In the Nohoch Che'en Archaeological Reserve, the winding Caves Branch River flows underground through ancient caves, once traveled through and even inhabited by the Maya. Just an hour from Belize City and a half hour from Belmopan is The Outpost, a well-stocked base camp for cave tubing and zipline-riding in the midst of this history-rich area.

Knowledgeable tour guides will give you safety instructions, an overview of the adventure, and some historical context about the Outpost. Travelers are then connected to a series of overhead cables to fly through the rainforest canopy, an experience as visually stunning as it is exhilarating. The “beginner’s zip run,” only 150 feet (45 m) in length, helps ease children or nervous “fliers” into the activity. Multiple other ziplines, 200 feet (61 m) to 600 feet (183 m), run between secure treetop platforms nestled in the tropical trees. Whizzing through the distant backdrop of limestone cliffs, adventurers get a look at vibrant flora and fauna up close.

Gear is fit specifically to each person, including personal tubes, hard-hats with headlamps, and life vests. Travelers will see the rainforest on a nature walk. Tour guides will point out some of the many species of bird, as well as plants, roots, and herbs used in ancient times.

Visitors will also get an introduction to Maya mythology. The walk ends at the rocky tunnel entrance. Tour guides conduct a safety briefing before travelers hop on inflated inner tubes, pulled gently through the cave system by the mild, rippling current. Stalagmites and stalactites – beautiful crystalline rock formations – add a surreal feeling to the tranquility of being under the cave ceiling, floating on the softly echoing stream.

The river takes travelers up into the sunlight from time to time, and then down into another cave system. On the final emergence into the dappled rainforest sun, floating downstream towards a Belizean lunch at the Outpost’s own Canopy Café is a relaxing ending to an eye-opening day.