Caracol Maya Temple

Chiquibul Forest Reserve covers some of the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains. This reserve is a habitat for endangered scarlet macaws and howler monkeys. Listen for their distinctive calls as you hike toward the Maya ruin of Caracol.

Caracol is one of the largest Maya cities in all of Belize. This site’s temples and plazas are quite intact, making it easy to imagine what this once-powerful city looked like during its heyday. Caracol also boasts a temple called Canaa. The name Canaa means "Sky Place" in the Maya language, and Canaa’s summit is the highest point in all of Belize. You can climb the face of Canaa to get a good look at the Cayo landscape. With some luck you’ll spot a few of Belize’s magnificent tropical birds as you ascend the temple. The tour stops for a picnic lunch on the scenic grounds of Caracol.

The journey continues to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, which was established to protect Belize’s native pine tree forest. This forest has densely forested mountains. At the foot of the mountains you'll get to see some of the rivers and limestone caves that scatter the landscape.

Río Frío rushes through a network of caves, including Río Frío Cave. This cave has an enormous mouth, and you can stand on the dry edge of the cave to see some natural formations of stalagmites and stalactites. The tour will also visit the nearby Río On Pools –a cluster of pools formed by flat, smooth rocks. Go for a splash here and you’ll feel rejuvenated during your return journey.