Maya Ruins

Maya Ruins index (click to scroll down):

ALTUN HA / MARUBA JUNGLE SPA
By boat

This full day adventure takes you around the island of Ambergris Caye, over to the mainland of Belize, up into the old Northern River, by boat, to the village of Bomba where your van ride awaits to take you along the unspoiled Pan American Highway. Explore the ancient trading post of Altun Ha, where you shall learn about the Mayan way of life. From there, travel by land to the incredible and famous Maruba Jungle Spa, where you will have the opportunity to savor a wonderful lunch and enjoy swimming in a freshwater pool or for an extra charge, explore the jungle on horseback, or pamper yourself with amazing spa treatments!

Departs: 8:15am
Returns: 5:00pm
Available: Fridays mostly
Includes: Roundtrip water and land transfers, guided tour by knowledgeable expeditions guides and refreshments.
*Lunch, entrance fee of US$5 per person, horseback riding or spa treatments is NOT included.

CAVE TUBING & XUNANTUNICH
With round-trip transfer by private boat



After an hour boat ride to Belize City, your adventure will begin with a scenic drive up the Western Highway to the Cayo (pronounced Ky-o) District. Xunantunich (Maya for “Maiden of the Rock”) sits just inside the Western border of Belize. Before reaching the entrance of this ancient city, your party will board a 19th century hand-cranked ferry which takes you across the Mopan River. The ruins are actually located on one of the highest plateaus in the area and it is possible to climb to the top of “El Castillo”, the largest of the temples at this site. From this vantage point, one gains a panoramic view of the Cayo District and nearby Guatemala.

After lunch you enjoy cave tubing in the Caves Branch River and its winding waterway through the ancient caves once inhabited by the Maya.

Departs: 6:00am (Flight Option)
  6:45am (Boat Option)
Returns: 5:30-6:00pm
*Includes light breakfast, lunch, beverages, guide and transportation from/to Portofino.

LAMANAI RUINS / JUNGLE RIVER ADVENTURE
with round-trip transfer by domestic flight
with round-trip transfer by private boat

After a 15-minute flight or an hour boat ride to Belize City you will take a 1-hour drive up the Northern Highway, to Tower Hill where you will board a river boat and head up the New River. While traversing the many little creeks and lagoons, you are likely to encounter hawks, kites and falcons. You may also see dainty Jacanas lightly walking on the lily pads while the crocodiles bask in the morning sunlight. At the entrance to the New River Lagoon, the ruins of Lamanai (Maya for “Submerged Crocodile”) rise into view. While touring this site, huge masks depicting dead rulers and gods seem to materialize out of the rainforest amid the chatter of birdlife and the haunting call of the Howler Monkeys.

Departs: 6:00am (Flight Option)
  6:45am (Boat Option)
Returns: 5:30-6:00pm
*Includes transportation from/to Portofino, guide, lunch, bottle water.

XUNANTUNICH & BARTON CREEK
with round-trip transfer by domestic flight

After a fifteen-minute flight into Belize City, your adventure will begin with a scenic drive up the Western Highway to the Cayo (pronounced Ky-o) District. Xunantunich (Maya for “Maiden of the Rock”) sits just inside the Western border of Belize. Before reaching the entrance of this ancient city, your party will board a 19th century hand-cranked ferry which takes you across the Mopan River. The ruins are actually located on one of the highest plateaus in the area and it is possible to climb to the top of “El Castillo”, the largest of the temples at this site. From this vantage point, one gains a panoramic view of the Cayo District and nearby Guatemala.

Next, you will continue to Barton Creek Cave in Amish territory. Equipped with canoes and high-powered lights you will paddle into Xibalba (she-bal-ba). As you glide through the cave system you will be dazzled by the glistening crystalline rock formations and awed by the Mayan artifacts secretly tucked away in overhead alcoves.

Departs: 6:00am
Returns: 6:00pm
*Includes transportation from/to Portofino, guide, lunch, bottle water.