Top Hopkins How to Get Around

Cruise on the Monkey River and spot Howler monkeys, toucans, manatees, giant iguanas, crocodiles, and other species that call this river their home. Also witness the local residents participating in traditional fishing and other daily tasks. Top this off with an authentic meal.

Depart for a day of Mayan historical adventure to see some of the finest Maya Ruins in Belize. Xunantunich is located in the Cayo District across from Benque Viejo Road near the village of San Jose Succotz just a few miles from Belize’s western border with Guatemala. At the village of San Jose Succotz, we cross over the Mopan River using a hand-cranked ferry. From the other side of the river, it’s a mile uphill to the site, which can be accessed on foot or in a vehicle. Xunantunich Mayan ruin, also known as the “Maiden of the Rock” is the second tallest Mayan ruin in Belize. The largest pyramid, El Castillo stands 130 feet high above the main plaza and offers an impressive panoramic view of the Cayo District, Guatemala, and the Mopan River. The site has been largely excavated and has a well-appointed educational museum. Experience an authentic Belizean lunch in the immediate area of the ruins.

Xunantunich is one of the largest ancient Maya cities ever built, the rulers of Xunantunich clashes with other powerful rivals in the area, including Tikal. In 2016, the largest Maya royal tomb ever discovered was excavated in Xunantunich, and the site remains an impressive display of pyramids, palaces, and other grandiose buildings.

There’s no need to brave the supposedly haunted Xunantunich archaeological site alone; instead, visit these popular Belizean ruins as part of a guided excursion from Hopkins and learn more about the region’s history. Don’t worry about making your own way there either, as round-trip transportation and the ferry ride are included for ease.

Check out the most famous ancient Maya site ever discovered - Tikal which is located just across the western border of Belize in Guatemala. This collection of ancient ruins (temples, pyramids) will let know the story about the Mayan Empire!

Hike up to witness the Cockscomb Waterfalls and ride inner tubes down the South Stann Creek River along with a chance to spot a wide variety of wildlife at a nature reserve in Belize. You will be greeted by magnificent landscapes and vegetation during your hike here.

Embark on a horseback riding tour at a private ranch which even children can enjoy. These trained horses will take through the groves in the rainforest and to the river for a swim.

Cruise on the Monkey River and spot Howler monkeys, toucans, manatees, giant iguanas, crocodiles, and other species that call this river their home. Also witness the local residents participating in traditional fishing and other daily tasks. Top this off with an authentic meal.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) is one of the most popular and impressive Maya ceremonial caves ever found. ATM was in use during the early classic period, which dates to around 300-600AD. The caving part of the tour, takes you through a subterranean river, over (and under) more than a few rocks and into the main chamber. The ATM Cave is a wet cave – you swim into the mouth and then wade through ankle to chest high water before climbing to a intricate passageways of dry chambers which lead to the cathedral-like main hall, a towering chamber 350 metres in length and 50mteres wide and filled with artefacts and sacrificial remains. After this another climb takes you to the stone chamber where the Crystal Maiden lies, this is the skeleton of a teenage girl who was sacrificed and left in the cave. Over thousands of years her remains have been covered by a layer of diamond like limestone. The Mayas sacrificed humans in the hopes of appeasing the gods and bringing fertility to the land.

The tour starts with a 10 minute walk through the jungle as you get an informative talk on cave archaeology and the geology of the Maya Mountains. You then get to spend about two hours inside the cave system. Enter the exciting world of rivers disappearing into the “underworld” as you float on inner tubes with only your head lamp to light your way.

The ATM Cave is one of the most historical sights in the world. It is an incredibly beautiful underground world filled with glittering stalactites and stalagmites.

Seeing is belizing - Freshwater Creek lagoon Bioluminescence Be dazzled by stars as you sit back and enjoy a front row seat to the shimmer of the night on on the Freshwater Creek Lagoon. Tour departs from Palmento Grove Docking station at 6:30PM and return at about 8:30PM. We cruise in our kayaks through the Lagoon looking to spot Crocodiles while heading to our magical location where you will be the witness to a magnificent mystical view of water glowing in the night with every droplet sparkling like stars. You can also look forward to seeing rays and lively fish darting around in otherworldly green glow.. Sure to mesmerize you and the entire family.

Grab a bike and let's adventure into the beautiful village of Hopkins with picturesque beaches, amazing people and the awe inspiring Garifuna culture. First stop at an organic herbal garden and learn about the natural remedies  to some of mankind's worst diseases from our local healers. Then hop into a boat for a short ride to a cultural island where you will be able to taste fresh organic wines made from only the finest of fruits , while also going through Garifuna artificats, art and literature . Then finish off with a traditional Garifuna lunch while our drummers play a beat that will surely invigorate your souls. Nearby you can also enjoy the peace and tranquility of our secluded beach.

