Private Tour Highlights
- Enjoying an introduction to Belize wildlife at the Belize Zoo, home to many species not easily seen in the wild.
- Being immersed in the breathtaking natural scenery while staying at Mountain Pine Ridge, with opportunities for horse riding and cave tubing.
- Getting up close to one of the world’s great coral reefs with resident Southern Stingrays and Nurse Sharks while diving Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
- Unwinding on the idyllic shores of Belize’s largest Island, Ambergris Caye.
Tour Overview
Belize for Wildlife Lovers tour is like no other, with its exhilarating experiences and enthralling wildlife encounters! Located in western Belize, San Ignacio serves as the capital of the Cayo District. The number of activities to do here are endless. Spend your days swimming in jungle-clad rivers, canoeing or crawling through mysterious caves, observing the birds, butterflies and other wildlife, or learn about the secrets of the ancient Maya. San Ignacio is a great place to base yourself to explore the Cayo District. The local vibe of the area will intrigue and give a great sense of the community.
Mountain Pine Ridge is a nature reserve in the Cayo District of southern central Belize. It was established in 1944 to protect and manage the native pine forest. The reserve is home to various large mammals, including Cougars, Jaguars, Ocelots, White-nosed Coatis, and Baird’s Tapirs. If you visit between Autumn and Spring, you may also see the Hepatic Tanager and Chipping Sparrow. Raptors cruise the valleys of the Pine Ridge, and it’s the most likely place in Belize to see Orange breasted Falcons. Mountain Pine Ridge offers a truly unique experience, and unforgettable memories will be made here.
Ambergris Caye is the largest island of Belize. It’s located northeast of the country in the Caribbean Sea. The best part of this island is the fact that it hasn’t been modified by man. It is mostly a ring of white sand beach that surrounds a mangrove swamp. San Pedro is the largest settlement and only town on Ambergris. The island is also dotted with a number of small villages and resorts. The main attractions are the beaches and the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest worldwide. Snorkeling and diving are highlights to exploring this beautiful corner of the world.
Inclusions
San Ignacio Activities
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour
Actun Tunichil Muknal is a 40 min drive from banana bank,50 min hike through the Tapir mountain Nature Reserve(flat Trail) 3stream crossings during the 50min. hike. water level is just about knee deep. You will be required to swim into the entrance 15ft. in length and about 15ft. deep. We will continue hiking through a break down which is maze of rocks that fell from the ceiling. Here we will be going through a tunnel with water about waist deep and the ceiling about a foot over your head. We will continue the next 1/2 hr. with water level varying from ankle to chest deep. The ceiling would be about 30ft above your head. water temp. 70 degrees Fahrenheit. After the 1/2 hr. hike we will be climbing out of the river on an incline about 40ft. high to get to the main chamber. Here we will spend 2 hours looking at the artifacts, human remains and beautiful formations. At the end of the chamber we will be heading back out the same path that we took in.
We require that guests have proper hiking boots or tennis shoes ( tevas not allowed) change of dry clothing for after the tour. Be able to hike from the time we depart the vehicle to the end of the cave and back to vehicle. ( 5 1/2 hrs hiking). We will provide all necessary gear helmets, light batteries, etc. Shorts and T-shirts recommended. On tour there will be a few tight spaces for a few seconds each time.
Cave Tubing/Ziplining tour
A transfer from Belize City on the Western Highway brings you to the Cave Branch River and its winding path through the Maya Mountain and numerous ancient caves once inhabited by the Maya. On arrival at Jaguar Paw, be prepared for a 45-minute jungle trail hike. Your guide will point out various plants, roots, and herbs once used by the ancient Maya. The entrance tunnel that heads into the underground cave system is the start of an “eye opening” adventure. Your guide hands out lights, and you are ready to float in inflated inner tubes assisted by gentle current taking you through the cave system. Intricate crystalline formations line the caves and stalagmites and stalactites add to the serene opulence of nature. Come dressed in bathing suits, T-shirts, shorts, tennis shoe or water shoes. A change of clothes, shoes and a towel are recommended. Dine on a freshly prepared local lunch of rice and Beans and Stewed Chicken, a Belizean Specialty
Aerial Trek is a zip-line tour through broadleaf rainforest and begins with a ten minute hike through the rainforest to the starting platform. The tour features an intricate harness system of pulleys on horizontal traverse cables which lets you “zip” 100 – 124 feet between treetop platforms secured 70 feet high at canopy level. This level literally gives you a bird’s eye view of all the tropical palms and trees. A truly unforgettable experience!
