From December to March, you have the unique opportunity to see Scarlet Macaws in the wild. These magnificent birds migrate to southern Belize during this time for year for the rich food source the mountains above Red Bank village provide. Take an hour-long drive down to Red Bank village and the Swasey River for a chance to see these birds, as well as several other colourful species. Take a dip in the refreshing river whilst your guide prepares breakfast on an open fire, and return to birding for as long as you wish.

Take a scenic drive along the Hummingbird and Western Highways, before exploring the Mayan ruin of Xunantunich (pronounced Shu-nan-tu-nitch), or Stone Maiden. Located near the Guatemalan border, a hand-cranked ferry will take you across the Belize River to this major ceremonial center, situated high on a limestone ridge, with a panoramic view of the Cayo District. The main pyramid, El Castillo, has detailed stucco friezes and steps that you can climb all way to the top. The tour guide will stop for lunch at a local restaurant, and you’ll get to enjoy the fresh dip at the inland Blue Hole on your way back.

Located in Southern Belize is the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world's only jaguar preserve. Surrounded by the Maya Mountains and the towering Victoria's Peak, the Basin's 120,000 acres are also home to jaguarundi, margays, ocelots, pumas, deer, howler monkeys and tapirs. The park offers a wide variety of hikes, including a waterfall hike where you can dip in the refreshing waters. Our knowledgeable guides identify the numerous birds as well as the flora and fauna of the pristine rainforest along the way. With over 290 recorded species of birds, this park is ideal for birders as well. As jaguars and other cats are nocturnal, it is not very likely that you will see them, but you will be able to spot fresh tracks. Bring your binoculars and trek through this rainforest of abundant beauty!

The adventure begins with an hour-long hike through the 6,700-acre Tapir Mountain Nature Preserve. Crossing three shallow rivers to the cave’s entrance, you get the chance to take a dip in the spring-fed pool before wading up the subterranean river. You will encounter several large caverns, including one known as the “Cathedral”, where a number of undisturbed Maya artifacts are visible—including a soaring altar, carved from the native stone. The cave is known by many names, one of which is “The Cave of the Stone Sepulcher”, due to this magnificent piece of religious artistry. See the intact skeletons of the people whose lives were sacrificed in a desperate effort to appease the gods during one of the most turbulent and difficult times in Mayan history. This adventure requires the visitor to be able to hike, swim, climb through tight spaces, and traverse large stone steps up to the inner sanctum.

Enjoy a scenic drive through the Maya Mountains, down to the Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant, where you’ll ride through open citrus orchards by horse and buggy. The cave, located behind the Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant, is reserved exclusively for guests of The Belize Collection. Very few people ever enter the cave, making it the ultimate, intimate tour experience. The cave features spectacular geological formations—rim stone dams, stalactites, stalagmites, crystal curtains and columns. The cave was once used by the ancient Mayas for religious ceremonies. Left behind as evidence of these mysterious ancient ceremonies are hundreds of artifacts, making Sleeping Giant Cave a natural museum. From Mayan skeletal remains embedded in crystal, to tools, to firepits, to pottery, this is experience is one like nowhere else in the world.

Explore the southern coast by boat, where you will get the opportunity to see a variety of different bird species—and maybe a dolphin or two—in their natural habitat. Stop in at the village of Monkey River to place your lunch order and take a short drive upriver—look out for crocodiles on way! Hike trails through the rainforest to view families of Howler Monkeys and several species of flora and fauna (including medicinal plants) with an experienced guide. On your return downriver, you’ll have your lunch in Monkey River village, after which the captain will take you through mangrove estuaries at the edge of the lagoon, home of the manatees.