Eco-Adventure Tours
BRL Eco-Adventure Tours
2023 Eco-Adventure Tour Package Pricing
Belize River Lodge located in Central Belize has access to many inland wonders as Belize is very interesting with a diverse culture and landscape making it a beautiful place to visit whether for one day of your vacation or a full week. Requests from anglers and non-fishing visitors wishing to know and see more of Belize have prompted the Belize River Lodge to offer a wide variety of customized half day and full day eco-adventure tours. So, come, relax and listen to the sounds of our jungle wildlife. Inhale the fragrances of our beautiful flowering plants and experience the natural beauty of tropical Belize. Our eco-adventure tours are guided by English speaking, licensed guides.
Your adventure can be a high impact day such as the ATM Cave or Black Hole Drop, to a more relaxing visit of the Belize Zoo within our Best of the West tour. Let us know what your interests are so we can customize your vacation.
What to bring: Loose fitting, light weight, tropical type clothing; outdoor or tennis shoes, a good sun hat with chin strap is helpful, day pack, water bottle, camera, binoculars. Cave tours and horseback riding require an enclosed shoe, such as a tennis shoe.
Water Tours
The following three water tours can be combined with most fishing days, please discuss with your guide in the morning before leaving the dock, so he can plan his day and also have necessary equipment on hand.
1.. SNORKELING THE BARRIER REEF: Snorkel the day away watching exotic tropical fish and observing the many different typed of colorful coral. Sunbathe & picnic on an island in privacy. Spend a relaxing day snorkeling and enjoying the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef.
2. MANGROVE CATHEDRALS, MANATEE WATCH, & MIAMI BEACH: Enjoy the boat ride through the spectacular 60 – 90 foot high red mangroves, which are the tallest ones in all of Belize. Examples of the competition between the environment & development will be pointed out & explained, as mangroves are an absolutely essential part of the ecosystem. Continue on in search of manatees in areas that they frequently visit. You will pass by St. George’s Caye, the unofficial capital of British Honduras, settled by the British in the 1600’s. Swim at Miami Beach, which isn’t a beach at all, but a shallow white sand bottom in crystal clear water, frequented by a variety of saltwater fish.
3. BELIZE OLDE RIVER: Our Belize Olde River was the mainstream of activity for the first European settlers, who used the river to transport logwood & mahogany. Settlements along the river still bear the names of those who first staked out claims & worked the area. Crocodiles, iguanas, many species of birds, snakes, turtles, howler monkeys, possibly a manatee, & the flora of the area are also attractions on this tour.
Inland Eco-Adventure Tours
Below is a list and description of tours available from BRL.
Note: Birding is great all around Belize as the habitat is very varied, from the swamp and mangrove coastlines to the hills and rain forest inland. No matter where you go, there are birds to see! All of BRL’s tours offer spectacular birding opportunities as some of the best Belize bird watching sites are found close to other great attractions. If your interests are birds, let us know when you book your tour package, so that we schedule you a guide with more of a birding focus. As you read about the following tours, keep in mind that on most of the tours, the primary focus can be the birds of Belize.
