ANCIENT SITES
Xunantunich (Stone Maiden) - Half Day
Explore Maya site atop a ridge near the Mopan River, just 20 minutes from Sweet Songs. Cross the river on a hand-cranked ferry, then explore three plazas, house mounds, and the El Castillo pyramid, known for its Classic-era friezes. Climb the temples for stunning views of Belize and Guatemala, and visit the on-site museum.
Alternate Options: Explore by horseback or mountain bike.
Cahal Pech - Half Day
Cahal Pech is a Maya archaeological site, partially uncovered and still revealing its ancient history. Located on the highest hill in San Ignacio, between the Mopan and Macal Rivers, it once served as a strategic palace for Maya royals who traded goods like fabrics, cocoa beans, and animal skins. The site features 34 structures spread across more than 2 acres, with a visitor center displaying artifacts and a model of the ancient city. Explore the site and discover what life was like for the Maya elite in their elevated sanctuary.
Caracol - Full Day
Caracol, Belize's largest Maya center, spans 75 square miles in the rainforest. Accessible after a drive through a pine forest reserve, its main structure, “Caana” or Sky Palace, stands 141 feet tall, making it the highest in Belize. Caracol's rulers once defeated Tikal and Naranjo, leaving architectural influences behind. Enhance your visit with a swim and picnic at Rio On Pools or Big Rock Waterfalls.
Tikal - Full Day
Travel 2.5 hours from the lodge to Guatemala to explore Tikal, the largest Maya city. Visit Temple IV, the Lost World, and the Great Plaza with a knowledgeable guide. Spot diverse wildlife like monkeys and tropical birds. Enjoy lunch at the park and browse local crafts before returning to Sweet Songs Lodge.
Yaxha at Sunset - Half Day
Explore Yaxhá, or "Blue Green Waters," nestled between two picturesque lakes in Guatemala. Experience stunning sunset views from its temples, overlooking the lakes and Rio Azul. Discover diverse Maya architecture, including unique street layouts and Stelae influenced by Teotihuacan. Spot spider and howler monkeys enhance your visit.
ON HORSEBACK
Nature Ride - Half Day
Explore Cayo's lush jungles and scenic pastures on horseback. Ride up to Valley View for stunning vistas of Cayo and parts of Guatemala. Capture photos and enjoy the views before returning to the lodge. Choose your pace with options to trot or gallop.
Wine & Cheese Horseback Ride - 3 Hours
Enjoy a unique wine and cheese tasting on horseback! Ride through scenic trails, taking in stunning views as the sun sets.
Horseback Ride to Xunantunich - Full Day
Begin your journey from Sweet Songs Lodge, riding through the hilltops and valleys to the Maya village of Succotz. Cross the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry and continue uphill to the ancient site of Xunantunich.
MAYA UNDERWORLD
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) - Full Day
Explore Belize’s ATM Cave, known for its stunning Maya relics and dramatic entrance. Swim through an hourglass-shaped entry and hike in varying water depths, from ankle-deep to chest-high. Navigate a steep rock slope to reach sacred grounds, accessible only barefoot. Note: This cave is unsuitable for young children, those with physical limitations, or those with claustrophobia or a fear of heights.
Barton Creek Cave Canoeing - Half Day
Explore Barton Creek Cave with a canoe ride and spotlight, while your guide reveals its Maya significance. Discover Maya artifacts and admire the Amish farms on rolling hills, where friendly waves are preferred over photos.
Cave Tubing & Zip Lining - Full Day
Located 37 miles along the Western Highway, Nohoch Chen Archaeological Park offers a thrilling zip-line adventure. Glide 100 to 750 feet between platforms up to 120 feet high in the trees on a series of 7 zip-lines. Experience the ancient Maya underworld, Xibalba, as you cave tube through stunning crystalline formations, stalagmites, and stalactites, occasionally emerging into sunlight before entering new cave systems.
BY CANOE
Canoe to San Ignacio - Half Day
Enjoy a scenic canoe trip to San Ignacio. Choose to combine your canoeing adventure with a visit to Cahal Pech, Xunantunich, or the Iguana Conservation. Depart by 9:00 AM for a Maya site or Iguana tour, or before noon if you prefer just canoeing.
Add-On Activities (Optional):
- Chocolate Making - Half Day: Roast cacao beans, grind them on granite, and mix to create pure chocolate. Sample and take some home.
- Market Tour - Half Day: Explore the Saturday Market, featuring a mix of flea markets and fresh produce stalls. Taste local foods, including tacos, tamales, and tropical fruits, and browse spices, medicinal herbs, and local wines.
JUNGLE TOURS
Jungle Pontoon Waterfall Adventure - Full Day
Experience an exhilarating day floating down a jungle-fringed river in Belize's Cayo district. Swim and cliff dive at three scenic waterfalls, and unwind on a comfortable pontoon boat. Enjoy a fresh lunch prepared on-board, with shaded seating under an awning.
Mountain Pine Ridge - Full Day
Explore Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, Belize’s oldest and largest protected forest, spanning 300 square miles. Travel through the Maya villages of Cristo Rey and San Antonio on your way to this unique destination.
BIKING TOURS
Mountain Biking Tour
Bike through Belize’s rainforests and pastures to the Maya village of San Jose Succotz. Cross the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry and ride to Xunantunich to explore ancient ruins with a guide.
