MAINLAND TOURS

Spanning 25 square miles, Altun Ha is made up of two central plazas surrounded by towering temples that enclose the palm-strewn land. Jade, jewelry, flints and skins are among the three hundred remnants.

The country’s most loved and well-known Mayan city, Altun Ha is one of Belize’s most excavated and restored locations - making it a favorite for visitors wanting to experience a true sense of ancient Maya civilization from centuries past. Its largest temple has made its way onto the face of the national currency, and onto the bottles of the country’s leading beer, Belikin.

Lamanai is cradled on the shores of the New River Lagoon and is thought to be the largest Mayan ceremonial site in the region. Spanning 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 hand-cranked ferry takes passengers and two cars at a time across the Mopan River at the Maya village of Succotz, and then it’s a short trip up the hill to the Temple of the ‘Stone Maiden,’ as Xunantunich is known locally.

Within the central square mile of Xunantunich are six plazas with over 26 temples, royal residences and other structures. The main pyramid, El Castillo, at 130 ft (40m) tall, is the second largest manmade structure in Belize (after Caracol), and is known for a finely wrought elaborate frieze running along the topmost, or later structures. The view from the top takes you into Guatemala and the Macal River Valley with the Maya Mountains in the distance and is well worth the climb. Often combined with a visit to Cahal Pech Maya Site or stop at the Belize Zoo

Caracol, a Classic Period complex, covers 30 square miles of thick, high-canopy jungle and includes five plazas, an astronomic observatory and over 35,000 buildings, which have been identified.

Although one of the most challenging Belize ruins to reach, the trip to Caracol is also one of the most scenic drives.The drive to the site in the early morning occasionally allows guests to take a glimpse of tapirs, jaguars or ocelots, as they break their forest cover to cross the road. The sprawling site contains huge Ceiba, Mahogany and Sapodilla trees and is superb for birding. Wildlife such as Howler and Spider monkeys, the Ocellated Turkey, Coatimundi, Gibnut and Grey Fox are often sighted.

Optional stops at Rio Frio Cave and Rio On Pools for swimming included.

The ancient city of Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an awesome combination of nature and archaeology.

This adventure starts early from Black Orchid Resort where our driver / guide will escort you across the border and into Guatemala where our Guatemalan Tour Operator leads the way to Tikal National Park. On your tour, you will learn about Maya civilization and history, the rulers of Tikal and the construction of the city, the mysterious downfall of the city, and information on the flora and fauna of the region. You will visit the Temple of the Jaguar, Great Plaza, Lost World and then scale Temple IV to look out over the jungle and the rest of the site. The tour will take most of the day and will include a break for lunch in the park.

NOT INCLUDED: Border Crossing Fee & Departure Fee which fluctuates but averages around $20 US per person.