{Central Belize, Inland} ALTUN HA Maya Site, COMMUNITY BABOON Sanctuary & BELIZE OLDE RIVER: Start the day with a ride on the old Northern highway (one lane) to Altun Ha which was a major trading center during the Maya Classic Period. The famous jade head of the Mayan sun god, Kinich Ahau, was uncovered here. Continue on with a visit to the baboon (Belizean local name for the black howler monkey) ranger station and learn about the howler monkey and the local wildlife. Hike through the Bermundian Landing sanctuary and see the howler monkey in their natural habitat. Finish the day, with a boat ride on our Belize Olde River was the mainstream of activity for the first European settlers, who used the river to transport logwood & mahogany. Settlements along the river still bear the names of those who first staked out claims & worked the area. Crocodiles, iguanas, many species of birds, snakes, turtles, howler monkeys, possibly a manatee, & the flora of the area are also attractions on this tour. * If you are an angler the late afternoon is a good time to find the rolling baby tarpon, so your guide will have a light weight rod on board as an “in case”. (Requested Favorite of Guests)
{Central Belize, Inland} ALTUN HA Maya Site & BELIZE CITY: Altun Ha, “Rockstone Water“, is the nearest major Maya ruin from the Lodge. Altun Ha was a major trading center during the Classic Period and it was occupied from as early as B.C 900 to about A.D. 1000. Altun Ha is made up of two central plazas surrounded by temples. The famous jade head of the Mayan sun god, Kinich Ahau, was uncovered here. This site is a birder’s paradise. Belize City is the old capital of British Honduras and is situated on the coast & is surrounded by mangroves. It is still the busiest & largest population center of Belize. The Swing Bridge, St. John’s Cathedral, Foreshore, Courthouse, Baron Bliss Lighthouse, & Princess Margaret Drive are areas of interest, some dating from Colonial days. You will also have a chance to visit the Old Majesty’s Prison which has been converted into a wonderful museum, displaying Maya artifacts and a collection of photos of British Honduras along with the logging days. This is also a great time to souvenir shop.
{Central Belize, Inland} CROOKED TREE WILDLIFE Sanctuary & ALTUN HA Maya Site: An exceptional birding day! Crooked tree, a national protected area of natural wetlands, is a quaint village surrounded by a series on lagoons (Revenge Lagoon, Northern Lagoon, Western Lagoon and Spanish Creek) and is actually an inland island. Covered in mango and cashew trees, Crooked Tree is home to over 300 species of birds, and known as a Jabiru nesting area. Birding can be enjoyed by walking around the village or by boat. Continue on to Altun Ha Maya temples, a major trading center during the Classic Period. Altun Ha was occupied from as early as B.C 900 to about A.D. 1000. Altun Ha is made up of two central plazas surrounded by temples. The famous jade head of the Mayan sun god, Kinich Ahau, was uncovered here. Altun Ha is still surrounded by jungle vegetation making it an ideal birding spot.
{Central Belize, Inland} HORSEBACK RIDING & ALTUN HA Maya site: Horseback ride through lush greenery, under wonderful overhanging trees and beautiful flowers. The majestic calls of Belize s exotic birds are the back ground music. Relax in your western style saddle and enjoy your fully guided nature adventure while the sounds of nature surround you. Whether you begin or end your day at the Maya site of Altun Ha, you will experience one of Belize s many wonders. Altun Ha was a major trading center during the Maya Classic Period. You will be able to wander through the plazas and experience the wonder of a past civilization. (Great birding site in Central Belize.)
{Central Belize, Inland} COMMUNITY BABOON SANCTUARY & CROOKED TREE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: Visit the baboon (Belizean local name for the black howler monkey) ranger station and learn about the howler monkey and the local wildlife. Hike through the Bermundian Landing sanctuary and see the howler monkeys in their natural habitat. Continue on to Crooked Tree, an excellent spot for birdwatching. See the nests of the Jabiru stork and probably see the actual Jabiru itself. A day offering varied birding opportunities.
{Central Belize, Caribbean Sea} SNORKELING THE BARRIER REEF: Snorkel the day away watching exotic tropical fish and observing the many different species of colorful coral. Sunbathe & picnic on an island in privacy. Spend a relaxing day snorkeling and enjoying the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef. This tour can be combined with other water activities and also fishing on the Flats. Snorkeling day can be combined with a beach day &/or Mangrove Cathedral tour. (Can be combined with any Flats fishing day – just let your guide know!) (Requested Favorite of Guests)
{Central Belize, Caribbean Sea & Rivers} MANGROVE CATHEDRALS, MANATEE WATCH, & MIAMI BEACH: Enjoy the boat ride through the spectacular 60 – 90 foot high red mangroves, which are the tallest ones in all of Belize. Examples of the competition between the environment & development will be pointed out & explained as mangroves are an absolutely essential part of the ecosystem. Continue on in search of manatees in areas that they frequently visit. You will pass by St. George’s Caye, the first unofficial capital of British Honduras, settled by the British in the 1600’s. Swim at Miami Beach, which isn’t a beach at all, but a shallow white sand bottom in crystal clear water, frequented by a variety of saltwater fish. This is a chance to keep an eye out for water birds. (Can be combined with any Flats fishing day – just let your guide know!)
