We'll do the planning so you can enjoy the vacation!
We love Belize, it is our home - a country we are proud of and which we would like the world know. The people are family, friends, and compatriots we want you to meet. Gateway Belize is our way of sharing this passion with you - and a way to sustainably support the country.
We are all experienced travelers, having visited over 60 countries: we know what makes for simply a good versus an unforgettable vacation, and will plan a trip that fits your unique needs and desires.
We do everything possible to ensure you will enjoy your trip. These are not package tours, but thoughtfully designed and carefully considered personalized holidays to meet your preferences. Each of the organizations and companies with whom we partner has been individually selected to provide you with the hassle-free experience you are looking for. We are available at any time should the need arise and will see to any issue personally.
Barton Creek Cave Barton Creek Cave is the entrance to the Maya Underworld and can only be accessed by canoe. A peaceful and ancient realm awaits as you glide into the cave to see ... morethe amazing crystal formations and learn about the history of this sacred place. This tour can also give you a combination with a choice of butterfly farm or waterfall to make it a full-day tour, which also includes a delicious lunch!
We begin our journey through farmland where you can see the Mennonite community of Upper Barton Creek and experience their traditional lifestyle. We reach Barton Creek Cave, much of which is still to be explored and stretches for miles, of which 4.5 miles is navigable by open canoe. At the entrance of the cave, we board our canoes, switch on our headlights and start to slowly paddle into the cave passage. While floating deeper into the passage we learn about the geology, archaeology and Maya history of these caves.
Our lights will bring crystal formations that are millions of years old to live. After exploring the caves, we turn around our canoes and float back to where we park them and complete our half-day tour with a refreshing swim.
Xunantunich Travel back in time and experience what life was like in the city of Xunantunich, one of Belize’s most popular Mayan sites. This tour from San Ignacio takes you to the ... moreCayo District and delivers you on an old-fashioned, hand-cranked ferryboat to magnificent ruins deep in the Belizean rainforest. Admire astronomical carvings at El Castillo (The Castle) and sweeping views of the Belize River Valley—once you’ve climbed the steep pyramid steps to the top! Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
After hotel pickup in San Ignacio in the morning, it’s just a 15-minute drive down the Western Highway aboard your air-conditioned vehicle. When you reach the town of San Jose Succotz, board a wooden ferry for the short trip across the Mopan River. Let your guide inform you about the ferry’s interesting hand-crank technology, which dates back to the 19th century. As you cross the emerald waters of the river, look for large green iguanas under the foliage or lazing on the forested riverbank.
When you reach the opposite shore, disembark for a brief shuttle ride to the entrance of Xunantunich ((Maya for ‘Maiden of the Rock’), an ancient Mayan site located on one of the highest plateaus of the Cayo District. You’ll gather with your guide and group at the Visitor Center to learn about the region’s history and get an overview of the ruins. Learn about this ceremonial center of the Classic Period, which once boasted a population of 7,000 to 10,000 and is now one of Belize’s most popular Mayan sites.
Take an archeological walk back in time while exploring the ancient city. Over the course of your 2-hour guided tour, visit several residential palaces for Mayan royalty, located amid 25 temples and palaces that surround six major plazas. When you reach the impressive pyramid of El Castillo, admire the stucco frieze that once extended around its entire perimeter. Take a look at the detailed, astronomical carvings depicting Mayan gods, rulers, and warriors in full regalia.
Then, start your moderate climb up the winding stone steps of the magnificent pyramid; rising 130 feet (40 meters) above the main plaza, it’s the second-tallest structure in Belize. Continue to the temple’s peak to enjoy the stunning panorama, including the Belize River Valley, Mopan River, and nearby Guatemala.
After your descent, your guide will point out many tropical birds, howler monkeys and interesting flora such as the cotton trees and allspice plants, which the ancient Maya used as both food and medicine.
Private Transfer from San Ignacio to Placencia or Hopkins or vice-versa: At Gateway Belize Travel & Tours we offer private shuttles for couples or groups. Sit back and relax in ... moreone of our well-maintained vehicles with your significant other or your family and friends while our knowledgeable driver takes you to your final destination in Belize. We provide bottled water on all our shuttles.
We can also add other stops along the way to your shuttle. For example, on your shuttle to San Ignacio from Belize City you can take a tour of the Belize Zoo before resuming the trip to your final destination.
Private Transfer from Belize City or Belize’s International Airport to San Ignacio or vice-versa: At Gateway Belize Travel & Tours we offer private shuttles for couples or groups. ... moreSit back and relax in one of our well-maintained vehicles with your significant other or your family and friends while our knowledgeable driver takes you to your final destination in Belize. We provide bottled water on all our shuttles.
Feel free to message us with any extra requests and we will be glad to help.