Maya Guide Adventures
Maya Guide Adventures
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Going Coastal Adventures is based on the Hummingbird Highway, Mile 31 St Margaret's Village and offers more than the ordinary tours as well as incredible expeditions in the rivers and jungles of Belize! Our quest for adventure and the thrills of an incredible adrenaline rush is what drives us to offer the best of what Belize has to offer! We offer adventures such as: Cave Kayaking through 7 miles of underground cave system, Overnight Kayaking, Overnight Jungle and Cave Exploration treks, St Herman's Cave Tubing, Canyoneering/kayaking, Survival Expeditions and Leadership Courses. Cave Tubing is done on request!!
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Maya Guide Adventures
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
139 reviews
Excellent
127
Very good
9
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Rachel B
1 contribution
Jul 2019 • Friends
Came here in as part of my world challenge trip. Took a tour through the jungle and the guides (Jose Francis and Orlando) were very knowledgeable! Everyone there was friendly and helped us with our onward journey. The food cooked for us was so delicious. Would definitely recommend :)
Written May 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cavedoug
Newport Beach27 contributions
Mar 2011
I have been traveling to Belize for 10 years with a permitted scientific cave exploration team. I met Marcos, the owner of Maya Guides Adventures back in 2003 on and was used with big expedition into the Chiquibul Wilderness, which holds some of the largest caves in the world.. He was also interested in learning as much as he could about the caves of his homeland but little did we know, how much we actually would learn from him? His expertise is unmatched in the Jungle and underground. A few years ago we started using his guide service for the Caves Branch Kayak Trip on one of our days off. It is a most enjoyable day as you spend the day Kayaking through several miles of caves & Jungle river. Do not waste your time on the tourist Inner Tube trips; take the Kayak trip with Marcos. The trip is real easy, real relaxing, but at the same time very exciting, even to us swollen headed professional cave explorers who think they know everything. He also just bought brand new Kayaks that are real sweet ! And if you have more time, do a Jungle Trek or wild cave trip with them. He knows all the spots to find the wildlife and he can show you some real nice caves with artifacts too.
Second you are in very safe hands with Marcos. (he is the guy who trains the rescue team and even British Special Forces, no joke.) There are lots of guides in Belize that are marginal , Marcos is the top 1 percent of the best guides. His son Francis is pretty cool too ! I will also say, We hire Marcos just like any other traveler because we want him to succeed. He is extremely conscientious of the environment, respectful to the Mayan culture and a delight to travel with.
Second you are in very safe hands with Marcos. (he is the guy who trains the rescue team and even British Special Forces, no joke.) There are lots of guides in Belize that are marginal , Marcos is the top 1 percent of the best guides. His son Francis is pretty cool too ! I will also say, We hire Marcos just like any other traveler because we want him to succeed. He is extremely conscientious of the environment, respectful to the Mayan culture and a delight to travel with.
Written April 5, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan R
N. Tustin2 contributions
Apr 2013 • Friends
I have been on this trip twice now and plan to do it again on my next trip to Belize. Marcos know his stuff and leads beginners to experts through the adventures in Belize. The Cave Kayak trip is well worth the cost.
Written May 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amie Z
Portland, Oregon, United States16 contributions
Feb 2013 • Family
After a series of confirmation emails in which Marcos said he would meet us at the Belmopan bus terminal today, I am regretfully reporting he completely no-showed. We were left with no lodgings, food accommodations, and NO kayak trip tomorrow. I left several voicemails and he never called back, stranding my son and I at the bus terminal. After talking with several of the locals, I have found out that although Marcos is considered a skilled guide, he is so unreliable that many refuse to work with him or refer travelers to him. I really wish it had turned out differently- we've been looking forward to the kayak trip for months. What a horrible way to start our trip! I can't believe MGA has so many rave reviews- especially after what the residents said. Use caution when booking with them.
Written February 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erica S
Weaverville, CA11 contributions
Jan 2011
I went on a cave kayaking trip with Maya guide adventures on my recent trip to Belize. I was reccomended this company by a Belizian friend and was not dissapointed. The father/ son team, Marcos and Francis who own and run this company were wonderful, nice, reliable, and (as mayan natives) had a deep, local knowledge of the area.
I was also blown away by the amount of swift water and medical training they have both been through. I am an avid whitewater kayaker and was very impressed by the equipment and focus on saftey. I felt as if I was in good hands and that an emergency situation would have been taken care of in a very professional manner.
I would also have to reccomend the cave kayaking over an innertube trip down the caves branch river. The kayaks were much, much more manuverable and many of the inner tubers were begging us to trade with them..... especially by the end of the trip. Innertubes are fun, but floating in one for 7 miles?