{Northern Belize, OW} LAMANAI Maya Temples & NEW RIVER: Start the day with an hour drive up the Northern Highway to the Tower Hill Bridge, where you meet your boat and captain. Enjoy an approximate hour boat ride to Lamanai and along the way, the guide will point out birds & other wildlife as you boat up the New River to Lamanai (Submerged Crocodile). At the site, you will experience the mystic of this Mayan site as you walk through the jungle visiting the different acropolises. Lamanai was one of the longest occupied sites in the MundoMaya world as it was continuously occupied for over 3,000 years and well beyond most other Maya sites, until at least 1,650 AD. Lamanai also has a very interesting museum and is another great birding site due to the surrounding tropical rainforest. Note: Once you get the boat, the tour is open to other people who the boat captains have booked, not a fully private tour. Fully private tour available at additional charge, please ask for pricing.
{Northern Belize, OW} CHAN MUUL YAAX K’AAX MUSEUM & HOLPATIN TRAIL: The Yucatec Maya Holpatín Trail envelops an area of Orange Walk starting from Orange Walk Town, south to the Archaeological site of Lamanai. Guest will experience the Pok-Ta-Pok ball game in the town of Yo Creek and depending on time, you may have the opportunity to visit the archaeological site of Cuello. Your day also includes a visit to the U Chan Muul Yaax K’aax Yucatec Maya Museum; located in San Lazaro village, it is a small community based museum with items displayed to promote traditional Maya culture. U Chan Muul Yaax K’aax musesum offers: 1: Caste War Exhibition, the primary collection features artifacts from the Maya Social War (1847). Note: Migration to Belize by many Yucatec Maya occurred because of this war between the Maya and Spanish people in the Yucatán. 2: A Walk along the Folklore Trail: An immersive way to enjoy Maya folklore by taking a walk along the trail with the Alux, Xtabai and La Llorona and in the botanical garden, you meet the Mayan gods, Ixchel and Yumkaax. 3: A great opportunity to enjoy authentic Yucatec Mayan cuisine, traditionally prepared food and drinks made from 100% natural ingredients. (Great birding throughout the day and Maya History tour)
{Northern Belize, OW} LA MILPA / RIO BRAVO: Located in the northwestern corner Belize, La Milpa is the third-largest Maya site found in Belize, believed to have had a population of 46,000 at its peak between AD 750 and AD 850. La Milpa has a large Great Plaza surrounded by 80ft pyraminds, still covered by jungle and inhabited by natural flora and fauna, creating a great medicinal trail. La Milpa/Rio Bravo is one of Belize’s Maya wonders and great for birding along the many nature trails. (Get ready to hike and explore!)
{Northern Belize, OW & Czl} CERROS Maya site & CUELLO: Start out and head north through the Orange Walk District, into Corozal. The Mayan temples of Cerros (Spanish Hill), overlooks the Chetumal Bay and was an important trading center (mainly sea-borne import of jade and obsidian) during the late pre-Classic period. Cerros is only about 53 acres and offers a great tour as it contains five temples, plazas and two ball courts. The site is located on a peninsula at the mouth of the New River which empties into Chetumal Bay and is partially underwater. Cerros was covered by jungle and is still surrounded by jungle trails offering great birding opportunities. Backtracking to Orange Walk and to the Cuello Maya site. Cuello is located between the Rio Hondo and New River, set on high ground, and is one of the oldest settled societies in Mesoamerica, dating back to 2400 B.C. Cuello takes its name from the current landowners, the Cuello family. Cuello shows an early transformation from a farming community to a ceremonial center. The site occupies the compound of the local rum distillery of the same name and is a cattle farm.
