Maya Mountains
The Mayan Mountain region beckons the outdoor adventure seeker. Recognizing the value of healthy ecosystems, the Belize government has set aside much of this region as protected areas. As a result, the environment here remains very healthy and untouched, with abundant wildlife and native vegetation. The Mayan Mountain region of Belize spans the west of the Hummingbird Highway, and the area that borders the Western Highway.
Xunantunich
Home to the second largest Mayan pyramid in Belize, Xunantunich is one of the most impressive Mayan sites in Belize. The site is composed of three major ceremonial plazas surrounded by numerous temples, palaces, and house mounds. Xunantunich is located 8 miles (13 km) southwest of San Ignacio on the Western Highway.
Barton Creek Cave
Barton Creek Cave is one of the most fascinating wet caves in Belize. A tour of Barton Creek Cave involves gently paddling a two-man canoe across the cave’s still water, guided only by headlamps that light up the intricate stalactites and stalagmites that make up the limestone walls. It is one of the few wet caves in Belize where exploring doesn’t require swimming or tubing. Please note that the cave ceiling is quite low in places, and all visitors should be comfortable in dark.
Cahal Pech Ruins
Less than a 10-minute drive or a 25-minute uphill walk from the town of San Ignacio, the 2-acre Mayan ruin site called Cahal Pech makes for pleasant morning or afternoon trip.
San Ignacio
San Ignacio, often referred to as Cayo, is a laid back town in the western foothills of the Mayan Mountains. Located right along the Western Highway, San Ignacio is popular among travelers as it provides modern tourist amenities while retaining its authenticity. The town sits directly on the meandering Macal River and is surrounded by green rolling hills where adventure awaits.
Belmopan
Belmopan became the capital of Belize in 1961 after a hurricane destroyed the government buildings in Belize City. Today, this commuter hub is home to approximately 20,000 residents and sits at the crossroads of the Western Highway and the Hummingbird Highway. Most of the people here work for the government in some capacity.
More about Maya Mountains
This region of Belize has many plants and animals that you won’t find anywhere else in Central America. It is home to elusive wildlife, including the jaguar, tapir, and howler monkey. There is also an extensive cave system, and the tallest waterfall in Central America. The variety of activities and attractions in the region can leave travelers almost overwhelmed by all the options. Build an itinerary around cave tubing, birding, horseback riding, hiking, and exploring ancient Mayan ruins.
Most people visiting this region stay in the tourist hub of San Ignacio. This town has an extensive selection of tour operators and accommodations. Located just 8 miles (13 km) west of the Guatemalan border, activities here can also be combined with a side trip to Tikal, one of Central America’s largest and most famous Mayan ruins. For those looking to go deeper into the jungle, dozens of isolated eco-lodges provide visitors a chance to be in the center of the action. These accommodations range from rustic to luxury. While you can access most of the main attractions in the Maya Mountain region from San Ignacio, some of the more remote attractions can only be accessed from the southern coastal towns of Dangriga, Hopkins, Placencia, and Punta Gorda.
Culture in the Maya mountain region is a melting pot of Creole, Maya, Mestizo, and Garífuna influences. A majority of the region’s residents reside in Belmopan, Belize’s capital, which is 26 miles (42 km) east of San Ignacio on the Western Highway. Also along the Western Highway is the town of Spanish Lookout. Known as the home of the largest German-speaking Mennonite community in Belize, Spanish Lookout is one of the most agriculturally productive areas in the country. No tourist infrastructure exists in Spanish Lookout, but if you want a complete picture of Belize’s culture you will find a drive through the area to be quite interesting.
Browse some of our favorite itineraries
Get excited and browse our selection of our favorite hand made tours including Maya Mountains. From romantic honeymoons to family-fun; these are completely flexible and arranged to your needs.
Belize Round Two
From the great cities of the Maya to diving the Palancar Reef, Belize has a lot to offer and is highly recommended!
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Belize Winter Escape
Belize was delightful we thoroughly enjoyed all the people that we met from drivers to tour guides to Hotel staff and just people we encountered along the way. Spending time both up in the jungle in the mountains and down on the coast was a wonderful contrast and I highly recommend doing both if possible. The weather was variable but over the time of our holiday we had opportunity to do all the things that we wanted, enjoy some tropical rain as well as some beautiful beach days The wildlife, history and scenery were spectacular. Both the lodge we stayed in and the hotel on the coast were well maintained with excellent, knowlegeable staff and good food My biggest negative would probably be that in being a less wealthy Nation their management of garbage and limited recycling capacity was quite noticeable in places.
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Explore Belize Together
Megan’s family vacation in Belize blended adventure and relaxation for a memorable Caribbean getaway. They trekked from San Ignacio’s rainforest highlands to the Tikal ruins, then snorkeled with sharks and rays at Hol Chan Reef along Belize’s tropical coast. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides shared Maya history and coastal traditions, leaving Megan’s family with a deeper appreciation for Belize’s vibrant heritage and natural wonders.
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Senior’s Vacation from Islands to Jungles
Belize is a good place to go if you want to stay in a resort or be in nature, like Pooks HIll and snorkeling and diving at Ambergris Caye. It's also a wonderful place to learn about and see Mayan culture from long ago.
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An Unforgettable Belize Honeymoon
I would and have recommend Belize to others as well as Anywhere, they were very patient and easy to work with and came through on their part of every aspect of our trip. Thanks Anywhere!
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A Belize Adventure to Remember
Such a great trip from start to finish. Our kids had such a great time and we did as well. Everything was planned so perfectly! Thank you Rodrigo!
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An Above & Beyond Birthday
Love the options— the hotels were spectacular. I enjoyed having a non-event day to hang out at pool and wall into town to see local events. Drivers were coordinated well, and they served well as tour guides. This country is beautiful, the people are so kind and generous.
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Mother and Son's Belize Adventure
Anywhere has always (third trip booked) done a great job in the choices, planning and logistics. Best travel company ever!!
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We had an UnBelizable Time
We always put our trip together and make out own plans. This time, we went with Anywhere and let you make suggestions. So glad we did. It was really worth the extra expense to know that everything was under control and we had someone to call on should things not go as planned. BUT, everything went as planned and it was better than expected!
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Beaches to Jungles
I’ve been telling everyone about anywhere.com! Absolutely would not have had this great if an experience without you!
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Beaches to Mayan Ruins
I would recommend Anywhere.com. We've used their services twice, in Costa Rica and Belize. For the second trip, Belize, we did feel we had to communicate more often to get the trip sorted out, but in the end, Anywhere totally came through for us. Every connection was smooth, every accommodation well-represented, and every tour well worth the trip.
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You Better Belize It—For Two
Hungry for adventure and romance? This trip for two is sure to satisfy you. Stay in the middle of an emerald jungle; later, find yourself luxuriating on Ambergis Caye.
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Exploring Belize with No Barriers
Enjoy unlimited access to the best of Belize when you take yourself on a grand adventure. You’ll explore beaches, jungles, and even go on aquatic excursions. #VacationExcitement
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Belize for the Wild at Heart
Treat yourself to the adventure vacation you deserve.
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Family Indulgence in Belize
The perfect combination of rest, relaxation, and adventure await you and your family on this grandiose trip. Indulge in the best of Belize's accommodations and activities.
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