Tour Mayan ruins & caves, ATV, horseriding & canoeing in Belize

The location of the Inn provides convenient access to the endless attractions of Belize. Discover past and present cultures by visiting ancient Mayan archaeological sites and modern day rural villages. Other tours on offer include horseback riding, river canoe trips and exploring the many caves in the area. Be sure to schedule enough time to enjoy all of the natural splendours that the Cayo District has to offer and at least one day to explore the numerous private waterfalls on Hidden Valley Inn's private reserve.

Caracol Tour
35 miles from the Inn, deep in the Chiquibul Wilderness lies one of the largest sites of the Ancient Mayan world with over 4000 structures spread over 55 square miles.

Cloaked in a jungle shroud, it is difficult to appreciate the extent of this mighty city. Excavation to date has revealed amongst others the towering temple of Caana (the Sky Palace), Belize's tallest manmade structure. The view from the top over the pristine jungle is breathtaking. Trails have been cut through the surrounding jungle for those interested in observing the wealth of fauna, flora and birdlife that inhabit the area.

Xunantunich Tour
25 miles from the Inn on the banks of the Mopan River and 3 miles from San Ignacio lies Xunantunich. A unique hand cranked ferry takes you over the Mopan on the way up to the entrance. The main temple, the 130 ft high El Castillo, is the second tallest temple in Belize and is surrounded by a stone and stuccoed frieze, decorated with Mayan glyphs. Some of these friezes have been restored and others are in their original state.

Cahal Pech Tour
22 miles from the Inn on a hill above the town of San Ignacio lies the small but very well restored site of Cahal Pech. The site had provided important information on the earliest Mayan settlers of Western Belize. Judging from their decorative artwork and architecture, it is believed that they were quite sophisticated.

Tikal Tour
Approximately 3 hours across the border into Guatemala lies one of the greatest of all Classic Mayan cities with its spectacular temples penetrating through the thick jungle canopy. The flora and fauna are almost as spectacular as the temples themselves. Howler monkeys, spider monkeys and coatimundis are seen regularly as well as an abundance of exotic birds.

Spelunking is fast becoming one of the most popular activities in Belize. There are caves suitable for visitors of any age or physical capability. The Maya believed that caves were the entrance to the underworld and many sacred ceremonies were performed here. Ancient pottery, much of it still intact, skeletons and other artifacts can still be found today. Both experienced and first time cavers will gaze in awe at sparkling stalactites and stalacmites formed over thousands of years. The nearby Chiquibul cave system has yet to be fully explored and undoubtedly there are many caves deep in the jungle, still waiting to reveal their secrets.

Rio Frio Cave
Rio Frio Cave is open at both ends and arches to 65 feet in its center. A crystal clear stream runs through the cave and glittering stalactites decorate the interior. This is one of the least physically challenging caves in Belize. This cave is usually included in the day trip to Caracol.

Barton Creek Cave Canoeing
Drive through a rural Mennonite settlement and traverse several creeks to reach Barton Creek Cave. Here embark on a canoe and glide through the darkness, armed with a spotlight. Your guide will point out various magnificent formations and ancient relics and explain some of the beliefs and rituals of the ancient Maya. A peaceful and relaxing journey into the underworld.

Actun Tunichil Muknal
This cave is more physically challenging and can only be visited with one of the local operators. Start with a 45 minute hike, followed by a swim into the cave. An Aladdin's cave of ancient pottery, calcified skulls and skeletons and spectacular formations make the effort worthwhile.

Cave Tubing
Jaguar Paw and Caves Branch both offer a tube ride within an extensive cave system. Paddle and hike your way past Mayan artifacts and gaze in wonder at vast chambers adorned with stalactites, stalagmites and wall carvings.

Rio On Pools
Numerous clear pools and waterfalls for swimming make a refreshing break on the journey back from Caracol.

River Tubing
When water levels permit, float down the Mopan River past jungle clad river banks looking for birds and wildlife.

River Canoeing

This is a most relaxing way to spend the day drifting down the Macal River to the town of San Ignacio catching sight of huge dragon-like orange and black iguanas hanging in the trees and swimming off the sandy shoals.

Macal River canoeing

Horseback Riding
Arrangements can be made to provide horseback riding at a number of nearby establishments. The rides vary in length from one hour to full day excursions and visit waterfalls, caves and Mayan ruins in the jungle.

This tour visits the breathtaking 1000 ft falls and then to Rio Frio cave and then for Rio On pools wher you can swim in the many pools and sunbathe on the granite rocks around the pool. The order in which they are visited may vary according to the guide and the weather.

Approximately 8 miles from the Lodge explore the modern day Mayan village of San Antonio. The Garcia Sisters have also established a museum and handicraft shop here. Visitors can see traditional household tools and agricultural implements, and buy slate carvings, baskets and other crafts.

This is a guided tour of the different waterfalls and viewpoints within the private reserve and may include 1000 ft falls. The tour is taylor made to suit the individual and includes the 6 stops of your choice.

Belize Zoo
An excellent introduction to the indigenous wildlife of Belize. The natural vegetation has been incorporated into the enclosures and even those not enthusiastic about zoos will be impressed by the space and design. Situated halfway between Belize City and Hidden Valley Inn, a tour of the zoo provides an ideal break in the journey.

Green Hills Butterfly Farm
Observe the life cycle of a butterfly and view close-up the stunning blue-morpho butterfly. This farm exports to all over the world and is one of the most established in Belize.

Belize tours and trips, tour to Mayan ruins, caves, horse back riding and ATV in the Mountain Pine Ridge of Belize