{Western Belize} BEST OF THE WEST (Belize Zoo, Xunantunich Maya Site & Cahal Pech Maya Site): Start the day with a stop at the Belize Zoo and visit many of Belize’s native animals, birds and wildlife. Belize Zoo sits upon 29 acres of tropical savanna and exhibits over 150 animals, representing over 45 species; all native to Belize. The zoo keeps animals which were orphaned, rescued, born at the zoo or rehabilitated animals. It is a wonderful zoo with a “don’t miss” opportunity to see all the cats of Belize, including the Jaguars! Continue on to Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock), which was a major ceremonial Mayan site during the classic period and most of the structures here date from about 200 to 900 AD. Climb to the top of El Castillo, the largest temple of this site and gaze across the expanse of the remains of this great Maya City. If time allows in your day, travel to Cahal Pech (Place of the Tick), which is a beautifully restored elite Maya family residential area, located near the town of San Iganacio. Most construction dates to the Classic period, however, evidence shows continuous habitation as far back as 1200 BC, making Cahal Pech one of the oldest recognizably Maya sites in Western Belize. Walk through the archways and plazas and see how the Maya lived. Both Xunantunich and Cahal Pech are excellent birding sites and home to many species of birds including the Blue Crowned MotMot. (Requested Favorite of Guests)
{Western Belize} AERIAL TREK CANOPY TOUR (ZIP LINE) & CAVE TUBING: Visit Belize’s jungle in a new and exciting manner as you gently glide over the rain forest along steel cables from platform to platform. This tour will offer a total of 8 platforms and uses technology heavily borrowed from rock climbing and features a double line with redundancy to provide safety. This aerial trek canopy tour offers an adventurer a thrilling opportunity to sour through the jungle treetops above the forest floor. Combine the day with river tubing. After an approximate 20 minute hike through the jungle and across the Caves Branch River, you will begin cave tubing. As you tube though Belize, you will float through five cave tunnels back to the originating point. Along the way, you will see the beautiful stalagmites and stalactites within the cave systems. Both tours are fully guided and along the way, on both tours, the guides will explain the different areas of the ecosystem that you are experiencing.
{Western Belize} Variation of BEST OF THE WEST #2: Xunantunich, Butterfly farm & Cahal Pech: Spend the day exploring Xunantunich & Cahal Pech and seeing many of the butterflies of Belize. Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock) was a major ceremonial Mayan site. Climb to the top of El Castillo, the largest temple of this site. At the butterfly farm, you will wander under their enclosed tent with butterflies fluttering all around you. See if you can name all the different species. Travel on the Cahal Pech (Place of the Tick), which is a beautifully restored elite Maya family residential area, located near the town of San Iganacio.
{Western Belize} Variation of BEST OF THE WEST #3: The Belize Zoo, Xunantunich & Butterfly farm: Start the day with a stop at the Belize Zoo and visit many of Belize’s native animals, birds and wildlife. Belize Zoo is in a natural setting and sits upon 29 acres of tropical savanna and exhibits over 150 animals, representing over 45 species, all native to Belize. The zoo keeps animals which were orphaned, rescued, born at the zoo or rehabilitated animals. It is a wonderful zoo, world known and one of the leaders in ecological animal care. Don’t miss opportunity to see all the cats of Belize, including the Jaguars! Continue on to Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock), which was a major ceremonial Mayan site during the classic period and most of the structures her date from about 200 to 900 AD. Climb to the top of El Castillo, the largest temple of this site and gaze across the expanse of the remains of this great Maya City. At the butterfly farm, you will wander under their enclosed tent with butterflies fluttering all around you. See if you can name all the different species. If you are a birder, this tours offers excellent birding opportunities.
