The
country of Belize is a very interesting place to
visit with a diverse culture and landscape.
Requests from anglers and non fishing visitors
wishing to know and see more of Belize have
prompted the Belize River Lodge to offer
customized personalized half day and full day
tours. Therefore, come and relax, and listen to
the sounds of our jungle wildlife. Inhale the
fragrances of our beautiful flowering plants.
Come and experience the natural beauty of
tropical Belize. Our tours are guided by English
speaking guides or tour operators, in whom we
have total confidence.
The areas of most interest include:
Maya Ruins; Caves & Waterfalls; Horseback
Riding; Bird Watching; River Trips to see
Manatees, Howler Monkeys, Iguanas, Turtles, &
sometimes Crocodiles; The Belize Zoo, with all
the native animals and snakes of Belize;
Snorkeling; Scuba Diving; San Pedro & HolChan,
Ambergris Caye; the Old & new Capital of Belize;
Local Villages; Wood Carvers at work; Tikal in
Guatemala; & much more.
Half day tours: include guide;
transportation; cooler with ice, soft drinks,
and good drinking water.
Full day tours: same as half day tour,
but also includes lunch.
What to bring: Loose fitting, light
weight, tropical type clothing; outdoor or
tennis shoes, a good sun hat with chin strap is
helpful, day pack, water bottle, camera,
binoculars
Half Day Tours
ALTUN
HA Rockstone Water: The nearest major Maya ruin
from the Lodge,Altun Ha was a major trading
center during the Classic Period. The famous
jade head of the Mayan sun god, Kinich Ahau, was
uncovered here. This site is a birder's
paradise.
BELIZE CITY: The old capital of British
Honduras is situated on the coast & is
surrounded by mangroves. It is still the busiest
& largest population center of Belize. The Swing
Bridge, St. John's Cathedral, Foreshore,
Courthouse, Baron Bliss Lighthouse, & Princess
Margaret Drive are areas of interest. You will
have a chance to souvenir shop.
THE BELIZE ZOO: This is the home to
approximately 100 species of our native Belizean
animals. Animals live as close to natural
habitat as possible while at the zoo; photo
opportunities for jaguars, tapirs, toucans,
margay, jabirus, & other exotic species
SNORKEL
BARRIER REEF: Short boat trip to Gallow's Point
for snorkeling the reef, where you will see
exotic tropical fish & many types of coral.
Relax & enjoy.
OLD BELIZE RIVER: Our Belize Old River was the
mainstream of activity for the first European
settlers, who used the river to transport
logwood & mahogany. Settlements along the river
still bear the names of those who first staked
out claims & worked the area. Crocodiles,
iguanas, many species of birds, snakes, turtles,
howler monkeys, possibly a manatee, & the flora
of the area are also sites on the tour.
Full Day Tours
LAMANAI & NEW RIVER: See birds & other
wildlife as you boat up the New River to Lamanai
(Submerged Crocodile). You will experience the
mystic of this Mayan site as you walk trails
through the jungle visiting the different
acropolises. This was one of the longest
occupied sites in the Mundo Maya world. Lamanai
also has a very interesting museum.
BEST OF THE WEST: Spend the day exploring the
Belize Zoo, Xunantunich, & Cahal Pech.
Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock) was a major
ceremonial Mayan site overlooking the Guatemala
border
& Cayo District. Climb to the top of El
Castillo, the largest temple of this site.
Travel on the Cahal Pech ( Place of the Tick)
which is a beautifully restored elite Maya
family residential area, located near the town
of San Iganacio. For a small fee, you can wander
around the newly built museum at Cahal Pech.
TIKAL: Bus through Guatemala deep into the
jungle, to the Mayan site of Tikal & the temples
of the grand jaguar. Of all the maya sites in
the region, Tikal is one of the most restored.
Approximately 90,000 people lived around this
acropolis. Exotic birds, wildlife, & the sacred
Ceiba tree will be seen on this tour. Tikal also
has a large museum.
CARACOL: (Available in the Dry Season Only)
Travel deep into the Chiquibul Forest Park, to
the Mayan site of Caracol (The Snail). Caracol
is still being excavated, yet it has already
offered many changes to the previously formed
concepts about the Maya.
Evidence shows that Caracol is bigger than Tikal,
and won a war over Tikal. Caana (the sky palace)
is the largest temple at the site, and the
largest building in the country of Belize today.
A museum is in the process of being opened at
the site.
MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE: Enjoy a relaxing day
traveling through our 300 sq. mile forest
reserve, comprised of hills & valleys, rivers &
waterfalls, swimming pools & caves, all
surrounded by magnificent Pine forests. Swim in
our enticing natural pools. Road & weather
conditions allowing, you will travel to the
Hidden 1000 ft Falls, a spectacular site amid
the tropical rainforest.
MANGROVE CATHEDRALS, MANATEE WATCH, & MIAMI
BEACH: Enjoy the boat ride through the
spectacular 60 - 90 foot high red mangroves,
which are the tallest ones in all of Belize.
Examples of the competition between the
environment & development will be pointed out &
explained as mangroves are an absolutely
essential part of the ecosystem. Continue on in
search of manatees in areas that they frequently
visit. You will pass by St. George's Caye, the
unofficial capital of British Honduras, settled
by the British in the 1600's. Swim at Miami
Beach, which isn't a beach at all, but a shallow
white sand bottom in crystal clear water,
frequented by a variety of saltwater fish.
SEARGENT'S CAYE & GOFF'S CAYE: Spend a
relaxing day island hopping. Sunbath & picnic on
a tiny island. Snorkel the day away watching
exotic tropical fish and observing the many
different types of coral.
SCUBA DIVING: Explore the reef from the
bottom up. Dive amid the coral of the Barrier
Reef, swimming with the tropical fishes.
Certified divers only.
MOUNTAIN EQUESTRIAN TRAILS: Horseback ride
through the jungle. Explore caves that were used
by he maya, and see there magnificent artifacts.
Note: You will be responsible for getting
yourself to MET; rental cars & taxis are
available.
IAN ANDERSON'S CAVE TOURS: Explore the mayan
ceremonial caves (Xibalba).
Mayan shamans & priests used these caves for
many ceremonial purposes. There are two tours
that we recommend, Footprint Cave, which is a
float tube wet tour, & Ceremonial Cave, which is
a dry cave tour. View the ceremonial alters,
artifacts, pottery, along with natural cave
crystal stalagmites & stalactites. Enjoy your
day exploring the mystical world of Xibalba.
Note: You will be responsible for getting
yourself to Ian Anderson's; rental car & taxis
are available.
