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On this tour you will see:
• Altun Ha ruins
• Belize zoo
• scenic drive
Altun Ha, once a model Mayan city, was the link in the Caribbean trade route that ran north through the Yucatán. Its ruins were discovered by quarriers looking for stone to build the Old Northern Highway. Their discovery of 2000-year-old specimens were just the beginning of the uncovering of the remnants of 13 structures surrounding two plazas, including one 60-foot temple now called the Temple of the Sun God.
This adventure is even more enticing once you realize that the location just an hour outside of Belize City and situated in the rain forest for an added experience.
The ruins are breathtaking and easily walked. You will get expert guidance as you move from one plaza to the other through a forest path. Those who prefer to wait can find some benches rather than hazard the uneven surface. As some of the areas are easily accessible, they will be able to see a good share of the ruins before making themselves comfortable.
Along with this experience, you will visit the Belize Zoo. For many, this is a must-see attraction. The ride to your destination will be as interesting as your visit to the zoo. This may be the finest zoo in the Americas south of the US and it has been long recognized as a phenomenal conservation achievement. It is referred to as “The Best Little Zoo in the World”, and visitors can experience the joy of these beautiful animals.
The zoo opened in 1983 after the filming of a movie called Path of the Raingods. The film's production assistant was left with a collection of semi-tame animals no longer able to fend for themselves in the wild. Today, it is a wildlife rehabilitation center supported by foundations and donations. The Belize Zoo is now settled upon 29 acres of tropical savannah and has approximately 125 animals all native to Belize.
The opportunity to present native animals for both locals and visitors alike developed into a reality. Now these native animals live in their natural habitat but are monitored and kept healthy.
The theme of "a walk through Belize" takes you on a trail through the pine ridge, the rainforest, lagoons and the river forest. Local residents at the Belize Zoo include the Toucan, Belize’s national bird, the Tapir, Belize’s national animal, and the five largest cats in Central America, including the Jaguar.
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Traveler Reviews
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| 8/21/2008 |
BELIZE - Hoffman Family |
| My family and I just got back from our Royal Caribbean cruise for which we booked the Mayan Ruins/Belize Zoo Tour through your company for our shore trip in Belize. Everything went great. Our guide, Vel, was there and waiting, even though we were 40 minutes past our excursion time due to the tendering process. Vel was just "unbelizeable", to use his term, in how knowledgeable of the ruins and zoo he was, and also in how knowledgeable of his country he was. He made the entire tour fun with his humor and in questioning us on our theories behind the ruins. He and my husband went on about the "alien theory" for at least 15 minutes. Anyway, I was originally nervous about scheduling a shore excursion which was not through our cruise ship but your website made the process super easy and Vel ensured we had plenty of time at both the Ruins and the Zoo and then making sure we got back to the port in time. If we ever get back to Belize, the Cave Tubing is next on my agenda and if Vel is around I would be sure to ask for him as our guide. Thanks for the great service. |
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| 11/7/2007 |
BELIZE - Carbone |
| Our trip was GREAT!! I would totally recommend doing the private tour to anyone! Our guide was very knowledgeable and even took us to a grocery store to get hot sauce! I don't think there was anything that could have been improved upon! |
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| 2/1/2007 |
BELIZE - Alfred |
| Taking this private tour was one of the best choices that we have made in shore excursions. Our guide, was very knowledgeable about the Altun Ha Mayan ruins and the Belize zoo. We had the feeling that he personally knew every animal in the zoo! We had a very enjoyable experience and would highly recommend this tour. Being driven in a Lincoln Town Car beats the heck out of being herded on a large bus any time. |
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| 3/16/2006 |
COSTA MAYA K.Heppen |
| We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful and answered all our questions about Belize. The zoo was great - we got there before all the tour buses! Altun Ha met all our expectations and more, especially with all the information our guide had. We are not big shoppers, but the crafts at Altun Ha were beautifully made and sold by local people. |
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