Xunantunich offers many opportunities for amazing selfies and group photos. The panoramic views of the Cayo District and nearby Guatemala from atop ‘El Castillo’ are stupendous! Come with an open heart to experience simplicity and visiting another world for a few hours before heading off to your Jaguar Paw cave tubing experience.

Once at the outpost, you will meet your tour guides who will issue inflatable tubes, headlamps and life vest. You’ll be given a basic orientation and safety briefing before heading off on a 30-minute hike which includes wading through a few knee-deep water streams. Don’t let the hike worry you though; as it’s mostly on flat terrain, is enjoyable and informative. It’s shaded by the rainforest canopy and our tour guides will point out flora and fauna noteworthy to the area. 

When you reach the entrance of the cave system, it’s time for your cave tubing adventure through the ancient Maya underworld. Inside, you’ll see intricate crystalline formations that line the cave with a majestic rise and fall of stalagmites and stalactites that add to the serene richness and grandiose of Xibalba as it’s known. If there’s time, and you’re open to added adventure, our guides may stop at the mini waterfall and swimming area. After leaving the falls, you’ll emerge into the sunlight and free float downstream, ushered by the gentle current and little rapids, to a harmony of birds and natural wildlife which routes back to where the tour started.

 It’s then on to the Belize Zoo before heading back home. The Belize Zoo is a small zoo with a big heart. Every species is placed in habitats that are similar to what their natural surroundings would be if they were still in the wild. Birds fly high in natural, enclosed canopies. Crocodiles lounge about in pools made just for them. The magnificent Jabiru Stork stakes its claim to lots of space and may even fluff its huge wingspan for a show. The Jaguar, Mountain Lion, and other wild cats blend into space provided for them and may come out for amazing photo opportunities.

 Here you can get a look at the national animal, the Tapir (Mountain Cow), and smell why the peccary has its own place in the Belize Kriol language. You will feel as if you are truly in the jungles of Belize.

The Belize Zoo is a fun individual and family trip. Even if you have visited many other zoos, the exotic flora and fauna of this little zoo will win you over.