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- Caves Branch - Tours and Cave Tubing Adventures -

Experience the mystery and beauty of the caves and caverns of Belize. The Caves Branch team are unsurpassed at guided cave exploration and invite you to share in these exciting adventures, on foot or by water. All cave tours depart daily and may be subject to high water levels during the rainy season. All adventures are full day unless otherwise stated.

Enter the exciting world of rivers disappearing into the underworld as you float on inner tubes with only your headlamp to light your way. Floating past side windows that filter the jungle light through the mist as you swirl around stalagmites jutting from the river and stalactites looming from above. Float past underground waterfalls then into the crystal cathedral, a spiritual center to the ancient Maya.

This tour is only available during the rainy season since the river levels get very very low during the dry season. This tour is usually not available from February to June.


River Cave Expedition - Cave Tubing:

Cave TubingMore underground rivers .. This time combine cave tubing and cave exploration to explore this incredible river cave system where ancient Maya Ceremonial centers, pottery, artifacts, altars, obsidian blood letting blades, jade and the actual footprints of the Shaman and priests dated to 400 A.D. are still seen. Spectacular crystal formations over 5,000,000 years old cast eerie shadows into the black abyss as you explore and experience the most sacred area of the ancient Maya.

A living museum where the past can still be experienced in its historical and natural location. Massive cathedral size chambers with walls of river sculptured rock dwarf explorers as we pass on foot and inner tube. (Subject to high water levels during the rainy season)

Waterfall Cave Expedition:
Waterfalls .. waterfalls .. and more waterfalls. Hundreds of feet under the limestone mountain ridge above, explore this river cave with a total of six waterfalls that must be challenged and conquered before days end. No cave tubing today. Spectacular crystal formations loom above and ancient Maya ceremonial centers are hidden in side chambers as you explore this mist shrouded kingdom. At the end of the day, a three kilometer hike through the forest where a driver will be waiting to bring you back to the lodge. This expedition has a very high difficulty level and all participants must be fit and agile.
(Subject to high water levels during the rainy season)

Mayan Ceremonial Cave Tour:
If You Dare...enter into the world which was believed by ancient Mayan priests to be the “ENTRANCES TO THE UNDERWORLD”.. the Realm .. the Domain .. The Kingdom of their Gods .. XIBALBA. Fighting the forces of the spirits left from a civilization lost, walk the actual steps that Mayan Shaman walked as they entered .. Xibalba.

Mayan Ceremonial Cave

Feel the presence of the ancient Gods as we explore spectacular and awe filled crystal chambers that hold 2,000 year old Maya ceremonial centers. Fire pits, charcoal and ash, pottery, bowls, relics, alters, wall carvings, glyph writings and actual skeletons of sacrificial victims are found in various ceremonial caves. These caves are dry caves .. no cave tubing. This adventure starts off with a 40 minute hike through the jungle which is considered to be challenging. If you are not up to long hikes or strenuous activities, then we do not recommend this activity to you. Once at the site of the cave entrance, you must be somewhat agile in order to enter the cave. All participants must be relatively fit.


Overnight Caving Expeditions (2 days / 1 night)

Caves Branch, Blackhole dropStarting off on day one with the Black Hole drop. Once you are in the basin of the sink hole, your guides then lead you into the incredible rim stone dam entrance of the Actun Loch Tunich river cave system.  Camp is set up inside the entrance and dinner prepared. Then on to exploring the upper crystal chambers, ceremonial sites of the ancient Maya. With the campfire ablaze, you settle into a rest filled sleep as the sounds of the jungle eerily sift into the darkness of the cave and the mists of “Chac”, the Mayan rain god, rise from the darkness below.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, you trek down another 400 feet along cave cliff walls on routes of the ancient Maya to the Actun Loch Tunich underground river, with over 24 kilometers of mapped passageways, exploring in the steps of the ancient Maya, past bubbling springs and an underground waterfall. At the end of the second day, the problem still exists … how do they get you out ?

When exploring the Actun Loch Tunich River Cave, you do so by trekking, no cave tubing. This expedition is not for the faint of heart and all participants must be relatively fit.

River of Caves Tube Float and ZIP Line Combo Adventure:
Experience the full 7 mile tube float, only available through Caves Branch, then after lunch, experience the adrenaline rush on the new "ZIP Line" aerial adventure through the tree tops of the tropical rainforest. A special Adventure Combination only available at Caves Branch.

