Belize Naturalist Guide

Located on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful town of San Ignacio is the Cahal Pech Maya site and the Visitor Center. This site is one of the oldest Maya ruins in Belize.

This pontoon jungle tour takes you to see some of San Ignacio’s inland waterfalls. You have the freedom to customize this tour to suit your interests—you can hike to one of the waterfalls or simply relax on the boat.

Monkey River is surrounded by dense jungle, and as a result, much of this area is a protected zone. On this tour, you’ll go boating down the river and hike over newly blazed trails.

Belize has a large diversity of attractions, with some that can be found in the world’s second Largest Barrier and atolls that supports great Eco system, which lays to the east of Belize.

This 6-hour tour takes you two of Belize’s most interesting inland nature attractions – St. Herman’s Cave and the Inland Blue Hole. In addition to sightseeing, you’ll also get in some hiking through the forest and a swim in one of Belize’s prettiest swimming holes.To reach these spots, you’ll make your way through a lively jungle, where you’ll have the chance to see a huge variety of birds. Keep in mind that this hike is on the more challenging side, so make sure you’re ready for an active day.

Take this tour into depths of the mysterious and enchanting Barton Creek Cave. Barton Creek flows through the cave, allowing you to paddle through its interior. This tour also introduces you to some interesting archeological remains.

The Barton Creek Tour is good for people of all ages. You’ll get go caving in a canoe and see Mennonites, Maya ruins, and some stunning Belize jungle. It also includes a visit to Green Hills Butterfly Farm, which is research orientated. The main flight area makes it possible to study interactions between different butterfly species.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking natural beauty of Mountain Pine Ridge. This tour takes you to a variety of stunning sites, each offering unique experiences. Families with young children or non-swimmers should keep a close eye on little ones at all locations to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Getting There: Our adventure kicks off at 8:00 AM as we depart from San Ignacio, traveling through the charming villages of Christo Rey and San Antonio, primarily inhabited by local farmers along the scenic Macal River. As we ascend into the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, we'll check in with the Park Ranger before exploring three incredible destinations: RIO FRIO CAVE: Experience the grandeur of this cave, featuring two impressive 65-foot entrances that invite natural light. Marvel at the enormous stalactites and the cathedral-like vaults as a stream meanders through, creating tranquil pools and cascading waterfalls. RIO ON POOLS AND FALLS: A true gem along the Mountain Pine Ridge, Rio On Pools is perfect for a family outing. A short, easy walk from the parking area leads you to breathtaking pools nestled among ancient boulders. Enjoy natural whirlpools or slide into the refreshing waters. The varying depths of the pools cater to both adventurous kids and those seeking a more relaxed experience. BIG ROCK FALLS: Discover the awe-inspiring Big Rock Falls, tucked away in the escarpment. Here, water cascades over massive 150-foot rock formations, creating a mesmerizing sight. Dive into the cool, inviting pool below for a refreshing swim—it's an experience you'll cherish, whether alone, with friends, or with family. Departure: After exploring these natural wonders, we’ll make our way back to San Ignacio, with an anticipated return around 4:00 PM, depending on your pace. Embark on this adventure and immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes of Mountain Pine Ridge!

Step into the mesmerizing world of Actun Tunichil Muknal, famously known as the Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre, and uncover the secrets of the ancient Maya. This extraordinary cave is home to numerous skeletal remains, including the renowned “Crystal Maiden,” an 18-year-old sacrifice victim whose calcified bones sparkle like crystals. Ranked as one of the Top Ten Caves in the World by National Geographic, ATM is a breathtaking journey into the Maya underworld, "Xibalba." The cave has been featured in documentaries by National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, and History, making it a must-see for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike. Important Notes: Difficulty Level: Active This tour is suitable for physically fit individuals comfortable with hiking for 4+ hours, walking in water, and navigating small spaces. It is not recommended for those with disabilities, heart conditions, back or leg problems, or claustrophobia.

Barton Creek Cave is a dynamic, living cave, continually expanding with 10 feet of water flowing through it. The ancient Mayans believed that their gods dwelled in such sacred places, particularly Barton Creek Cave because of its abundant water. They revered the cave as the dwelling of Chaac, the Mayan God of Water. During times of drought or when rain was needed for their crops, the Mayans would enter Barton Creek Cave to offer sacrifices, believing that young virgins were the most suitable gifts to appease the gods. The cave was deeply respected and feared, seen as a gateway to the underworld. Nearby, Big Rock Falls, a magnificent 150-foot waterfall on the Privassion River, cascades within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in Belize's Cayo District.

