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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

At St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park there are unique geological features that can be found within 575 acres of forest rich with wildlife. The main attractions in this park, namely the St. Herman’s Cave and the Blue Hole, are connected by an underground stream. Visitors will traverse the cave completely, seeing beautiful stalactites & stalagmites and Mayan artifacts. After your guided tour through St. Herman’s Cave, we will be floating peacefully back to the entrance of the cave on an inner tube through refreshing fresh crystal clear waters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Join a soul touching experience as you get the unique opportunity to explore the sacred underworld of the Mayan with our Mayan descendant expert guide. It is a spiritual experience like no other as the sharing is done with utmost authenticity. A 2hr road journey takes you to a very secluded jungle location where you hike for approximately 20-30 minutes to the illusive ATM Cave where your guide draws the attention of your soul to the era when the Mayans traversed the Cave in search for hope. Refreshing yourself in the cool stream at the entrance of the cave is a must. You are then ask to partake in the journey of walking along the inner stream in the Cave and to climb Rocks viewing the shimmery stalagmites and stalactites as you make your way to the upper chamber where skeleton remains and potteries can be seen. You are encourage to engage all your senses to feel the moment.

The UNESCO listed the Great Belize Barrier Reef as one of the most diverse eco-systems in the world made up of over 100 coral species and home to some 500 species of fish and hundreds of invertebrates. Travel on a short boat ride with our experienced guide as you journey to the many fishing spots along the Belize’s southern barrier reef. Belize’s Southern Reef is an angler’s paradise with an abundance of marine life. Whether reef trolling or perfecting your skills on the flats, you will have an unforgettable fishing experience.

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.

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.