Belize nature Travel

Belize and Guatemala's Peten are the center of the Mayan world. Some have said that every square foot of Belize is a Maya archaeological site. Almost everywhere you look there are remnants of this once great civilization.

Luis Godoy is Mayan. His family descended from the same people who built and thrived in the Maya cities that Belize is so famous for. His upbringing was steeped in Mayan tradition, lore, medicine, and practices.

Luis participated in the excavation of some of the Mayan sites and has both worked and volunteered for the Belize Department of Archaeology. He has also passed all the available Maya-related tour guide certification training. That gives him both a personal and professional perspective on the ancient Maya - a perspective that he openly shares with visitors.

A visit to any of the Mayan sites with Luis is truly an insight into the ancient world of the Maya.

The guides that Luis employs have to meet the stringent requirements laid down by the country of Belize. More importantly they have to prove themselves to Luis.

Xunantunich

This frequently visited site in Western Belize sits close to the border with Guatemala. Restoration of spectacular hieroglyphics loom on a high acropolis that also sports an imposing staircase overlooking a grand central plaza.

Your guide will help you explore and understand the site and its significance in the Mayan trade route associated with the Mopan river. Crossing the Mopan by hand-cranked ferry is one of the highlights of your visit to this important site.

Caracol

While Tikal (in nearby Guatemala) is often regarded as the "premiere" Maya site, Caracol is, in many ways, its equal. Glyphs here tell us that Caracol once defeated Tikal in battle.

This sprawling site sits deep in the Chiquibul Forest in Western Belize, far from any current human development. Travel here (on a newly improved road) is full immersion into the natural world of Belize, as you pass through multiple ecosystems. Watch for exciting wildlife on your journey!

Caracol is a massive complex - and your guides from Belize Nature Travel will help you understand both the importance of the human development here and the complexity of the natural world around you.