ZIP Line Adventure:
For those interested in staying dry, the canopy top ZIP Line Adventure is available as a trip in itself.


Jungle Tours and Expeditions

Come and explore the exotic Belize jungle with the Caves Branch team. Experience the spectacular local flora and fauna and other mysteries of the area on these exciting jungle expeditions and tours. The overnight treks also teach you jungle survival skills. All adventures are full day unless otherwise stated.

Jungle Tours and Treks:
HikingThis is full day in the pristine jungle with local bushmen guides. Learn many of the secrets that the jungle holds: natural medicines, herbs, barks and many plants that are still used today by natural healers throughout Central America. Ancient ruins, burial sites and altars lurk below the shadows, hidden by time, as you trek through areas few have ever seen. Explore the Blue Hole River as it surges from below a 250ft cliff and take the opportunity for a refreshing dip in its aqua blue waters. (Daily departures year round, seasonal rain does not effect these jungle tours)

Overnight Jungle Expeditions:
Two full days and one night deep in the jungle, just what every adventurer needs to experience. Bushmen guides will take you out and teach you how to survive in the jungle on this mini jungle survival expeditions.

Tents? Nope! Learn how to build your own shelter then sleep in it. Food? Well, we'll bring a bit, but for the rest... learn where to find it in the jungle then learn how to cook it. Upset stomach? Possibly! Special herbs and barks make great medicinal tea. Participants must provide their own full size backpack. All participants must be relatively fit.

"Jungle Quest" Expedition: *** (Difficult)
These jungle expeditions are designed for the true adventurer
The ULTIMATE CHALLENGE! This is a four-day/three-night hard core adventure for the hardiest and most adventurous people. No couch potatoes allowed. The two-day Overnight Jungle Expedition is just a teaser. This is "Jungle Survival" at a premium.

Leave the Jungle Lodge with only a Machete and your Bushman Guide. When you return you will have proven yourself. CERTIFICATES AWARDED for accomplishment! Participants must provide own full size backpack. This expedition is high on adventure and difficulty. All Participants must be fit and adventurously aggressive.


Jungle Mountain Biking

It's called mountain biking everywhere else in the world, but at Caves Branch it's "Jungle Biking" . Get ready for a once in lifetime opportunity with our Belize adventure bike tours. All adventures are full day unless otherwise stated. Learn about the wonders of jungle life from a bicycle seat. Take one of our exciting guided adventure cycling day trips. Ride 100 feet below the rainforest canopy, through lush tropical forests, past magnificent cliff faces and breathtaking vistas. If you are into mountain biking, think 'Jungle Adventure on Wheels'!

Jungle Biking


River Kayaking Adventures in Belize

Go kayaking trips on one of the biggest river systems in Belize, the Sibun River . The Sibun twists and turns over its 100 mile length from its beginnings in the Mayan Mountains until it empties into the sea. It has a full variety of waters and is narrow enough to see all the birds and wildlife living at its edge. Spend a day or two enjoying the Sibun on one of the river kayaking adventures. All adventures are full day unless otherwise stated.

River Kayak Day Trips:
Natural history guides will take you along a beautiful 8 mile stretch of the Sibun where you can take you time to stop and enjoy your surroundings throughout the day. The local experts help you get the most from this Belize river kayaking experience.

Go river kayaking in Belize on the Sibun River with the Caves Branch Adventure Company.

River Kayak Overnight Trips:
Learn more about the Sibun and what it has to offer on an overnight river kayaking adventure. Be lulled to sleep by the nearby running water and then wake in the morning to another day of kayaking and exploring along the shores of this great Belize river system.


Birding Watching and Wildlife Adventures

Belize offers spectacular opportunities for bird watching  and wildlife adventures. The Caves Branch Estate is a prime location to see both resident and migrating birds as well as many of the exotic animals of the area. Early morning and after dark are some of the best times for encounters of this type. All adventures are full day unless otherwise stated.

Birding Watching:
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned birder, Caves Branch offers daily opportunities for viewing both local and transient bird populations. Many of the native Belizean Exotic Birdbirds are not found elsewhere in North America so be prepared for a treat.

