Three of the most famous systems include the Caves Branch River, Barton Creek Cave, and Crystal Cave. Some of the caves are especially famous because they provide travelers with a chance to glimpse ancient relics.
Caves Branch River is the most famous, with more than seven miles of rivers underground. River riders float past stalagmites, take in stalactites overhead, and pass by underground waterfalls. The climax of the trip is entering what the guides call the "crystal cathedral," which was once a spiritual center to the ancient Maya.
Barton Creek Cave is also large, estimated to be 4.5 miles long. It is also one of the most archaeologically rich areas in Belize, where the Maya people held agricultural rituals and possibly fertility rights. The Crystal Cave is the smallest of the adventures, but the cave tubing adventure includes jungle hikes and zip lining. The highlight of the tour is a stunning lagoon surrounded by deep limestone walls.
"The entire world is becoming more and more interested in archaeology, eco-tourism, and adventure tours," says James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com LLC and frequent traveler. "Americans are just beginning to recognize the value and excitement that comes with sustainable eco-tourism and adventures."
According to Hoke, Las Vegas has similar offerings, except the tours are concentrated on the Colorado River and the ancient culture that is most talked about in the area is the Anasazi. Instead of cave tubing, Las Vegas has several white water, calm water, and jet boat tours.
"All of the Colorado River tours give adventurers the grand experience of gliding or racing by canyon walls that reach hundreds of feet into the air," says Hoke. "For the next few months, the fall weather in the Las Vegas area will be perfect to explore the Colorado River. It's very mild this time of year, and generally does not get as hot as it does in the summer."
As for the ancient cultures, Hoke says the Anasazi overlap the Maya history. In fact, he points out that Anasazi means "ancient ones" in the Navajo language, a name they earned as the oldest civilization in the Southwest."Just to put it in perspective, the first distinct characteristics of the Anasazi existed between 100 B.C. and 1300 A.D. while the Maya reigned from 1,000 B.C. to about 1000 A.D.," he said. "I've always been fascinated that both cultures began their decline around the same time. Most speculate that the Anasazi disbanded into smaller groups during an elongated draught. The Maya are thought to have endured an agricultural crisis."
Hoke notes that both civilizations lasted for more than one thousand years, much longer than either the Aztecs or Incas. Of course, both of these civilizations had to endure the arrival of Western civilizations.
Southwest Tours That Mirror The Belize Adventures.
The two most popular river rafting tours around Las Vegas include the calm water Colorado River tour, which begins in the legendary Black Canyon, and one-day Grand Canyon white water rafting your. The most striking land-based tour revolving around the Anasazi is part of an adventure that takes visitors inside the Valley of Fire and to the Lost City Museum.
For more information about Belize, visit the Belize Tourism Board. For more information about tours in and around Las Vegas, visit TourGuy.com.
Hoke added that the Southwest tours are among the best alternatives for people who appreciate eco-tourism and adventure tours but aren't able to travel outside of the United States. He also said he planned to feature more international adventure and eco-tours to create awareness in the growing division of travel. His company offers several dozen tours and creates custom packages for groups.
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