A transfer from Belize City on the Western Highway brings you to the Caves Branch River and its winding path through the Maya Mountains and numerous ancient caves once inhabited by the Maya. On arriving at Jaguar Paw, be prepared for a 45-minute jungle trail hike. Your guide will point out various plants, roots and herbs once used by the ancient Maya.

The entrance tunnel that heads into the underground cave system is the start of an "eye opening" adventure. Your guide hands out flashlights, and you are ready to float in inflated inner tubes assisted by gentle currents taking you through the cave system. Intricate crystalline formations line the caves and stalagmites and stalactites add to the serene opulence of nature. Come dressed in bathing suits, T-shirts, shorts, tennis shoes or water shoes. A change of clothes, shoes and a towel is recommended.

After lunch you will make a stop at The Belize Zoo, home to an impressive array of large cats, primates, reptiles and birds. This habitat gives you the opportunity of viewing Belize?s prolific wildlife in one location.

This tour is not suitable for children aged 12 years and under

Start your tour with a very short ride to the Museum of Belize. The museum focuses on the Mayan and Colonial history of Belize and features priceless Mayan artifacts.

The second portion of the tour focuses on natural history with a leisurely cruise up Haulover Creek. The mangrove branches on either side of the creek meet high overhead to form a living tunnel. These tunnels are home to healthy populations of wildlife - be on the lookout for various bird species, iguanas and crocodiles.

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.