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ARCHAEOLOGY TOURS ~ NATURE TOURS ~ ADVENTURE TOURS

ARCHAEOLOGY TOURS

Belize abounds with Mayan sites, and archaeologists are at present discovering precious information revealing that Belize was one of the most important stages in the Maya route. Some sites like Caracol will even be bigger than Tikal once they are completely excavated. Because of their immediate proximity, most Belizean Mayan sites can be visited in one day (with some exceptions as indicated below).

Altun Ha
Altun Ha means Water of the Rock. It was here that the largest carved jade object in the whole Maya area, a Jade Head, was found. This Jade Head represents the Sun God, Kinich Ahau, and can be seen in the corner of every Belizean banknote. Altun Ha was a major ceremonial center during the Classic Period (250-900A.D) and functioned as a vital trading center linking the Caribbean shores with other Maya centers. Altun Ha is located 31 miles north of Belize City.
Visit: full day

Caracol
Caracol (The Snail) was discovered in 1938. Caracol's place in Mayan history was brought to light when archaeologists excavated a round, elaborately carved stone altar that described a victory by Caracol over Tikal, once considered to be the most powerful Maya metropolis. In 1986, This discovery positioned Caracol as the supreme Maya city. It's largest pyramid stands 140ft (44 meters) high and is considered the tallest man made structure in Belize. Caracol is located in the Cayo district
Visit: full day

Xunantunich
Xunantunich (pronounced Su-nan-tu-nich) means Maiden of the Rock. It is the second tallest Maya ruin in Belize and is located across the river from the village of San Jose Succotz in the Cayo district. It stands 130ft (40 meters) high and gives a panoramic view of the Cayo District and Guatemala. Xunantunich was a major ceremonial site, built on a natural limestone ridge during the Classic Period. On the eastern side of one of the largest pyramid "El Castillo" is a frieze. The central mask represents the sun god, flanked by signs representing the moon, Venus, and different days. Three carved stelae found at Xunantunich are on display in the plaza. Located on one of the highest plateau of the area, this ancient ceremonial center is famous for its remarkable stucco frieze and its breathtaking panoramic view on the Cayo district and Guatemala.
Visit: ½ a day

Cahal Pech
Very nice site almost in the town of San Ignacio. You will visit the headquarters of wealthy Mayan families. Cahal Pech means Place of the Ticks. Cahal Pech is one of the medium sized Maya centers. It is situated along the bank of the Macal River in the Cayo District an offers visitors a panoramic view of San Ignacio and the Belize River Valley.
Visit: ½ a day

El Pilar
This site is considered to be the most important agricultural center and market in the area. It starts in Belize and spreads into Guatemala. Partially excavated, it is full of the undiscovered mysteries of ancient civilizations. A preliminary chronology, based on ceramic comparisons, has revealed that monumental constructions at El Pilar began in the Middle Pre-classic (500 B.C.) and continued with major remodeling completed in the Terminal Classic (1000 A.D.). This long sequence spans more than 15 centuries and testifies to a continuous and methodical development in the area. El Pilar has more than twenty-five identified plazas in an area of approximately 100 acres (38 hectares), ranking it equal with major centers of the lowland Maya region. It is the largest center in the Belize River area, more than three times the size of other well-known centers such as Baking Pot or Xunantunich. There are more than a dozen large pyramids and many range buildings. The site is divided into three primary sectors: Xaman (North) Pilar, Nohol (South) Pilar, and Pilar Poniente (West). The eastern and western sections are connected by an offset causeway system extending between two large public plazas. (Note: the road to El Pilar is literally across the street from the Riverside Lodge, making this a very easy to get to location, and as mentioned earlier, this is considered to be one of the more important archeological sites in Belize). 
Visit: ½ day

Lamanai
Lamanai means Submerged Crocodile. It is located in the Orange Walk district on the New River Lagoon. Lamanai, being one of Belize's largest ceremonial centers, displays the more exotic features of ancient Maya art and architecture. Lamanai had one of the longest occupation spans, dating from 1500B.C to the 19th century A.D.
Visit: full day

Lubaantun
Lubaantun, Place of Fallen Stones, is noted for it unusual style of construction. the large pyramids and terraces are made of dressed stone blocks with no mortar binding them together. The buildings on top of the pyramids were made of perishable materials and hence no longer remain. Lubaantun is located in Punta Gorda, Toledo district.
Visit: More than a day as this is located in Southern Belize.