{Western Belize} NATURE’S WEST – (The Belize Zoo, Guanacaste Park & the Inland Blue Hole): Explore the Belize Zoo and visit many of Belize’s native animals, birds and wildlife. Visit the otters and don’t miss the Jaguars! Continue your day with a visit to Guanacaste Park, one of Belize’s many wonderful reserves. Wander the nature trails looking at the flora and fauna while searching for tropical colorful birds of Belize. Continue on to the Inland Blue Hole, offering many jungle trails which are great for birding. This is a great place to end your day with a swim in the cool waters of the Inland Blue Hole.
{Western Belize} THE OTHER WEST– (Guanacaste Park, Xunantunich, & Butterfly farm): Start your morning visiting Guanacaste Park, one of Belize s many wonderful reserves. Wander the nature trails looking at the flora & fauna and searching for the MotMot or some of the other colorful birds of Belize. Continue on to Xunantunich Maya site, which was a major ceremonial Mayan site. Climb to the top of El Castillo, the largest temple of this site. Xunantunich also offers scenic nature trails for birding. This time, you will finish off your day with a stop at a butterfly farm. Wander under their enclosed tent with butterflies fluttering all around you. See if you can name all the different species.
{Western Belize} ANOTHER WEST Guanacaste Park, Xunantunich & Cahal Pech (Birding and Ruins): Start your morning visiting Guanacaste Park, one of Belize’s many wonderful reserves. Wander the nature trails looking at the flora & fauna and searching for the MotMot or some of the other colorful birds of Belize. Continue on to Xunantunich Maya site, which was a major ceremonial Mayan site. Climb to the top of El Castillo, the largest temple of this site. Xunantunich also offers scenic nature trails for birding. If time allows, you will end your day with a stop at Cahal Pech, which is a beautifully restored elite Maya family residential area, located near the town of San Iganacio.
{Western Belize} VACA LAKE JUNGLE PONTOON WATERFALL TOUR: Enjoy an approximate 2 hour leisurely drive out West along the George Price Highway to your destination in Benque Viejo. Then 45min off-road ride on a jungle trail in a SUV to your awaiting Pontooon. On the tour, you will motor you along the Vaca Lake which is a man-made reservoir in the upper Macal River Valley. On your initial hike and on the boat ride you will have the chance to see wildlife like tapirs, spider monkeys, ocelots, and exotic birds. The boat ride is an easygoing lap around the reservoir. The pontoon will make a few stops 1: at a dock where you can get out to take a short hike and visit a waterfall for a picturesque swim 2: At one of three pristine waterfalls for an exploratory hike and optional swimming. This Pontoon tour is a relaxing way to enjoy a lush green area only accessible by boat. (4 person minimum)
{Western Belize} AROUND BELMOPAN: Guanacaste Park, Belmopan St. Herman’s Blue Hole: Start your morning visiting Guanacaste Park, one of Belize’s many wonderful reserves. Wander the nature trails looking at the flora & fauna and searching for the MotMot or some of the other colorful birds of Belize. You will be given a quick tour of our capital City, Belmopan. Then enjoy a quick trip down the Hummingbird Highway, stopping at the inland Blue Hole, managed by the Belize Audubon. This Blue Hole is a collapsed underground limestone cave. It is fed by a river running through the original cavern system, and forms a sapphire-colored pool at the bottom of the cenote, where the cavern collapsed. The pool measures about 100 feet deep and 300 feet in diameter, with the actual blue hole at the depression’s base having a depth of about 25 feet. Many hiking trails are within the park. Some of the unusual birds known to this area include Lovely Cotinga, Spotted-Wood Quail, Keel-Billed Toucans, Red-Legged Honey Creepers, White- collared Manakins, Slaty-Tailed Trogons and Crested Guans. The inland Blue Hole offers a cool place to swim, relax and cool down before heading back to the Lodge.
Note: Time is a bit hard to judge, so depending on the day’s time frame, you might have time to visit St. Herman’s Cave. It is a short hike to the cave entrance from the Visitor Center, and the trail is surrounded by jungle, more bird habitat. You will descend stairs that was originally cut by the Maya and enter the cave. Inside the cave is a creek and beautiful formations of stalagmites and stalactites.
