Xunantunich and The Belize Zoo

Imposing temples and exotic animals! Is it the latest Hollywood action movie? No, this time it's real and you're the star. Travel Belize by a hand-cranked ferry, see stunning Mayan ruins, and marvel at the majesty of the Belizean rainforests. And the wildlife? You'll see unique indigenous species in their natural habitat at the Belize Zoo.

Departing Belize City, you'll travel along the scenic Western Highway enroute to the Cayo District and the impressive Mayan site of Xunantunich. Before reaching the entrance of this ancient city, you are hand-cranked across the Mopan River by a 19-century ferry.

"El Castillo" (the castle) is the largest temple at Xunantunich and shows its dominance by its towering height. From the top of "El Castillo" you'll have panoramic vistas of the surrounding rainforests in the Cayo District, as well as the bordering towns between Belize and Guatemala.

After a hot lunch at a Cayo-area restaurant, you'll head back toward Belize City. Along the way you will make a stop at the Belize Zoo, created as a sanctuary for the country's indigenous species.

The Belize Zoo was initially intended for animals which were injured or donated to the facility and could not be returned to the wild. The zoo is now home to an impressive array of large cats, primates, reptiles and birds. You'll have the opportunity to view Belize's prolific wildlife in one location.