Belize is an adventurer’s paradise, with majestic jungle and monuments to a rich past at every turn. At Ka’ana, each tour is guided privately by an adventure specialist. Whether you’re thrill-seeking, bird-watching, history-craving, or all of the above, a multitude of exciting excursions await.
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave
The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave tour begins with a trek that includes wading across three rivers. After 45 minutes, you arrive at the “Cave of the Stone Sepulcher,” one of the most impressive caves in the Maya lowlands.
The ATM cave system consists of a series of chambers ending in a large cathedral, where sacrificial ceremonies once took place. Here lie those individuals sacrificed to the gods of the underworld, which was known as Xibalba (pronounced shi-bal-ba). Visitors to ATM have the opportunity to travel into the past and witness a living museum, where skeletal remains and artifacts can be viewed in their original context.
Tikal Maya Ruins
Tikal (“City of Echoes”) is the largest known city remaining from the ancient Maya civilization and was considered the greatest metropolis in the Maya kingdom. Situated in Guatemala’s largest protected area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it holds ruins comprising over 3,000 astounding structures set in 21 square miles (54 square kilometers).
Horseback Riding to Xunantunich
You’ll begin your journey at Hanna Stables, nestled within 400 acres of lush, green farmland. From there, you’ll make your way on horseback to the majestic site Xunantunich, where you’ll explore ancient ruins, including Maya temples, with your personal guide. Next, you’ll take in the sights and smells of the tropical rainforest as you picnic along the banks of the Mopan River before you meander back home.
Yaxha Sunset Tour
A 60-minute drive across the Guatemalan border takes guests to Yaxha National Park, where they enjoy a private, guided tour of this lesser visited, atmospheric site. Guests might encounter howler and spider monkeys as well as many colorful tropical birds and other mammals in this area, which is rich with wildlife. Drinks are enjoyed at the end of the tour, at sunset, atop the main temple, with views over the surrounding rainforest and nearby Lake Yaxha.
Helicopter Transfer
Take a direct helicopter ride from Belize International Airport to Ka’ana’s on-site helipad. Along the way, pass over lush, protected jungle reserves and get a bird’s-eye view of the Maya Mountains and their 1,000-foot (305-meter) falls. Your journey closes with an aerial tour of the ancient Maya city Xunantunich, just 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from Ka’ana. Enjoy this thrilling way to witness Belize’s diverse landscapes and environments.
Cave Tubing and Ziplining
For the cave tubing part of this adventure, after being outfitted with the necessary equipment, begin a 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) trek through subtropical trails, wade across a shallow portion of the river, and pass through two caves before reaching a stunning lagoon surrounded by steep limestone walls. Along the way, your guide will point out various exotic flora and fauna native to Belize..
Ziplining takes you soaring through the subtropical jungle canopy from treetop to treetop, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest below. A thrilling adventure, there are five runs at heights ranging up to 80 feet (24 meters). The trip culminates in rappelling down the last tree to the ground for that final adrenaline rush.
Xunantunich Maya Ruins
The ancient Maya ruins of Xunantunich (“Maiden of the Rock,” pronounced shoe-nan-too-nitch) are accessed by a short crossing of the Mopan River on a hand-cranked chain ferry. Held within the Belizean rainforest, this site includes Maya plazas, palaces, and temples, as well as a modern museum. Guests have the choice of getting there and back by car, or starting the tour with an hour-long horseback ride originating at the nearby Hanna Stables and finishing with a private picnic on the banks of the Mopan River. You may ride your horse or be driven back.
Barton Creek Cave
You arrive at Barton Creek Cave after an enjoyable drive across rivers, jungle trails, and orange orchards, and through the Mennonite community of Barton Creek; be sure to smile and wave at the horse-drawn buggies. Hidden within this small community are the remnants of an ancient Maya civilization, silently waiting to be explored in the cool, dark, watery underground caverns of Barton Creek Cave. The site was a center for ritualistic activities, including human sacrifices, fertility rites, and bloodletting.
Horseback Riding
Experience a departure from the traditional horseback tour when you visit the private ranch of Santiago Juan. Ride across an open pasture toward the bank of the Mopan River, led by your personal guide and ranch hand. An exciting river crossing takes you off the beaten path and on an eye-opening ride that reveals a slower way of life.
Maya Cooking Class
Part of Ka’ana’s spell-binding magic is its deep roots in the Maya culture. Most of our guests are left with a sense of wonder at the rich history of the Maya people. If you can’t get enough and would love to experience Maya culture in a unique way, let us to take you and your taste buds on a culinary journey!
Caracol Maya Ruins
The Maya ruins of Caracol (Spanish for “snail”) are considered to represent the largest Maya city in Belize and are home to the biggest man-made structure in the country. Depart at 7 AM for an adventure deep into the jungle of the Maya Mountains, habitat to wild animals such as tapirs, jaguars, monkeys, toucans, and scarlet macaws.
Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave is one of the most exhilarating caves in the region. The initial climb through lush rainforest is steep and heart pumping. After a 60-minute hike, you arrive at the entrance of the cave; here, the real fun begins. You will descend up to 600 feet (183 meters) into a stunning cave system. Pick your way along sheer rock faces and slide down mud ramps. Littered with crystal stalagmite and stalactite formations, the chamber called the “cathedral” is mind-blowing. If you are up for this physically demanding excursion, it will be a high point of your caving experiences in the Cayo district.
Ceramic Making in San Antonio
The San Antonio Women’s Group still makes ceramics by hand. It is a time-consuming process requiring great concentration and precision. These artisans will demonstrate the “coil method,” and you will be able to try your hand at creating something of your own. Following this, make corn tortillas on a traditional fire hearth. Learn about the process of grinding the fresh corn and transforming it into “masa,” the dough that is formed into tortillas.
Big Rock Falls
Drive into the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and away from civilization for an intimate experience at one of the most breathtaking sites in western Belize. Led by your adventure specialist, hike down to a waterfall and climb over boulders as you enjoy the best swimming spots and a private picnic.
Bird Watching
Belize is home to the rare orange-breasted falcon, and this expedition will take you to one of only 13 locations in Central America where you can witness this magnificent bird in its natural habitat. Your guide will also explain the medicinal uses of the plants on the trail as well as point out a plethora of interesting birds, wildlife, and flora, including numerous species of orchid that grow abundantly in the rainforest.
The Belize Zoo
The Belize Zoo, located an hour from Ka’ana en route to Belize City, is a unique stop for animal lovers. Here, one can see more than 125 types of animals that are native to Belize. The zoo is set around 29 acres of tropical savanna, providing a natural setting for the wildlife living there. Visitors learn about the unique qualities of these creatures as well as the importance of protecting their natural habitat.