Tikal (in Guatemala)
Tikal is the largest Mayan ceremonial center in Central America. The site is located deep in the jungle and in addition to spectacular temples, you will be able to see numerous birds such as toucans and parrots or different mammals such as howler monkeys, spider monkeys and deer. A must see.
Visit: full day

NATURE TOURS

Conscious of its amazing natural resources, Belize is one of the most environmentally conscious countries in the world. Two thirds of its territory are natural reserves where animal and vegetation species are protected. The following tours will allow you to visit these national parks and private reserves.

Belize Zoo
You can visit the Belize Zoo on your way to or from the Riverside Lodge if your flight schedule allows it. Animals at the zoo are not kept in small cages but in wide areas that allow them to run and play

Mountain Pine Ridge
The Mountain Pine Ridge is a very special region in the Cayo district. Magically enough for a sub tropical climate, pines are growing there around the river and creeks. You will visit Big Rock Falls, the Rio on Pools where you can have lunch and swim, and the Rio Frio Cave. To reach the Pine Ridge, you will go through the small village of San Antonio, one of the last places in the world where people talk Maya.

Jungle Medicine Trail
The Panti Medicine Trail is located at about 15 minutes from San Ignacio. You will learn about all the plants and flowers used by the Mayas as remedies.

Natural History center and Blue Morfo butterfly farm
In the same area as the Medicine trail. The natural history centers provides a comprehensive introduction to the natural history and geography of Belize, particularly of the Cayo District.

Butterfly Farm
Tropical Wings. A huge butterfly house in which most of the species in Belize are represented. Tropical wings also has a small museum with information on Belize wildlife.

ADVENTURE TOURS

River Tour
One day canoe tour on the Macal or Mopan Rivers. During your tour, our guide will show you all the wildlife living along the river.

River Tour Special
Two days canoe trip on the Belize River. This is a total "log off from civilization". You will sleep in jungle camps along the river, observe hundreds of animals in their natural habitat, and for a few days, you will forget that earth is inhabited by billions of persons.

Kayaking and archeology
Your day will start with a hike to the Che Chem Ha pottery cave and to the nearby beautiful waterfalls. You will then kayak on the Mopan river for 2 ½ hours. Some class 2 rapids are waiting for you. Not too difficult but fun for all.

Caving
Mayans appreciated the magical architectural skills of nature. That is why they used caves as sanctuaries. You will discover these surrealistic underground landscapes as you canoe in a 7-mile deep cave called Barton Creek.

Actun Tunichil Muknal - Caving Trip Special
The Cave of the Stone Sepulcher. Your tour starts with a 45 minute-hike in the jungle where you will be crossing the river and observing numerous kinds of birds. The cave of the stone sepulcher is a unique place where, in addition to spectacular underground landscapes, you will discover hundreds of Maya potteries, altars and even the crystallized skeleton of a young Maya girl. You will need to swim the underground river to reach the main chambers. This tour is THE adventure expedition

If you want more adventure, choose an overnight trip to the cave and also visit the Handprints cave. If you still want more, we will add some rappelling in the Handprints cave.

Jungle Treks
Five Blues Lake: You can choose to spend one or two days (overnight in a jungle camp) hiking in the jungle and living with nature. You will come back with amazing souvenirs of cohabitation with wild animals and untamed nature. This adventure tour leads you to the Five Blues Lake near the Blue Hole National Park. You will hike in the jungle, visit a cave and canoe on the lake.

Bird Watching
Santa Familia Sinkholes: This is a special tour for bird watchers. You will be hiking for 4 to 6 hours in a dense jungle where numerous species of birds are living. The Orange Breasted Falcons are nesting in the area. The sinkholes are gorgeous (the biggest ones are 400 feet deep and 200 feet wide). Of course they attract lots of animals that come to quench their thirst. You will have lunch and swim at the Sinkholes. You can choose an overnight trip to the Santa Familia Sinkholes. It will give you the possibility to do a night walk and to observe night birds. On day two, you will visit the Mayan site of El Pilar (just across the road from our Lodge !!!).

Horse back riding
You will be able to ride with our guide along one of the beautiful rivers of Cayo or deeper in the jungle for a half day or a whole day.

For Reservations Call: 

Intl. 011-501-820-4007 

Toll Free from the U.S. 888-368-6120

Local (while in Belize) 820-4007 

Snail Mail: Riverside Lodge, Bullet Tree Falls, Cayo District, Belize, Central America

Email:  Riverside@btl.net