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Direct: 281 212 3242 | Toll-Free: 888 601 8411
Ambergris Caye, Belize: Portofino Beach Resort. Portofino is a boutique resort offering charming beach accommodations, a full-service restaurant and bar, an outdoor pool, spa & massage services, and an on-site dive shop. Portofino Beach Resort is tucked away from the quaint but bustling little town of San Pedro. Perched on a stretch of private white sandy beach, dotted with swaying palm trees, this resort is perfect for disconnecting from the stresses of daily life and reconnecting with nature and sand between your toes. Revel in tranquil days to the sound of the waves caressing the World’s second largest barrier reef. Portofino Boutique Beach Resort offers 17 beautifully appointed rooms, from charming beach cabanas to spacious suites – dotted amidst swaying palm trees, each room is only steps away from the sandy shore and the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea. The Beach Cabanas are duplexes, with handcrafted thatched roofs and tropical views capturing our unique coastal style, in a tastefully rustic design; these units feature one king size adorned with a beautiful net canopy and luxurious bedding. The adjacent Beach-Front Rooms are ideal for families as they allow to have two interconnected rooms, each with a king size bed. The Tree-Top Suites are elevated on the second floor feature massive picture windows letting in the breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea that seamlessly meets the clear blue skies.
Cayo District, Belize: Cave Tubbing at Nohoch Chen. Cave tubing at Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve in Belize offers an unforgettable adventure that combines natural beauty, history, and relaxation. Located approximately 1.5 hours from San Ignacio, this unique experience begins with a scenic 45-minute hike through lush jungle trails, where guides share insights into the local flora and fauna. Upon reaching the Caves Branch River, adventurers embark on a gentle float through a series of expansive limestone caves adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and remnants of ancient Maya civilization. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, Nohoch Che’en offers a memorable and accessible way to experience Belize’s natural and cultural heritage.
Belize City, Belize: Belize Zoo Visit En-route. As part of your transfer, en-route you will stop at the Belize Zoo, an awe-inspiring oasis where visitors get an introduction to the animals of Belize, and understand why it is important to protect the habitats that sustain them.
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center is a not-for-profit organization founded by Sharon Matola in 1983, who was caring for a handful of wild animals that had been part of a natural history documentary. When filming was completed, she was left with these animals and decided to start a zoo. Over forty years later, the “backyard zoo” has become a world-renowned wildlife education center where visitors connect with Belize’s unique natural heritage: the animals.
In keeping with its origins, the animals here are rescued, confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade by law enforcement, or transferred from other rehab and zoological facilities. The habitats designed for the animals reflect natural settings, and provide an immersive educational experience for visitors. Your visit to the Belize Zoo represents a contribution to this important wildlife preservation and educational center.
Cayo District, Belize: Horseback Riding on Mystic Trails. Horseback riding on Mystic Trails offers an exciting and scenic adventure through the beautiful landscapes of Belize. Located near Mystic River Resort, the trails weave through lush rainforests, along serene rivers, and across open meadows. As you ride, you’ll be immersed in the stunning natural beauty of the area, with opportunities to spot wildlife like howler monkeys, toucans, and iguanas along the way.
The trails are designed for all skill levels, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, the horses are well-trained, and the ride is tailored to your comfort level. Along the journey, you’ll pass by ancient Maya ruins, offering a unique blend of nature and history. Your experienced guide will share stories about the local flora, fauna, and the cultural significance of the area, enhancing your connection to the land.
Horseback riding on Mystic Trails is not only a fun way to explore Belize’s diverse ecosystems but also a peaceful, immersive experience that lets you appreciate the serenity of the countryside. It’s a great way to slow down, connect with nature, and experience the beauty of Belize from a different perspective.
Approximate Duration: 3 Hours
What to wear/bring recommendations: long pants, closed-toed, hard sole shoes, hat, sunblock, and repellent. Bring your cameras too.
Cayo District, Belize: Cahal Pech Maya site. Come along for a half-day journey to explore Cahal Pech, one of Belize’s most historic Maya sites. Led by one of our knowledgeable guides, your visit begins at this remarkable site that once served as a palatial residence for an elite Maya family. Cahal Pech is among the oldest known Maya settlements in Western Belize and was abandoned in the 9th century AD for reasons still unknown.
