Top Ten Belize Adventures

Going with the flow (Tony Rath)

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One of the most popular activities in Belize is canoeing in its many rivers. These rivers were the highways of Belize during the days of the Baymen, and now offer a different kind of river journey. This is a very special kind of sight-seeing. You'll float past ever-changing flora: plants, trees, vines, and blossoms thrive along the riverbanks. You'll watch for the timid animals that live within their own private worlds, including small underground burrows, sandy riverbeds, and leafy branches of tall hardwood trees. Sometimes it's so quiet you can hear a fish jump for a hovering mosquito. Other days you'll hear the dramatic roar of the howler monkey announcing its territory. By all means, keep your eyes and ears open; most will agree this really is the way to see the country.

Check out the rafting trips offered by Slickrock Adventures. Every Friday full-day trips are offered to nonpackage visitors. You'll gather in San Ignacio, drive through lush jungle, and then raft a 20-mile stretch of the Macal River.

Small, steep, and technical, you'll pass through drop pools, mazelike channels, and big waterfalls in class IV whitewater. Led by guides who have rafted all over the world, you know it's got to be good when even they get excited about it. Groups are small (six people), and the wildlife abundant—tapirs, iguanas, and river otters are only some of the animals to be seen. Slickrock is just one of the outfitters in the country running such trips. And remember: These trips are not run year-round as the water level drops during certain months.

Text © 2001 by Chicki Mallan & Patti Lange. Used by permission of Moon Handbooks. All rights reserved. Book is available through local bookstores and online booksellers.