Mopan River Resort: All-inclusive luxury in the Cayo District, Belize; Tours

Just a sampling of the Mopan River Resort adventure!
(Click on images above for larger views)

All expeditions, including Tikal, are provided at no additional cost to guests of Mopan River Resort

			Information on Expeditions (Visit the links for details where available) We operate all of your transfers and excursions with our own vehicles and equipment; using licensed guides and drivers that are employed by us. All expeditions within Belize are guided. The activity schedule is pre-arranged based on a 7 night stay, therefore, some excursions are not available to guests staying less than a week. Visit this link for an overview of the great Cayo District!
							Tikal, (Guatemala) These ruins are the greatest site in Central America, and only 1.5 hours drive from the border. Mopan River Resort is just a few miles from the border. This is a full day tour, departing the resort at 7.00 a.m., returning around 5.30 p.m. Lunch provided. You will have at least 5 hours to tour the site. This trip is done on Tuesdays and Fridays. If you are staying for a short visit, be sure to allow the full day for this trip. Guides at Tikal (if desired) charge approximately US$60 for 1-4 persons. Guests can make the trip more than once only when space permits.
							Caracol / Rio Frio Cave The largest Maya site in Belize, rivaling Tikal in its size during the peak year around 899 AD; with population estimates of 150,000 to 300,000. Millions of dollars have been committed to the restoration of this important site, which is still underway. Located in the rain forest, 50 miles due south, and 2.5 to 3 hours drive from the resort. A full day trip, lunch provided, and returning by 6.00 p.m. Rio Frio Cave is visited on the return trip. Photo by Theresa Husband.
							Xunantunich This beautiful site is one mile, as the crow flies, from our resort. Accessed with a 5 minute drive and a hand-cranked ferry river crossing. A climb to the top of towering "El Castillo" pyramid is a must for a fabulous view of the surrounding countryside. Guests are back at the resort in time for lunch. Cold beverages and handicrafts sold at the site.
							Cahal Pech On a hill just outside the town of San Ignacio, these ruins are easily accessed and present a different style of Maya architecture. An excellent museum is located next to the site. Over the years, archaeologists have found many wonderful artifacts here, including some of the finest jade masks ever uncovered in the Mayan world. This is a half day excursion. Driving time: 15 minutes

							Caves Branch River cave tubing adventure An all day expedition; driving time 1.5 hours down the Western Highway. We supply innertubes, life vests, and head lamps. Guests spend nearly two hours floating through an underground river cave. A picnic lunch is enjoyed before returning to the resort around 3.30pm.


			Chechem Hah Cave This is our "Indiana Jones" adventure! Eight miles south of the resort this cave was discovered recently by a young teenager. It is full of largely intact Maya pottery; some as old as 2000 years. This is a long half day tour, with guests returning to the resort for lunch at approximately 1.30 p.m. Driving time: 30 minutes

				Barton Creek Cave This unusual cave is located 20 miles from the resort. Half the journey is on the paved Western Highway, the remainder is a fairly rough road through the Orthodox Mennonite community. We ford the creek in two places, so heavy rains can preempt this trip for a couple of days. This is nearly a full day's trip, done in conjunction with the butterfly farm (see below). Packed lunches and cold drinks are enjoyed at the butterfly farm's picnic area. Guests return to the resort at approximately 3.00 - 4.00 p.m. Driving time 1.5 hours each way. Photo by Ian Rasmussen

				Green Hills Butterfly Farm This unusual and interesting operation raises many different species of butterflies, and exports them all over the world, to museums, zoos and other special exhibits. Visitors enter a unique enclosure for a fascinating tour and insight into the life cycle of Belize's famous Blue Morpho and a wide variety of other exotic beauties. This site is normally visited in conjunction with Barton Creek Cave (see above).
			Nature Trips (Available with 8 nights or more) Aguacate Lagoon Reserve where guests often see numerous species of birds and wildlife, including howler monkeys, toucans and crocodiles! The reserve is located near the Progressive Mennonite community of Spanish Lookout. A trip to the Belize Botanic Garden is also available on occasion; presenting a fine selection of native trees, plants, and orchids. This is a good bird watching location, too.
			The Belize Zoo is a great opportunity to photograph the amazing creatures of Belize. Set in a natural habitat with extensive, informative signage, this zoo is a fun and educational experience. A one hour visit is scheduled for departing guests on their return trip to Belize City. San Ignacio Market Saturday morning is the weekly farmer's market in San Ignacio Town. Afternoon shopping trips are also available, as an alternative to kayaking.

Guests are always welcome to opt out of activities and relax around the resort. Birding is great from our new bird watching tower, and we have a beautiful swimming pool, complete with a cascading waterfall...perfect for lounging and sunbathing!

Self-guided, half day River Kayaking trips to Calla Creek are available most afternoons.

Please note: Arriving guests will reach the resort in late afternoon hours. Therefore, no tours are available on that day.

Departing guests will visit the Belize Zoo en route to Belize City. Time constraints do not permit substitutions, or additional tours on departure day. Early international departures may preclude a stop at the zoo.

Disclaimer: Some excursions and activities within Belize are subject to weather, road and/or river conditions. Alternate sites or activities will be chosen, as necessary, to fill the activity schedule.