Discover the essence of Belize with a trip to Altun Ha, known as “rock stone water” in Maya. Embark on an exciting journey aboard our skiffs for a scenic 30-minute boat ride across San Pedro Lagoon and through the Northern River, navigating past potential obstacles depending on the season. Along the way, seize the opportunity to witness the abundant jungle wildlife. Arriving at Bomba Village, explore local traditions and find unique souvenirs. The adventure continues with a van ride along the Pan-American Highway to the ancient Altun Ha archaeological site, where you’ll marvel at stelae, altars, temples, and more, some restored and others as they were discovered since excavations began in 1965. The journey doesn’t end there; proceed to Maruba, a distinctive jungle lodge, for an optional lunch, spa treatment, horseback riding, or simply relax amidst the sounds of nature. Conclude this unforgettable experience with a return boat trip to Ramon’s Village Resort on Ambergris Caye, making your Belize adventure truly memorable.

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Barton Creek Tour Operator, your gateway to the hidden treasures of Belize. Dive into the heart of adventure as we guide you through the untamed beauty of this tropical paradise. Traverse ancient caves adorned with mesmerizing stalactites, paddle through tranquil waters surrounded by lush jungles, and discover the rich cultural tapestry woven into every corner of Belize.

This is a canoe tour that takes you through the dark passageway of the Barton Creek Cave. The Maya believed that this cave served as a home for their water god, Chaac. It also served as an entranceway to the underworld, and is the final resting place for some Maya. Experts believe that these skeletons may have belonged to sacrifice victim.

On this tour, you’ll get to see two very different Maya sites. The first, Xuanantinuch, is the ruins of a compact but impressive Maya city. Here visitors can stroll around multiple plazas and temples. At the nearby Barton Creek Cave, you’ll see a cave that served as an entrance to Xibalba, the Maya underworld.

Explore the ancient wonders of Belize with our Mayan Majesty: Xunantunich & Big Rock Falls Excursion. This adventure takes you on a journey through time, starting with a visit to Xunantunich, one of Belize's most iconic Mayan archaeological sites. Discover the towering structures of this ancient city, including the majestic El Castillo pyramid and the fascinating Sun God statue. After immersing yourself in the history of the Mayan civilization, it's time to experience the natural beauty of Belize with a visit to Big Rock Falls. Nestled in the lush jungles of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Big Rock Falls is a breathtaking waterfall cascading into a serene pool below. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters or simply relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings. Throughout the excursion, knowledgeable guides will provide insights into the history, culture, and natural wonders of Belize, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all participants. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or adventure seeker, the Mayan Majesty: Xunantunich & Big Rock Falls Excursion promises an immersive journey into the heart of Belize's rich heritage and stunning landscapes.

This tour takes you from Ambergris Caye to the mainland, where you’ll set sail down the legendary Lamanai River toward a Maya ruin. Lamanai has sat, shrouded in jungle, for many centuries, and didn't get any attention from archeologists until the 1970s. But this tour truly isn’t about the destination – travelers should take this trip especially for the journey through the gorgeous surroundings of the Belizean jungle alone.

On this tour, you’ll get to see two very different Maya sites. The first, Xuanantinuch, is the ruins of a compact but impressive Maya city. Here visitors can stroll around multiple plazas and temples. At the nearby Barton Creek Cave, you’ll see a cave that served as an entrance to Xibalba, the Maya underworld.

Take this full-day tour to visit the impressive remains of the Caracol site. It served as an important trading hub for nearby Tikal, which is right across the border in Guatemala. This is an educational tour as well as an opportunity to experience the forests of western Belize. It also includes a break for lunch.

Take this tour to see one of the largest Maya ruins in the world inside the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. It begins with an early morning drive from Chaa Creek—you’ll travel 2 hours to reach this site.

Tikal is a highly doable day-trip from San Ignacio, and this all-day excursion ensures that you don’t miss out on seeing one of the most spectacular ruins left behind by the Maya. This is an all-day tour, and includes a stop for lunch. Join your guide for an exciting trek to the jungle, which with any luck will include sightings of some incredible wildlife – keep an eye out for the famous resplendent quetzals and their tremendous tail feathers. Sightings of monkeys and birds will continue once you arrive, and you’ll get to watch jungle animals skitter up and down the stony faces of the many temples.