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.

Going with the flow
Photo © Tony Rath

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.

	A Damning Project The proposed creation of the controversial Macal River Dam threatens to change the shape of an entire ecosystem.

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.

Quick Facts
Difficulty rating: Moderate to hardcore
When to go: May to October
More: Slickrock Adventures

Move on to A Damning Project

Return to Top

---

Moon Handbooks Belize is available from Amazon.com. Click here to order! Click here to visit Avalon Travel Publishing

---

RELATED GORP LINKS
GORP Central America
GORP Belize
Central America Top 20
GORPtravel
GORPtravel – Central America