Ruta Maya 2016

Ruta Maya River Challenge 2016- March 4-7, 2016

The Ruta Maya River Challenge, held annually in March, brings together 90-100 teams of professional and amateur paddlers from all over the world. It is the longest race of its kind in Central America consisting of 170 miles of paddling on the Belize River over the course of 4 days. The paddlers are challenged by currents, rapids, low areas that require them to physically carry their canoes for short distances and stronger winds as they approach the Caribbean Sea.

The start of the race sees hundreds of locals and visitors trooping to the banks of the Macal River to watch the canoes pass and to cheer on their favourite teams. All teams consist of three members who must be aboard the canoe at the start of the race and no substitutes are allowed once the race has commenced.


The race of a life time: La Ruta Maya Challenge
Ready, set, paddle! The 18th Annual La Ruta Maya River Challenge, undoubtedly the most grueling canoe race in Belize, is less than a month away. Scheduled to take place from Friday, March 4th to Monday, March 7th, this test of stamina, endurance and strength will take racers through a 180-mile route along the Macal River in the Cayo District to the Belize River in the Belize District. Excited yet? In true Belizean style, the La Ruta Maya River Challenge is not only a weekend-long race, but also a weekend-long festive celebration of National Heroes and Benefactors Day, which falls on Wednesday, January 9th but is being observed on Monday. The race takes both participants and spectators through some of the most outstanding sceneries in the country. Of course cheering on those brave paddlers requires some incentives - how about beer, cocktails, classic Belizean eats and even live music? Yup, you are sure to find a party at the several stations of the race or pretty much at any point along the race route you choose.