This is one of the most interesting tours in Belize. A 45-minute drive up the Northern Highway, passing through rural villages and lowlands with many bird species, brings you to Tower Hill where you board a riverboat and head up the New River. While traversing the many little creeks and lagoons, it is easy to encounter birdlife including hawks, kites and falcons.

Dainty Jacanas lightly walk on the lily pads while the elusive crocodiles bask in the morning sunlight. The river is lined with hardwood trees with lots of orchids and bromeliads. At the entrance to the New River Lagoon, the ruins of Lamanai (Mayan for submerged crocodile) rise into view. Once at the site you tour the small museum which features many ancient relics found at Lamanai.

You will then embark on a 1.5 mile jungle hike to visit the "Temples of the Mask", one of the tallest Mayan pyramids; the stucco mask of the Sun God "Kinich Ahau"; an elaborate carved stellae; and the "Temple of the Jaguar Masks" which all seem to materialize out of the rainforest amid the chatter of birdlife and the haunting call of the howler monkeys.

Your guide will point out the Copal and Ramon trees, which were of great importance in ancient times. For the jungle hike you will need insect repellant and sturdy walking shoes.

At the end of the tour you will have lunch under thatched palapas near the Lagoon's edge. After lunch, time is available for more sightseeing in the rainforest. You then return to the river boat for cruise back to Tower Hill and continuation tour bus drive to Belize City.

Located only 30 miles up the Northern Highway is a Mecca for nature enthusiasts, especially bird lovers. Crooked Tree provides habitat for over 360 species of birds. The majestic Jabiru Stork, largest bird in the western hemisphere with a wingspan of over 10 feet, can be found nesting in these wetlands.

Once you have crossed the causeway that divides the large lagoon, your guide will take you through the rustic village of Crooked Tree, famous for its abundance of cashew nut fruit trees. Local legend has it that the cashew was the only fruit created by the devil.

This fascinating half-day tour will focus on the contrast between the ancient Maya city of Altun Ha and modern day Belize City, highlighting 1,000 years of development to this former British Colony. Altun Ha (Maya for Rock Stone Water) thrived as a trading post to the Maya World during the Post Classic and Classic periods.

Belize City today is home to about 35% of the country?s population and remains the commercial capital of the country - the official capital was moved in 1971 to Belmopan in the interior.

Your tour will include historical sites such as the Redbrick St. John?s Cathedral and the colonial mansion once occupied by British Governors. You will note the colonial wooden architecture of many of the houses throughout your tour.