Head to Bocawina, home to Belize’s longest zipline. Extending 2 ½ miles across the Mayflower Bocawina National Park, you can observe the rain forest from a bird’s eye view.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Stone Sepulcher) dubbed by National Geography as the top sacred cave to explore in the world; should be on your bucket list! Here, our guides will provide you with a helmet, headlamp, and life jacket if needed. When geared up, it’s now time to hike, wade and swim the sacrificial Mayan underworld of the ATM. There’s 3 river crossing and a 30-minute hike, which will bring you to an hourglass entrance. From here, the cave system spans approximately 3 miles with stalactites, stalagmites, jarring boulders and freshwater streams from ankle to waist deep. Walking bare feet, deeper into the underground surrender will unearth untainted Mayan history dating back 1-1000 AD. Pottery, ranging from intact to completely shattered; tools, ceremonial items, and the skeletal remains of 14 bodies on display, from finger bones to skulls, among other skeletal remains, fused to the bare ground within a few feet steps.

Catch your own seafood meal on this fun guided excursion in Southern Belize. Head out with an experienced skipper and try your hand at catching snapper, grouper, barracuda, lionfish, and if you’re lucky, lobster and conch. Then, head to a private island and grill your catch on the beach before enjoy a relaxing afternoon of eating, swimming, snorkeling, and kicking back by the water.

Rappel down the Actun Loch Tunich also known as the Mother of all Caves, which was initially formed from a sinkhole. Enjoy this unforgettable experience and see the massive rainforest canopy growing of this sinkhole, on your way down.

A must-visit, even when on the shortest stays in our beautiful country. Xunantunich is a national treasure that fills its visitors with a sense of time travel.. You'll know you're arriving when you spot the little falls of the Mopan River winding alongside the road through the village of San Jose Succotz. You're hit with how green and lush everything is. Some visitors will get to see a group of women doing laundry in the river while their children swim nearby. After a couple hours of exploring, you’ll head off to the Inland Blue Hole for a dip. Not to be confused with Belize’s iconic Blue Hole in the Caribbean Sea, this woodland natural pool offers a lovely and refreshing stop on the Hummingbird Highway.Once at the bottom, the jungle opens up to the sky’s canvas revealing limestone rock walls and vegetation, forming an attractive 25-foot (8-m) deep swimming hole. The water in the Blue Hole is part of an underground cave system that flows into the Sibun River.

Go through the process of making your own traditional Garifuna Drum with our master Drum Maker. Carved from one block of wood,animal skin, and vines; this ancient instrument gives off some of the most beautiful rhythms and uplifting beats. Perfect for musicians who keep there instruments dear to their heart and even perfect for visitors seeking a hands on adventure. Take home your self made and functional souvenir and keep a token of the Garifuna culture with you for generations to come. Tour also includes 1 hour drumming lesson.

Climb to the top of 1000 foot waterfall through lush rainforest learning about the flora & fauna on the journey. End the challenging 1.5 hours hike with a refreshing swim in the emerald pools on the mountain top and take in the breathtaking view of the Tropical Rainforest & Caribbean Sea. Take the exhilarating 250ft rappel in two stages. Overcome the steep, rugged and slippery terrain and create true memories of your heroic moments.

Plan this exciting fun cave tubing and ziplining activity at Jaguar Paw, a beautiful, pristine natural area located in central Belize. You will be mesmerized by the cave formations and also witness the forest's canopy from a bird's eye view.

Head out into the Anderson Lagoon to see enchanting bioluminescent plankton light up the water with this Sittee River trip. Your guide will take you into the mangroves by boat, where you'll get to see this enchanting natural phenomenon up close and personal. You can even put your hand in the water and swish it around to see how agitated plankton immediately illuminate.

We head down to the waterfalls to take a rejuvenating waterfall shower and chill pool side at the refreshing natural waterfall pool . It's truly an amazing experience as u enjoy your fresh fruit and juice snacks by the refreshing waterfall pool. You'll also have the option of ordering a delicious meal from the nearby rustic and comfy restaurant. Enjoy the pristine scenery and the company of our certified and experienced guides.

Immerse yourself in the Mayan culture as you embark to a historic Maya village; where you will get to be hands by participating in there traditional way of life. You will be using traditional utensils to make a delectable Mayan meal from all organic and locally souurced ingredients. You are sure to have fun and truly get to appreciate their simplistic and wholesome way of living. Then you will travel to the historic Nim Li Punit where our guide will give you a better insight on the history of Mayan people through the stellas, buildings and artifacts at this archeologicial sight. Come join us and learn about the flourishing Mayan community that once was thought to have been lost.