While the offshore islands and beaches of Belize often get the lion’s share of attention, there is an entire world of adventure that awaits visitors on the mainland. If you’re heading to Belize on your next vacation, here are some of the most popular tours you can enjoy.
Cahal Pech and Xunantunich
For thousands of years, Belize was the heartland of the vast Maya Empire that stretched from Mexico down to El Salvador. One of the mightiest cities built by the ancient Maya was Xunantunich, a powerful state that vied with Tikal for dominance of the region. Today, visitors can explore giant pyramids, enormous temples, and observe the ongoing archeological excavation of the largest royal Maya tomb ever discovered.
Cahal Pech is a smaller city-state near the modern town of San Ignacio. Built for Maya nobles and royalty, Cahal Perch enjoys a fabulous view overlooking the conjunction of two rivers.
ATM Cave
As the ancient Maya civilization began to collapse, desperate priests used sacred ceremonial caves to offer up sacrifices in an attempt to appease the gods. Undisturbed for more than 1,000 years, Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is a treasure trove of artifacts, ritual objects, and a beautiful stone altar. But perhaps the greatest attraction for modern visitors are the complete skeletons of men, women, and young children that were sacrificed in bloody rituals that lie in the deep interior of the cave.
Cave Tubing and Zip Lining
One of Belize’s signature adventures is called cave tubing. Participants climb aboard inflatable inner tubes to gently float down jungle rivers through a series of enormous caves. Participants can marvel at the shimmering crystalline structures of enormous stalactites in the play of their flashlights while seeing skulls, pots, and ritual objects left behind by the ancient Maya.
Belize is home to some of the longest zip lines in the world. Participants climb up to platforms high in the trees and sail for hundreds of feet through the pristine canopy to gain a unique perspective on wildlife in the rainforest.
Uncharted Jewel Belize
All three of the above tours are the most popular day trips for visitors staying in the Placencia Peninsula area. These tours can be organized and booked with Uncharted Jewel Belize, the premier adventure travel company in southern Belize.
Uncharted Jewel Belize also offers ground transportation to and from anywhere in the country, including the international airport in Belize City, San Ignacio, Punta Gorda, Placencia, and Dangriga.