Exploring Maya Ruins

There are several fascinating day trips to Maya ruins in both Belize and nearby Guatemala. We find that most of our guests include at least one trip to the ruins.


  • Altun Ha
     Known as the Jungle River Trip. Travel by boat to the mainland and up the jungle river; transfer to a van for the trip to Altun Ha. This is a chance to learn a bit of history of the ancient Maya and see rural Belize. Much of the wood carving from Belize is made in this area. You may find some that you would like to take home. You will stop for lunch at Maruba, a jungle lodge with a distinctly different flavor. You pay for lunch, but there is no charge for swimming or even horseback riding, so go prepared.

    $58/person


  • Lamanai by Seaplane
     Depart from the San Pedro airport about 8:30. Get a birds-eye-view of the reef and coastal region of Belize as you head westward for touch-down on the New River Lagoon. This trip yields the most interesting insights into the Maya as they were affected by both the English and the Spanish. This trip includes a tour of three temples and a Maya Ball Court, as well as the crumbling remains of a Catholic church built around 1850 and an English Sugar Mill. A small museum stacked with Maya pottery found at Lamani is located on the grounds.
    Take your binoculars; there are many beautiful birds to be seen along the way (my personal favorite is the red legged honey creeper, alert the guide if you are especially interested in spotting one). Lunch is included at Lamani Outpost, a pleasant jungle lodge over looking the New River Lagoon.
    $125/person

  • Xunantunich
     Fly over neighboring cayes and along the second longest barrier reef in the world. At Belize City, your guide will pick you up and take you across the entire width of mainland Belize (75mi) to Xunantunich. See El Castillo, which Maya Astronomers used as an observatory to study the cosmos and the weather. On your way back stop in San Ignacio for lunch and then drive through Belmopan. It is hard to believe that this tiny town is the new capital of Belize. Last stop is the Belize Zoo. The Belize Zoo has only birds and animals of Belize and plays an important part in the education for the preservation of the environment.
    $110/person

  • Tikal
     Tikal is just across the Belize/Guatemala border. It is without a doubt the most spectacular Maya site. Vast areas have been restored. These restorations include temples, palaces, shrines, ceremonial platforms, private residences, ball-courts, causeways and plazas. Trip includes round trip air, ground transportation, park fees, guide, and a box lunch. Not included are the government departure fees from Belize and Guatemala and shopping (beautiful weavings are available at a stop near Tikal).
    $250/person



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