{Western Belize} CHECHEMHA MAYA POTTERY CAVE & BUTTERFLY FARM: Lead by an experienced guide, hike about 30 minutes uphill to the entrance of Che Chem Ha cave. The entrance opens into a vast array of winding limestone passageways and tall, narrow rooms filled with ancient Maya pottery and evidence of a sacrificial altar dating back 1500‑2000 years. This tour requires a certain degree of physical fitness. The Butterfly Center has been created to raise awareness and understanding of the local environment for locals and visitors. Visitors are lead through displays of butterflies, moths, insects and amphibians, and archaeological artifacts. An interactive area focuses on the life cycles of forest life.
{Western Belize} CHECHEMHA MAYA POTTERY CAVE & BOTANICAL GARDEN: Lead by an experienced guide, hike about 30 minutes uphill to the entrance of Che Chem Ha cave. The entrance opens into a vast array of winding limestone passageways and tall, narrow rooms filled with ancient Maya pottery and evidence of a sacrificial altar dating back 1500‑2000 years. This tour requires a certain degree of physical fitness. Finish your adventure with a walk through the beautiful tropical garden. Learn about the use of local trees, shrubs and flowers in Belizean society. Both areas offer birding from surrounding jungle trails.
{Western Belize} BARTON CREEK CAVE CANOEING & BOTANICAL GARDEN: Barton Creek Cave was an ancient Maya Indian burial site. The cave is only accessible by canoe and within the cave you will see evidence of the Maya along with pottery. The formations of stalactites and stalagmites are also beautiful. The trip to the cave is very scenic and passes through the Barton Creek Mennonite community. You will get a glimpse of the Mennonites as they go about their daily routines. After the cave canoe trip, you will want to take a swim in the crystal clear Barton Creek. Finish your adventure with a walk through the beautiful garden. Learn about the use of local trees, shrubs and flowers in Belizean society.
{Western Belize} CAHAL PECH, MEDICINAL TRAIL & MACAL RIVER: First stop of the day is at Cahal Pech (Place of the Tick) Maya site, which is a beautifully restored elite Maya family residential area, located near the town of San Iganacio. Most construction dates to the Classic period, however, evidence shows continuous habitation as far back as 1200 BC, making Cahal Pech one of the oldest recognizably Maya sites in Western Belize. Walk through the archways and plazas and see how the Maya lived. Cahal Pech are excellent birding sites and home to many species of birds including the Blue Crowned Mot Mot. With a short jaunt back down the road, you will enter Chaa Creek’s Medicinal Trail (or similar). This is a beautiful tropical path where you are shown plants & herbs used by Belizeans and Mayas for medicinal purposes. Finish up with an approximate 6 mile leisure canoe down the Macal River to San Ignacio. After your canoeing, you get transported back to BRL for the evening.
{Western Belize} MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE: Enjoy a relaxing day traveling through our 300 sq. mile forest reserve, comprised of hills & valleys, rivers & waterfalls, swimming pools & caves, all surrounded by magnificent Pine forests. Swim in the enticing natural pools. Road & weather conditions allowing, you will travel to the Hidden 1000 ft Falls, a spectacular site amid the tropical rainforest. (2 person minimum)
{Western Belize} CARACOL Maya Site: Travel deep into the Chiquibul Forest Park, to the Mayan site of Caracol. Caracol has offered many changes to the previously formed concepts about the Maya. Evidence shows that Caracol was a larger and stronger city than Tikal in Guatemala. Caana, the largest temple at this site, is fully excavated and magnificent. A museum offering information & artifacts is open. Caracol offers a wide variety of birding possibilities. (Note: 2.5 to 3 hour drive to site. 2 person minimum)
{Western Belize} ACTUN TUNICHIL MUKNAL CAVE (ATM Cave): A beautiful cave tour that begins after a hike through the lush subtropical forest of the Tapir Mountain Reserve. Within the cave you will see sparkling stalactites and stalagmites and magnificent Mayan artifacts that reveal the mystical world of the Maya. (Early departure from the Lodge is required to make the tour in time. This tour requires a high level of activity – hiking and climbing.)
