Sacred Caves and Temples Extension

Rendezvous with your driver in Dangriga, Belize City, or the Belize International Airport, and transfer west to the village of Cristo Rey. From here, we follow a meandering road to Crystal Paradise Resort, which is in a picturesque setting and perched on a hill above the Macal River. You have time to settle in and explore the property.

After an early breakfast, you drive deep into the most remote rainforest location in Belize, to the ancient Mayan city of Caracol. Today’s drive takes us through breathtaking scenery through the Mountain Pine Ridge, over a series of creeks and rivers, and descending into the lush Chiquibul Rainforest Reserve. The ancient Mayan city of Caracol dates back to the classic period and is believed to be one of Belize’s largest Mayan settlements of that era. The city walls contain over 35,000 known structures, including five plazas, four palaces, three temples, 24 stelae, two ball courts, reservoirs, causeways, and an astronomical observatory. Upon our return from Caracol, we stop at Rio Frio Caves and the Rio On natural pools. Here, you can swim in the serene pools on the edge of the Mountain Pine Ridge.

Today’s extraordinary adventure takes us deep underground and into the Mayan underworld known as Xibalba, a mythical realm inhabited by spirits, powerful gods and sacred rituals. We hike, wade, swim, and climb into the sacrificial chambers to witness first-hand artifacts deep in the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) caves system. We find evidence of ceremonial offerings, and sacrifice. As we climb the underground river system to the high chamber, it ends at the top with the “Crystal Maiden”, skeletal remains that have been calcified into the flowstone.

Birdlife and wildlife abound at our lodge and early mornings are the most active. Wake to a coffee, grab your binoculars and spend a quiet hour watching wildlife. Your transfer time this morning will be set based on your next tour rendezvous or your international flight time.

Contact our Trip Planners for hotel reservations in Belize City, Flight & Hotel Packages or to extend your Belize itinerary by combining this trip with another Island Expeditions adventure or extension.