Upon arrival in Belize City, be met by a guide who will assist with the transfer to the Cayo Disctrict. En route, visit the Belize Zoo and the Xunantunich Maya Site. 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.


Lunch and a great shopping opportunity will recharge the batteries for the afternoon's delights! Tour continues along the Western Highway through San Ignacio in the Cayo District, until we arrive at the village of San Jose Succotz where a hand cranked ferry carries vehicle and passengers to the other side of the Mopan River. One more mile will bring the visitor to the impressive Maya Site of Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock). A major ceremonial center, and one of the countries larger excavated sights, the view from the largest pyramid El Castillo is remarkable.


Note: if one is to arrive in the afternoon, a night in Belize City will be required.
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It takes 45 minutes approximately from San Ignacio to this exciting canoe trip into a remote cave formerly used by the ancient Mayans as a burial site and for ceremonial purposes. A visit to Barton Creek Cave involves spending over an hour paddling canoes along an ancient Mayan waterway inside the mountain. The guide will point out skulls and artifacts as one passes between stalactites. The high ceiling, beautiful rock flows and cathedral chambers make this a beautiful place to photograph. The cave is adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Mayan pottery shards and bones can be observed by the guide’s spotlights.
After lunch have a relaxing afternoon at the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch where one can enjoy the unique pleasure of seeing beautiful and spectacular butterflies fluttering about in a tropical environment; flitting and feeding from flower to flower. See the amazing life cycle of the butterfly and compare the colors and difference of caterpillars and cocoons. The Belize Butterfly House, Located in the Cayo district, between limestone’s hills covered with lush vegetation one will find "Green Hills", the Belize Butterfly Ranch and Botanical Collections. Flocks of butterflies, from brilliant blue to gorgeous orange, dazzling yellow to intriguing gray, fly freely in a 3,300 sq. ft., beautifully landscaped flight area: The largest live butterfly display in Belize. En-route to the cave one will drive through the traditional Mennonite village of Upper Barton Creek.
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Transfer from the hotel 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. The guide will point out various plants, roots, and herbs once used by the ancient Mayas. The entrance tunnel that heads into the underground cave system is the start of an eye-opening adventure. The guide hands out flashlights just before floating in inflated inner tubes assisted by a gentle current that takes 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 shoes or water shoes. A change of clothes, shoes and a towel are recommended. Eat a delicious lunch of rice, beans and stewed chicken, a Belizean specialty.

Land transfer back to Belize City to take the flight to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
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Half-day snorkel trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Afternoon of leisure.

Day of leisure.

Day of leisure.

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.