{Central to South Belize} IAN ANDERSON’S CAVE TOURS: Mayan shamans & priests used caves throughout Belize for ceremonial purposes. You will be exploring these caverns viewing the ceremonial alters, artifacts, pottery, along with natural cave crystal stalagmites & stalactites. Enjoy your day as you explore the mystical world of Xibala. (Early departure from the Lodge is required to make the tour in time. Some caves requires a high level of activity – hiking and climbing.)
{Central to South Belize} BLACK HOLE DROP: A drive out west to Ian Anderson’s along the Hummingbird Highway begins your day to visit the “Mother of all Caves”, Actun Loch Tunich. The tour starts with a 90 minute vigorous, steep uphill hike in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, to the upper edge of the sinkhole. The Actun Loch Tunich sinkhole sits over 300 feet above the basin below, 200 feet above the rain forest canopy that grows out from the sinkhole basin. The name Black Hole Drop refers to the sight vantang at the top of the sinkhole as you cannot see the bottom when you start. Your fully trained guides rig the rappelling ropes for the basin descent – the first 10 feet is adrenaline packed, the next 200 feet offers beautiful sights to behold as you descend through the rainfrost canopy. Once you’re at the bottom you rest with a delicious picnic lunch. After lunch a moderate hike back to the starting point. (Age requirements: mature 10 yrs old and up. Preferred clothing: comfortable lightweight long pants and shirt for movement and easily dried. Well-treaded sneakers or hiking boots and mosquito repellent. Sandals/Tevas/open toed shoes are not allowed. Intensity Level: Extreme. all participants must be relatively fit.)
{Southern Belize} ANTELOPE FALLS HIKE WITH ANTELOPE FALLS RAPELLING: For the more adventurous, this is a fully guided day starting with a great hike to see the flora and fauna around Mayflower Bocawina National Park. This is a supurb birding site. After a challenging hike, there is time to cool off in the refreshing emerald pools at the top of the falls which has a great vantage point with breathtaking views all the way to the Caribbean Sea. Here you can either do a hike back to your waiting vehicle or for the more adventurous, the professional guides outfit and instruct you as you descend an exhilarating 250ft rappel in two stages down the Antelope Waterfall to return on the trail to the Adventure Center. Note: If of interest and time allows, the longest Zipline Course in Belize is available to enjoy – 14 platforms and 9 different runs to enjoy over the rainforest. Antelope Falls Hike and Rappelling takes approximately 4 hours and the Zipline takes approximately 1½ to 2 hours to complete. (A little earlier departure from the Lodge may be needed as tour site is about a 2 to 2.5 hour drive from BRL. You will travel the Hummingbird Highway is a beautiful drive. Hike is moderate Fitness level and can include climbing, rappelling and maybe swimming.)
{Southern Belize} TIGER FERN HIKE by Maya Center Village: Tiger Fern trail is one of a number of trails in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and a part of the Jaguar Preserve. Great for birding and you should see evidence of our beautiful jaguar. The Tiger Fern trail meanders through the jungle, leading up to a wonderful view of the Basin and Victoria Peak a few miles away. The trail then dips down and arrives at a double waterfall flowing into pools where you can take a refreshing swim. (A little earlier departure from the Lodge may be needed as tour site is about a 3 hour drive from BRL. You will travel the Hummingbird Highway, a beautiful drive. Hike is listed as moderate to better fitness level and can include climbing, hiking and maybe swimming.)
{Western Belize} EL PILAR: (The Birder’s Paradise) A Mayan site that was built between 600 BC & AD1000. While El Pilar has been studied, the buildings have been left underground for conservation. Because of this, the jungle has grown up & makes an ideal habitat for many beautiful birds. It is a great place to see the Keel-Billed Toucan, the Blue-crowned Motmot, the Rufous-tailed Jacamar & many others in their natural environment.
