Belize is a treasure trove of adventures in nature and history.  From the brilliant coral reefs, home to a wealth of be-jeweled fish, that lay beneath the azure Caribbean Sea to the snaking slow rivers and hidden foot paths that wind their way to sites were the ancient Maya once reigne. Belize has something for the adventurer that’s hidden within you.  Let Black Orchid Resort help you make your adventures in Belize unforgettable. 

Lamanai is cradled on the shores of the New River Lagoon and is thought to be the largest Mayan ceremonial site in the region.  Expanding over a huge expanse on the Belize New River, Lamanai boasts over 800 structures deep in the lush jungle.  Lamanai, meaning “Submerged Crocodile” in Mayan, was occupied as early as 1500 B.C. and the small onsite museum has precious artifacts on display portraying well over 2000 years of Mayan History.

A short 45-minute drive from Black Orchid Resort brings you to the Tower Hill Bridge where you will board a riverboat for a spectacular ride along the slow moving jungle river spotting along the way for elusive crocodiles, colorfully plumed birds and curios Howler monkeys. 

After a delicious lunch you will set off to explore the Lamanai and all its glories.  Huge masks depicting ancient rulers and powerful gods peer out at you from the dense jungle as you make your way to the Ball Court, the Jaguar Temple and the Lag Temple, where you’ll be able to ascend 125 feet to the top and take in the breathe-taking view of the all of Lamanai, the New River Lagoon and the surrounding Archeology Reserve.

Before leaving Lamanai you’ll visit the small on-site museum that offers and array of interesting discoveries and facts.  Then it is back on board the boat where you travel back to the Tower Hill Bridge and then back to your home away from home the Black Orchid Resort.

Full Day Tour ~ Private Boat

$200.00 U.S. per couple 
$45.00 each additional Person

Head out from Belize Riverbank Retreat for a day filled with unsurpassed beauty – a day of hiking, swimming and basking in nature’s glory – a day in Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge.  This area of Belize is renowned for the rivers, falls, swimming holes and caves, tucked away amongst the hills and valleys of this majestic pine forest. Your adventures for the day will take you to Thousand-Foot Falls, the Rio On Pools and Rio Frio Cave – three of Belize’s most incredible sites. 

Follow the stepping stone trail into 65 foot arched entranceway of the Rio Frio Cave. This cave is adorned with glistening stalactites hanging from its grand cathedral-like vaulted ceiling and is part of a cave system the ancient Maya once used to bury their dead. Massive boulders are spread throughout the cave and a stream flows through, forming pools with cascading falls.  A short quarter mile hike brings you to a beach area with a footbridge for crossing the stream and getting to the other side and ultimately back out into the beautiful Belizean sunlight. 

Thousand-Foot Falls is believed to be the highest waterfall in Central America and is actually over 1,500 ft. to the bottom. An observation deck overlooking the falls also gives you a breathtaking view of the valley below. 

Rio On Pools is a series of pools, formed by immense granite boulders, many of which are connected by small waterfalls. The boulders’ smooth surfaces make incredible natural water slides and a great place for a swim or a hike.

Enjoy the return drive home to Belize Riverbank Retreat reflecting on the day’s adventures.  

Full Day Tour

Rio Frio Cave $100 U.S. per person Min 2 persons

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Set off from Black Orchid Resort for the lush tropical forests of Belize.  Your journey will take you into the foothill of the majestic Maya Mountains and on to the Caves Branch River.  This winding river is dotted with numerous limestone caves that were once inhabited by the ancient Maya. 

From Caves Branch you’ll hike 45 minutes down a jungle trail where your knowledgeable guide will point out the various plants, roots and herbs once used by the ancient Maya for medicinal purposes.  Before you know it you will have arrived at the cave entrance, a tunnel, which heads into the underground cave system and the beginning of a true explorer’s adventure.   Climb into your inner tube, turn on your headlamp and allow the gentle flow of the river guide you. Dazzling and complex crystalline formations line the caves and give way to the grand rise and fall of stalagmites and stalactites add to the tranquil magnificence of nature.  Emerge into the sunlight only to return to the Mayan underworld of Xibalba, when you enter into another cave system.  This day is truly a scene right out of your favorite jungle adventure movie and one you will never forget.

Full Day Tour

$45 U.S. per person min 2 persons

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Leave Black Orchid Resort at 8:00 a.m. traveling the Western Highway en route to the Belize Zoo.  The Belize Zoo is dedicated entire to animals that are native to Belize - over 100 species including Belize's national animal - the tapir and the national bird – the keel billed toucan.  These along with parrots, crocodiles, howler and spider monkeys, and endangered species like jaguars all can be seen here in their natural setting.  Your tour of the zoo last about 2 hours.  

After lunch you’ll continue west along the highway to San Ignacio in the beautiful Cayo district and then on Xunantunich (Maya for Maiden of the Rock).  To gain entrance to this ancient city you must cross the Mopan River on a nineteenth century hand-cranked ferry.  The Xunantunich archeological site actually rests atop on one of the highest plateaus in the area which only adds to the incredible views when you venture to the top of "El Castillo", the largest of the temples at this site.  From this vantage point you can take in the splendors of Cayo and across into neighboring Guatemala.

Full Day Tour

Belize Zoo $45 U.S. per person Min 2 persons
Xunantunich $75 U.S. per person Min. 2 persons

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The Blue Hole National Park is approximately an hour and a half from Black Orchid Resort, situated along the scenic Hummingbird Highway.    The park is over 800 acres in size features swimming, hiking nature trails and St. Herman's Cave.   The parks namesake, the Blue Hole, is an inland sinkhole that was formed years ago by the collapse of an underground river passage.   Be sure to bring some swimwear with you, this inviting pool of azure water is almost impossible to resist and its cool waters invigorating.  New additions to the park include an observation tower and campsites.  On the ride back, stop and enjoy the Belize Zoo, home to over 100 species of native Belizean animals in their natural surroundings, if you wish.

Full Day Tour

$100 U.S. per person

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Belize was once home to one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen, the Maya, and the country is peppered with grand and often hidden remnants of their reign.  Allow Black Orchid Resort take you to walk in the footsteps of these ancient people at sites like Caracol and Altun Ha.

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Belize is noted for its diversity of bird species, from wading birds to the great macaws, as well as its migratory stopovers. With over 520 species, it is a bird watcher’s paradise. Around 370 species are residents and about 150 species are transients, who spend their summers up north and their winters in Belize.

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The Belize Barrier Reef and the colorful creatures that call it home provide an exquisite backdrop for some of the world’s premier marine activities.   Black Orchid Resort works with carefully selected tour providers to offer exciting adventures in snorkeling, diving and fishing that can be customized to your needs.

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