Half Day Xunantunich
Xunantunich in Maya is “The Stone Maiden”. The site is about 30 minutes from San Ignacio and is only accessible by taking a hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River. Xunantunich is one of the most popular Maya sites in Belize and was one of the first to be excavated and opened to the public. Standing atop “El Castillo”, the largest pyramid at the site, you will have a panoramic view of western Belize and eastern Guatemala. The tour requires about 3 hours.
Aerial Trek
A 37 mile trip up the Western Highway brings you to Jaguar Paw Resort, your headquarters for the day. Aerial Trek is a zip-line tour through broadleaf rainforest. The tour features and intricate harness system of pulleys on horizontal traverse cables which let you "zip" 100 - 124 feet between treetop platforms secured 70 feet height at canopy level. This lever literally gives you a bird's eye view of all the tropical palms and trees. The tour begins with a ten minute hike through the rainforest to the starting platform; the next 2 hours are spent flying through the forest with the birds, and like a bird! - a truly unforgettable experience! At the end, whet your appetite with freshly prepared rice and beans and savory chicken!
Mountain Pine Ridge Activities
Barton Creek Cave
Includes Kayaking through the cave, cliff jumping, and riding the zip line down from the top of the cave to the entrance that the Maya believed was the portal to the underworld used by there rain god.
Rio Frio Caves
This cave is located in a beautiful part of Belize and features Mayan relics and a 65-foot tall opening.
Green Hills Butterfly Ranch
Green Hills literally has thousands of live butterflies on display in a 4,000 square feet walk-in flight area.
Horseback riding
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Tour
See the spectacular beauty of the Mountain Pine Ridge area, including the waterfall, the Rio On Rapids and the Rio Frio Caves amongst others (road and weather conditions permitting). Return to Belize City at approximately 4:30 PM. Lunch included. Full day.
Package Price: From £$ 3854
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Belize City
Upon read more...
Upon arrival in Belize City, be met by the guide who will assist with the transfer to the Cayo Disctrict. En route visit the Belize Zoo. The Belize Zoo is located at Mile 31 on the Western Highway, a 40-minute drive from Belize City. Only indigenous species are housed at the Zoo, all of which have been either rescued or donated from owners who could not take care of the animals properly. The "guests" are housed in large compounds containing what would be their natural habitat. Birds, cats, crocodiles, monkeys, the list seems endless. A great opportunity to view and photograph those beasts of the rainforest not easily seen in the wild. Continue to the hotel in San Ignacio. ...read less
Optional Excursions
Today, choose from a variety of excursions according to one’s own interests and level of activity (one excursion included in trip cost). One may want to visit the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, go Cave Tubing/Zip lining, visit Xunantunich, or go on an Aerial Trek. Overnight in San Ignacio.
Today, choose from a variety of excursions according to one’s own interests and level of activity (one excursion included in trip cost). One may want to visit the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, go Cave Tubing/Zip lining, visit Xunantunich, or go on an Aerial Trek. Overnight in San Ignacio.
Mountain Pine Ridge
Transfer to the hotel in Mountain Pine Ridge. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Transfer to the hotel in Mountain Pine Ridge. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Optional Excursions
Today, choose from a variety of excursions according to one’s own interests and level of activity (one excursion included in trip cost). One may want to visit the Barton Creek Cave, go to the Rio Frio Caves, visit the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch, go Horseback riding, or enjoy a Mountain Pine Ridge Forest tour. Overnight in Mountain Pine Ridge.
