 Days
of Operation: Fridays
Intensity: Easy
Departure Time: 7:30 a.m.
Approx. Return Time: 5:00 p.m.
Food/Drinks: Lunch, juice and water
What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, camera,
sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, binoculars, field guide.
Description: If you ever wanted to learn a lot about the Maya here
is your chance! We first explore the Mayan ruin of Xunantunich (pronounced
Shu-nan-tu-nitch), or Stone Maiden.  Located
near the Guatemalan border, a hand-cranked ferry (left) will take you
across the river to this major ceremonial center situated high on a limestone
ridge with a panoramic view of the Cayo District. The main pyramid, El
Castillo, has detailed stucco friezes. After a full lunch we make our
way to Cahal Pech, or Place of the Ticks.  Cahal
Pech was the royal family's residence around the same time that Xunantunich
was at its height of power. This medium-size Mayan center comprises 34
structures compacted in a small area covering slightly more than 2 acres.
The site includes 7 plazas, 2 ball courts, 6 plain Stella and 1 alter,
as well as temple pyramids. Moreover, it has the second oldest structure
in the Mayan world. Cahal Pech was first developed during the Preclassic
period (1000 BC to AD 200) and abandoned around 800 AD. This site offers
a view over the city of San Ignacio on one side and over the Belize River
valley on the other. By the end of the trip you'll be an expert on the
Maya (okay, not quite, but almost!).
Please Note:
•A Belizean tour guide accompanies all tours.
•We cannot control the weather! It may rain for days and you
may experience the rainforest in the rain! Come prepared with adequate
rain gear and a positive attitude.
•Trip alterations may occur due to inclement weather or factors
beyond our control.
•Comfortable hiking shoes or sturdy tennis shoes are recommended
for most inland adventures. Open sandals are ideal for resort wear
and the beach.
•We have a healthy environment and creatures great and small
thrive. We recommend that you use insect repellent and sunscreen during
all inland adventures.
•The national parks of Belize encompass natural habitats for
wildlife such as tapir, jaguar, monkeys, snakes and crocodiles. Even
though all of the above animals have been seen by our guests, we cannot
guarantee that any specific wildlife will be spotted during your adventures.
•Hamanasi is not liable for any injury sustained on a tour.
•We promote low impact tourism and request that our guests only
walk on prepared trails in the jungle.
•As visitors in beautiful Belize we ask that you respect and
are sensitive to the local culture. |
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