Enjoy a combo excursion that includes scenic sightseeing of Belize City, a mountain bike ride on jungle trails, and a visit to the Mayan ruins of Altun Ha. Sightseeing, history, and action all in one day!
Your guide will meet you outside of your Belize cruise ship tender terminal. Your day starts with a sightseeing drive through the city with your experienced guide filling you in on the history and culture of Old Belize City. In the comfort of your air-conditioned transportation, you'll pass many of the best landmarks like the white and red Baron Bliss Lighthouse, constructed in 1885 and named after a favorite benefactor of Belize. Pass the primary Anglican cathedral of Belize, St. John's Cathedral, built in the 1800s from ship ballast. See one of the oldest and one of the last manually operated swing bridges in the world, The Old Belize Swing Bridge, which connects the north and south of the city over Haulover Creek. The modern downtown has casinos, luxury hotels, shopping, and the Museum. The Central Bank of Belize is home to 2 of the largest jade artifacts found so far in Belize – a jade head uncovered at Altun Ha and a ceremonial pendant.
Heading out of the city, along the Northern Highway you'll pass by several rural communities. You'll see the Old Belize River and, after a short drive on the Old Northern Highway, will reach the Mountain Biking Trails. After your bike is adjusted, receiving your safety instructions and put on your helmet, you'll follow your guide through the lush rain forest. You'll pass caves, waterfalls, and some Mayan ruins of small temples. These jungles were home to the ancient Mayans from 200 BC to 1200 AD. The trails you'll be riding were used by the Spanish mahogany log cutters in the 17th and 18th centuries until the British stopped logging. Belize has over 600 species of birds and you may see the Toucan (the national bird), Scarlet Macaw, Motmot, Harpy Eagle, Egret, and Frigate among others. The jungle is also home to a variety of animals including the Coatimundi, and Howler Monkey. The vegetation is important and your guide will point out and explain several of the medicinal plants growing there. After arriving back to the bike base camp after your 45 to 60-minute bike ride, you'll hop back onboard your transportation and head to the Mayan ruins of Altun Ha.
Altun Ha was a major trading and religious center starting around 200 BC. Only a small portion of the ruins have been excavated, about 15 of the estimated 500 mounds. Much of the discovery and excavation was completed by Canadian Dr. David Pendergast with the help of locals. There are 2 main plazas surrounded by small pyramids. The largest Mayan jade object discovered to date was found in the Sun God Temple. It's a carved head that weighs 4.42 kg and is now guarded at the Central Bank of Belize. Imagine walking the city as the Mayans did and hiking up above the trees to have a panoramic view of the rainforest and the entire city. In 2014 and 2015 they upgraded the ruins for visitors and included a wheelchair-accessible restroom and a visitor center.
On your return to the city, you'll stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a typical Belizean meal of rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, stewed chicken, fried plantains, and coleslaw. Your transport will get you back to your Belize tender pier in plenty of time to board before your ship sets sail.
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