle. The people are warm, friendly, and well educated. They are a real
mix...there are Lebanese, Mayan, Creole, Hispanics, East Indian, some Garifuna and
Chinese, and a good number of immigrants from almost everywhere. You may enjoy just
walking around town for half a day visiting local gift shops, peaking into the tortilla
factories, and local restaurants. |
|
Entering San Ignacio |
Belize Zoo: More than just a zoo, this home-grown native
animal sanctuary is also an environmental and educational field station. Located at about
mile 30 on the Western Highway, it is very worthwhile.
MAYA MOUNTAIN LODGE: Books, maps, and other educational
materials are available for use during your visit. You may also request our natural
history and culture checklists. The staff will be happy to chat with you about our country
and its people. A staff discussion leader is available most evenings (Christmas to Easter)
to give cultural presentations. |
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