Today, choose from a variety of excursions according to one’s own interests and level of activity (one excursion included in trip cost). One may want to visit the Barton Creek Cave, go to the Rio Frio Caves, visit the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch, go Horseback riding, or enjoy a Mountain Pine Ridge Forest tour. Overnight in Mountain Pine Ridge.
Ambergris Caye
Transfer back to Belize City airport for the flight to San Pedro. Upon arrival in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the hotel.
Transfer back to Belize City airport for the flight to San Pedro. Upon arrival in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the hotel.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Half-day snorkel trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley This site is becoming one of the hottest marine attractions in the Caribbean. Here, dive parties can witness dozens of Southern Stingrays and Nurse Sharks swirl and dance gracefully while being orchestrated by a dive master’s bag of snacks. Afternoon of leisure.
Half-day snorkel trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley This site is becoming one of the hottest marine attractions in the Caribbean. Here, dive parties can witness dozens of Southern Stingrays and Nurse Sharks swirl and dance gracefully while being orchestrated by a dive master’s bag of snacks. Afternoon of leisure.
Flight Home
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Belize, or choose from optional add-ons in Belize, Guatemala (Tikal) or other Central American countries.
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Belize, or choose from optional add-ons in Belize, Guatemala (Tikal) or other Central American countries.
San Ignacio, Belize The Green House, San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Cayo, Belize
Ambergris Caye, Corozal, Belize
Places You'll See
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San Ignacio
Known for its lush forests, waterfalls and archeological sites, San Ignacio is the place for adventure. Hike and trek through the dense jungle and visit ancient Mayan sites such as Xunantunich, once a Maya ceremonial center. Also, get acquainted with nature with a visit to the Noj Ka’ax H’Men Eljio Panti National Park.
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Ambergris Caye
Take in the striking white sands and blue waters at Ambergris Caye, the largest Island of Belize. With so many options for entertainment and adventure, one will never grow bored! Take on the Mayan Underworld, a series of caves that one can experience through tubing. Enjoy the wildlife with birding or scuba diving, or just relax in the soft snow-white sands.
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Mountain Pine Ridge
There’s no other place to connect with nature quite like Mountain Pine Ridge. Enjoy the cool temperatures in this lush pine forest while observing local wildlife. Home to some of the region’s largest waterfalls and intricate caving systems, explore the area by foot, bike or even hoof!
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Testimonials
Andy and Joan.
Traveled August, 2015
Both Joan and I had a fabulous time away
Both Joan and I had a fabulous time away and very much appreciate everything that you did to make it possible. The wildlife, particularly the sea turtles we saw laying their eggs, the monkeys, the tapir we tracked, and all of the different bird types that we encountered, were all great experiences. We also enjoyed the relaxation time that we had in Belize, where the snorkeling and diving was also good.
Traveled To
Kay E.
Traveled August, 2012
thanks for all the work you did to make this a memorable experience
Mom loved Belize we are already thinking about the possibilities of a family trip someday soon. She did her first ever (at 83) snorkelling and her first golf cart ride the country is delightful and everwhere we went the people were fantastic. I would recommend this trip to anyone and have already mentioned it to several people (even in airports) our guides at Lamanai were very knowledgeable and attentive San Pedro was so different from the jungle what a fantastic experience. We did get a boat to the Blue Hole thanks for all the work you did to make this a memorable experience!!
Traveled To
Mark & Jill
Traveled December, 2015
Thanks again for the usual great Yampu trip.
We loved everything – it really was a perfect itinerary and all the transports were great. The hotels were really top-notch and just what we expected. We did a river tour on the first day in the Black Orchid that we enjoyed. The Belize Zoo is really unique and worth the visit. We also thought the Mayan ruins in both Belize and Guatemala were exceptional. We liked the cave tubing. Ramon’s Village was very good and the water activities superb.
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