Top Hopkins How to Get Around

Discover one of Belize's best-kept secrets on a day trip to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve and waterfall near Hopkins. Hike through the jungle to a hidden cascade, and then ride natural river waterslides and inner tubes down the South Stann Creek River. After enjoying this natural playground, enjoy a picnic lunch and spot a variety of Belizean wildlife in the surrounding nature reserve that's home to the country's largest number of jaguars.

Combine the best of Belizean nature and culture on this combo tour that includes a visit to the Xunantunich ancient Mayan ruins and the Inland Blue Hole — a beautiful jungle lagoon. The ruins can be difficult to navigate on your own, but a guide explains the site’s fascinating history and helps you safely climb the highest stone temple in Belize. A picnic lunch and all transfers are included for a stress-free adventure.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Depart for a day of Mayan historical adventure to see one of the finest Maya Ruins in Belize. 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. Now we make our way to Cave Tubing @ St. Herman's Cave. This is a combination of cave exploration and cave tubing to explore this incredible river cave system. Imagine the excitement as you drift downriver, your body tucked in an inflated inner tube, your fingers trailing in the crisp clear river and up head is the vine-draped opening of mysterious cave.

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary established in 1990 is world renowned for being the first jaguar reserve.Besides being the home to Belize's largest cat, the sanctuary protects the headwaters of two major river systems and supports an abundance of hardwood vegetation and a diverse faunal assemblage.Over 128,000 acres of lush jungle are ringed by the spectacular Cockscomb Mountains.Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to all five (5) of Belize's cats: Jaguar, Puma, Margay, Jaguarundi, and Ocelot. It is estimated that over 80 resident Jaguars are in the area. Belize's national animal, the endangered Baird's Tapir also inhabits the Basin and over 290 different species of birds have been recorded.This tour is ideal for nature lovers and intrepid travelers. Get a chance to be up close and personal with the majestic jaguar.

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.

Explore the enchanting ecosphere of Freshwater Creek Lagoon - the Garifuna Way beginning at 7:30AM!!!  Palmento Grove Cultural & Fishing Lodge sits along the Fresh Water Creek Lagoon offering a remarkable experience that includes kayaking, fishing & cultural food exploration. Discover all of its marvels- the lagoon's history and its beauty! Grab a paddle and glide along the cool and calm waterways with your family while being guided by an indigenous fisher-folk. Explore the splendor of this ecologically important watershed and its breathtaking views of the Maya Mountains & the Caribbean Sea.  Relax on the beach or at the lodge where the catch of the day is grilled and served with the best of cultural starch & dessert, fresh vegetable salad, and fresh fruit juice or cultural Drink.

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.

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!

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.

Led by legendary Belizean Fly Fishing guides considered the utmost authority on fly-fishing for Permit along with all other species found here on the flats in Belize. Each includes professional fly fishing guides, outfitted flats boats, Orvis rods and reels and all terminal equipment (flies, leaders and tippet). Lunch, refreshments and snacks. Casting lessons and instruction is available upon request.

Belize Premier Black Indigenous Cultural & Cooking Classes guaranteed to be highly educational, entertaining and interactive.  Come journey with us through our historical stories.  We are glad to share the tremendous cultural value of our coconut trees engaging you in the interactive process of coconut harvesting, husking, tasting, grating and milk extraction. Enter our traditional Garifuna Kitchen where we share with you our cassava baking process and share many of our antique collection of artifacts with you.   Cooking Class in Hopkins Belize is always fun time.   Earn your bragging rights by over coming the heat in the kitchen.  Fireheart Cooking Lessons is a unique signature experience where you get to prepare your own (HUDUT) traditional meal that is served for Lunch or Dinner.  Culminate your Garifuna Immersion with sensational drum rolls learning the basic techniques of Garifuna drumming & Music & revitalizing your souls earning your delicious cultural dessert.

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.

Partake in making a bread that have a shelf life of of over 10 years. Engage in the traditional life of our Garifuna farmers maintaining endless rows of cassava beds and reaping the splendid crop from their labor. This wonder crop has been loyal to the Garifuna people since their movement through the Caribbean by being the main staple in their diet and can last up to several years without spoiling. Participate first hand in the preparation of cassava bread from the plant to the finishing product which you are sure to enjoy cassava pudding. 

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.