{Western Belize} JUNGLE GOLFING, ST. HERMAN’S BLUE HOLE: If you enjoy golf, then Belize has a new experience for you – a 9 hole “jungle” golf course. Golf enthusiasts will understand the following, written by BRL guest Rich after he enjoyed an afternoon on the green – “9 holes, 2 sets of T-boxes, Par 32 1933 yards + 1959 yards = 3892 yards. Five par 4’s, four par 3 holes. It is a fun 9 hole holiday course. Accuracy is required as fairways are narrow with small greens. Greens are slow, requiring firm chips and putts. There are a few blind and obstructed second shots required. Preferred lies and Astroturf tee boxes.” Pullcarts, clubs, balls and tees available. The course includes tropical birds flying overhead, a few ponds abounding with local wildlife, turtles and crocs – be careful of ball retrieval.” After golfing and working up a sweat, enjoy a quick trip down the Hummingbird Highway, stopping at the inland Blue Hole, managed by the Belize Audubon. This Blue Hole is a collapsed underground limestone cave. It is fed by a river running through the original cavern system, and forms a sapphire-colored pool at the bottom of the cenote, where the cavern collapsed. The pool measures about 100 feet deep and 300 feet in diameter, with the actual blue hole at the depression’s base having a depth of about 25 feet. The inland Blue Hole offers a cool place to swim, relax and cool down before heading back to the Lodge.
REMEMBER . . . BIRDING: Birding is great all around Belize as the habitat is very varied, from the swamp and mangrove coastlines to the hills and rain forest inland. No matter where you go, there are birds to see! All of BRL’s tours offer spectacular birding opportunities as some of the best Belize bird watching sites are found close to other great attractions. If your interests are birds, let us know when you book your tour package, so that we schedule you a guide with more of a birding focus. Note: With over 500 birds in Belize, over 110 have been seen on or around the Belize River Lodge property, so you can start your birding adventure right at the Lodge, before breakfast
Other tours are available (listed below) however these are not included in regular priced packages quoted. Please contact us for current pricing.
{Central Belize, Caribbean Sea and Barrier Reef} ** SCUBA DIVING: Explore the reef from the bottom up! Dive amid the coral of Belize’s Barrier Reef, swimming with tropical fishes and among beautiful coral. Certified divers only (need to have taken a dive in the last 2 years). Note: BRL does not operate dive tours, we rendezvous with reputable dive shops who provide this service.
{Southern Belize} ** LUBANTUN Maya Site & NIM LI PUNIT Maya Site: Depart the Lodge about 7:00 am to catch a flight to Punta Gorda (PG) in Southern Belize. Arriving in PG about 9:00 am, you will be met by a tour guide to begin your Southern Belize journey. A forty five minute drive will take you to the Mayan site of Nim Li Punit, located in Indian Creek Village. Nim Li Punit is a medium sized site from the Classic Period consisting of structures surrounding three plazas including a number of carved stelae. Nim Li Punit has an onsite museum. After Nim Li Punit you will enjoy lunch and continue your journey to nearby San Pedro Columbia Village, where you will discover the Mayan Temples of Lubaantun, the biggest Mayan archeological site in Southern Belize. Lubaantun dates from the Maya Classic era and the architecture is somewhat unusual compared to typical Belize classical central lowland Maya sites. While visiting Southern Belize, and as you walk along ancient structures and stelae, don’t forget to stop and enjoy the spectacular views of PG. Both Mayan sites have a large variety of birds so be on the lookout for any wildlife you may encounter during your tour. Your guide will have you back at the PG airport for 4:00/4:15 pm to check your flight to Belize City, where you will be met by a BRL staff member and transferred to the Lodge. (Continental breakfast and an early departure from the Lodge is required to make the tour in time. Also, this tour is not included in regular tour pricing due to variation in flight prices from PGIA to PG. Request pricing.