River Cave Expedition - Cave Tubing:
More 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.
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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)
Starting 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:
This 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'!
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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.
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
birds 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:
The 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.)