The name “Cahal Pech,” meaning “place of ticks,” was given in the 1950s when the area was used as a cow pasture. Today, it is a protected archaeological park featuring a small museum with artifacts uncovered through ongoing excavations. Uncover the rich history and cultural heritage of the Maya civilization as you walk through this ancient site.
Cayo District, Belize: Chocolate Making and Iguana Hatchery. Begin your adventure by making traditional Mayan chocolate using a stone metate to grind organic cacao beans into a paste. Mix it into a chocolate drink and add spices, just as the ancient Maya did. As you work, you will learn about the rich cultural heritage behind this tradition.
Then, head to the Green Iguana Conservation Project in San Ignacio, where you will walk a jungle trail to a hatchery dedicated to protecting Belize’s endangered Green Iguanas. Your guide will explain the project’s mission, history, and the full life cycle of these fascinating reptiles.
At the hatchery, enjoy close-up interactions with the iguanas, including feeding them and snapping photos. The young iguanas are especially friendly and harmless, making this visit fun and educational for all ages.
This engaging tour blends cultural discovery with wildlife conservation for a meaningful and memorable experience.
Total Duration: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours
Cayo District, Belize: Horseback riding to Xunantunich Mayan Site. You will be transported to a nearby farm, where your horseback ride to the magnificent Xunantunich begins. The ride takes approximately one hour, part of which follows the highway. You’ll then cross the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry before riding the final uphill mile to the site.
At Xunantunich, your guide will lead you on a tour of the ancient ruins before you return to the farm.
Cayo District, Belize: Barton Creek Cave Canoeing & Zip Lining. Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel. Meet your local guide and begin today’s adventure. Flowing from a giant crack in the mountain, Upper Barton Creek Cave offers a float trip into the ancient past. Utilizing canoes equipped with spotlights to pierce the veil of darkness, you will glide through crystal clear water into a world forgotten by time; a mystifying world of marvelous natural formations and spectacular wonders. Barton Creek is a sacred world where burial grounds, ceremonial pottery, and bones of the ancient peoples remain as an eternal testimonial.
After enjoying a rewarding picnic lunch, continue your day of adventure zip lining at Calico Jacks where you will experience a variety of three different runs you can choose from. The beginner run takes only 45 minutes or step up to the next level and zip through the rainforest for an hour. If you crave a higher level of excitement, then you combine both runs to make it a total of 1.5 hours consisting of 9 runs, 15 platforms, a jungle lift, and a total of 2,700 feet of adrenaline pumping zip lining!
Cayo District, Belize: Caracol Archaeological Site, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve & Rio On Pools. Situated high on the Vaca Plateau deep in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Caracol is the most extensive Mayan site in Belize and was only rediscovered as recently as 1936.
The site of Caracol covers over 80 square miles with 30,000 structures and at its peak supported a population in excess of 150,000. Situated at 1600 feet above sea level (one of the highest located sites of the southern uplands region) with no natural water body close by, it remains a mystery why such a huge population center like Caracol evolved where it is. However, the close proximity to both extremely hard stone and copal, two commodities highly prized by the Mayas may help ex-plain this enigma.
At the heart of the site lies the massive pyramid of Caana (Sky Palace) which is now almost fully restored and reaches a height of over 135 feet. From the top you can enjoy breath taking panoramic views over the forest clad mountains.
On the return, you will stop at the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve and the Rio On Pools for a rewarding picnic lunch and a refreshing dip before heading back to the resort.
Important Notes:
Cayo District, Belize: Mystic River Resort. Nestled on a steep bank of the beautiful Macal River, the eco-friendly Mystic River Resort offers the best of all worlds to those who travel to Belize. In this oasis of privacy, serenity and rejuvenation, there are no crowds, just the soothing sound of birds, rustling trees, soft breezes and breath-taking views. Mystic River is a full-service Jungle Resort with an open-air restaurant, bar, spa, splash pool, yoga deck, luxurious accommodations with studios, one bedroom, and two bedroom suites – some featuring private plunge pools and outdoor showers! All our units offer king size beds, fireplace and a private balcony with majestic views of the rain-forest and the river. Located only 7 miles from the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena and surrounded by incredible serene wilderness, Mystic River Resort is the best place to find the perfect something – or nothing – to do.
Guests at Mystic River have complimentary access to: