The 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 is 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 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. (Favorite of BRL Guests)