These treks occur early in the morning, as this is a time when most bird species are feeding or are moving to new locations, making it ideal for viewing. As the night sky lightens and the jungle comes to life, you'll start your walk down the 1km drive that shares three different and distinctive birding habitats. It is not unusual to spot over 100 species over a couple of mornings. These excursions are truly a feast for any birding enthusiast and allow you to sample what bird watching in Belize can be.

Morning bird watching runs from dawn to 8:00 a.m. (breakfast)
Full day bird watching is also available for the really dedicated.

Jungle Safari After Dark:
jaguarThe Belize jungle is habitat for an incredible variety of fauna. Your wildlife adventures will begin in the early evening. Departing from the Jungle Lodge after dinner, local bushmen guides will lead you through the jungle in search of many of the elusive animals that feed under the cover of darkness such as howler and spider monkey, gibnuts, kinkajou, wild boar, deer, quash, armadillo, tarantulas, scorpions, leaf-cutter ants and of course snakes!

Even the elusive jaguar has been sighted as close as two minutes from the Lodge itself. These are exciting and enthralling wildlife adventures for all. (Nightly departures year round, a bright  moon negatively affects possible number of animals seen.)




-Mayan Ruins-

Xunantunich and Cahal Pech Maya Ruins Day Trip:Explore the Mayan ruins of Belize on these guided tours with the experts from Caves Branch Adventure Company.
This guided day trip with experts on Maya takes you from the Caves Branch Estate to two of the major Mayan sites in Belize.

First visit Xunantunich , also known as the "Maiden of the Rock" which is the second tallest Mayan ruin in Belize. It stands 130 feet high to give a panoramic view of the Cayo District, Guatemala and the Mopan River. The site has been largely excavated and is reminiscent of some of the largest Mayan temples found in Tikal and Copan and has a great on site museum.

Then lunch in San Ignacio and proceed to the Cahal Pech Mayan ruins, meaning "Place of the Ticks". Cahal Pech is located 15 minutes on the outskirts of San Ignacio, and was home to a Maya Royal Family.

Tikal Full Day Trip:
Tikal in Peten, Guatemala is one of the grandest and most magnificent Mayan site in Central America. Four hours of guided tour at the site and enough time to walk around on your own. Leave at 6:00  a.m. and return 5-6:00 p.m. Optional stops on way back for photographs and shopping. This trip includes round trip transportation, Guatemalan border and park fees, guide at the site, and lunch. The guests have to pay their own BELIZE departure tax.

Note: People who have US passports or the new barcoded EU passport do not need a visa to enter Guatemala. All other visitors should check with their embassy about getting a multiple visa for Belize and a Guatmalan visa if they plan to do this tour and return to Belize.


**Ian's Bad Ass Expeditions**

The Caves Branch team is the best for wild adventures and adventure tours into the caves and jungles of Belize. They are continually investigating and discovering new sites in the area. They have more exploratory expeditions to our credit than any other organization in Belize. Come and share in the adventure of Ian's Bad Ass Expeditions. (This year's trips already booked)

In Search of Xibalba:
Ian Anderson and members of his team set our each year to explore and discover new entrances into the ancient Maya underground Kingdom of the Gods, "Xibalba". Join one of these seven-day adventure tours and search for forgotten entrances into this mystic domain where only the Priests and Shaman once entered.

Only two expeditions are planned per year. No previous caving or high adventure experience is necessary, only a good level of fitness and an adventurous spirit.

Minimum and maximum numbers of participants are in affect for this tour.

The Lost World Expedition

Into the mystic realm of the ancient Maya...
These nine-day high adventure tours are designed by Ian Anderson to take you into the tropical rainforest and four of Belize's most spectacular caves, all located on the Caves Branch Estate. You will journey together into the past of the ancient Maya, their sacred underworld, and the surrounding spirit filled rainforest. You will experience miles of underground rivers, cathedral size crystal chambers filled with nature's most breath-taking formations, millions of years in creation, Mayan ceremonial centers deep underground where pottery artifacts and the skeletal remains of sacrificial victims still lie, waterfalls cascading hundreds of feet from the mountains above, ancient Mayan ruins buried by the jungle for almost 1,500 years. You will rappel down a 300-foot sinkhole and 250-foot cliff face through the jungle canopy. This is guaranteed to be the most memorable experience of your life, filled with wild adventures!

No previous high adventure experience necessary, only a good fitness level and an adventurous spirit is required. Minimum and maximum numbers of participants are in affect for these tours.

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Belize, Central America
 
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