Cultural Experiences

An essential part of any Belize adventure is a cultural tour of Maya archaeological sites and villages. Here you will discover an advanced ancient civilization which endured for centuries, roughly from 2600 BC to AD900, and still lives on in its modern descendents. While visiting Belize Lodge, you’ll have the following opportunities to explore the Maya culture with our knowledgeable local Maya guides and interpreters:

• Archaeological site visits
• Tour Maya villages

Mayan Ruin Vacation

Explore the ancient Maya ruins with one of Belize Lodge’s expert guides, direct descendents of the amazing civilization that flourished in this area. Fascinating sights include ancient carvings, temples, lodgings, and even a ball court!

Just steps away from Indian Creek Lodge are the Mayan ruins of Nim Li Punit (Big Hat) a small but significant site that inherited its name from a carving on the longest of the site’s twenty-six stele, depicting a figure wearing a large headdress. This site served as the main religious and ceremonial center for the region.

Nearby Lubanntun (Place of Fallen Stones), is the largest Maya site in southern Belize and was considered the main seat of power in the region. It was a center for trade and commerce and in ancient times produced large quantities of Cacao (chocolate).

Tour Maya Villages

Maya culture lives on in southern Belize. While the ancient Maya abandoned their centers in the south in the 9th century, their descendents, the Mopan and the Kekchi, returned to the region from Guatemala in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Their villages, which number over 30, are spread along the rivers, mountains and forests of the area, including Indian Creek village near to Belize Lodge.

While villagers are partially integrated into modern Belizean life and can speak English, they still maintain their language and traditions. Local Maya artisans create beautiful, traditional crafts from nature which are available for purchase in the villages.