If you’re like most vacationers, spending time on an inviting beach tops your wish list, and if the resort you pick is Belizean Dreams Resort, you'll fall in love as soon as you check out the property’s beach. But if you're also intrigued about the history and culture of every destination you've booked, you’re likely to be curious about Belize, too.
How to resolve that? Make it a goal to visit nearby Maya ruins. These tours are guaranteed to enhance every aspect of your holiday. You don’t have to see them all (there are around 900!), but a sampling of well-known ruins will appeal to your curiosity, and you’ll still get all the beach time you crave.
Step back in time at Xunantunich
No need to add this tour to your schedule because it’s already included in both of Belizean Dreams’ all-inclusive packages. Called stunning and spectacular by visitors who expected to be impressed but aren't always prepared for this much majesty, Xunantunich (shoo-nahn-too-neech) is located on a hilltop yet it’s one of the most easily accessible archaeological sites in Belize.
This settlement “may have been occupied as early as 1000 BC,” notes Lonely Planet, yet the most impressive buildings weren’t added until the 7th century AD. Archaeologists speculate that Xunantunich was never home to more than 10,000 people, yet it partially survived the Classic Maya collapse circa 850. Visitors stand in awe of the plazas, palaces, shrines, and structures, and you’ll be one of them! Stop at the visitor’s center before you head back to the resort.
Add Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit to your itinerary
If you were surprised by your Xunantunich experience, you’ll be eager to add a specialty tour to your itinerary that gives you two more opportunities to see for yourself why the Maya were such extraordinary designers, thinkers, and builders. Say yes to the twin tour that includes both Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit. The latter, known for its impressive number of stone stelae (these stone slabs served as monuments). The most prominent stele at Nim Li Punit looks like a Mayan wearing a big ceremonial hat, the reason it was named Nim Li Punit/The Big Hat.
Travel to Lubaantun next. You’ll be intrigued by this site’s construction techniques. The compound was built of limestone blocks, yet no medium was used to hold those blocks in place. Archaeologists have concluded that while no mortar was used to build structures, every block was cut so precisely, they formed an interlocking grid. As with the Xunantunich tour, transport, meals, and guides are included.
Pairing Maya temples with beach time is the ideal way to vacation in Belize and if you take advantage of current deals and specials, you could even save money on this combo./belize-summer-special Bring your tanning lotion and your curiosity. You’re going to treat your body and your mind to a fascinating getaway!
Book online or contact the Reservation Desk to book.