I would reccomend these guys for any adventure. I felt cared for by responsibe professionals and I felt completly comfortable leaving my valuables in their care while on my adventure.
I was also blown away by the amount of swift water and medical training they have both been through. I am an avid whitewater kayaker and was very impressed by the equipment and focus on saftey. I felt as if I was in good hands and that an emergency situation would have been taken care of in a very professional manner.
I would also have to reccomend the cave kayaking over an innertube trip down the caves branch river. The kayaks were much, much more manuverable and many of the inner tubers were begging us to trade with them..... especially by the end of the trip. Innertubes are fun, but floating in one for 7 miles?
I would reccomend these guys for any adventure. I felt cared for by responsibe professionals and I felt completly comfortable leaving my valuables in their care while on my adventure.
Written March 11, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
firebirdinc
Maplewood, NJ109 contributions
Mar 2016 • Solo
Marco guided me through caves down a river through the Belizean jungle. He has great knowledge about the ecosystems, great enthusiasm in sharing, and a lot of experience in leading tours. For the most part the river is less than 3 feet deep, and it moves along at a nice easy pace. You will get wet, but it is refreshing. Between caves you will be on the river in the jungle. He provided a delicious lunch, and I was lucky enough to be the only one on the tour. We shared the jungle with a few Howler and Spider monkeys, and did not see another human all day. Devine. This trip was the highlight of my week in Belize, and I highly recommend it to anyone.
Written March 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie S
Toronto, Canada7 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
We did the Xunantunich Maya Ruins & Kayaking Tour as well as the Crystal Cave Tour. If I could, I would have stayed to do them all! Each tour is an unique adventure, unlike any usual catered tourist tour. Our guides Marcus and Pedro were extremely knowledgable and the best guides I've ever had. You won't find yourself in more capable hands! If you really want to experience and feel the true spirit of Belize, start here!
Written June 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cristi F
Albany, NY17 contributions
Apr 2015 • Solo
I consider myself very fortunate to have found Maya Guide Adventures. Their tours are excellent, adventurous yet focused on safety. Marcos was the guide for both Victoria Peak 4 day trek as well as the exploration of the dry Crystal Cave. He is one of the best and most patient guides I have been with. Also the remaining of his team exceeded my expectations. They treated me and the other hikers like friends and family. Before and after the treks I stayed at the Yaxche Jungle Lodge which is the base for Maya Guide Adventures and it was a great experience. Great food and a very good night sleep with the sounds of the jungle in the backround yet with comforts of home.
Written April 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mdod
NC1,297 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
We spent 2 nights at the Yaxche jungle camp and did the cave kayaking tour our first day and the Crystal Cave tour the second with Jose as our guide for both tours. He pointed out plants and wildlife and taught us a lot about the Mayan culture. He was also respectful of the cave and emphasized protecting the formations. They ask you not to use sunscreen or bug spray to protect the creek and the caves. We enjoyed both tours, although Crystal Cave was our favorite.
The cave kayaking was more relaxing, kayaking along the jungle river and then through 3 caves. After about a 45 min -1 hr drive through the jungle, we put the single kayaks into the river and paddled through the jungle for a while before reaching the first cave. Jose led, occasionally using a machete to clear thorny brush from the sides of the bank. The first cave had smaller insect bats and the second cave had a bunch of bigger fruit bats flying around. Just outside the second cave we went for a swim while Jose prepared a lunch of flour tortillas with ham, cheese, hard-boiled egg, sliced carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes and onions and orange juice. The third cave only had a few bats. We probably spent about 20-30 min in each cave. In one we had to lay flat in the kayak while Jose pushed us through a short section where the cave ceiling was only 1 to 1 1/2 feet above the water. We were met by the driver at the take out and drove another 45-60 min, much on bumpy dirt roads, back to camp.
The second day we went to Crystal Cave. When I booked this tour I thought it was to the Crystal Cave aka Mountain Cow but there are apparently 3 different "Crystal" caves in Belize and this was not the Mountain Cow. I was a little disappointed when I found that out but this cave was incredible. We had gone to ATM 4 days earlier and we both preferred this cave.
We had to drive a long way on a dirt road and then walk 15-20 min through the jungle to reach the cave entrance. It was mainly dry but there were several places where we had to cross a stream, one was up to our knees and we were covered in dirt. We were fortunate to be the only ones on both tours so Jose let us go as far as we wanted. We ended up spending 6 hours inside the cave and walked through to the second entrance and back climbing and exploring all along the way.
We only saw two other groups the entire time. One was a group young Amish, 2 men and a woman. She had a white gauzy looking dress on that, for the life of me, I don't know how she made it to that point with that dress so clean. We were filthy from head to toe! The other was a group of 3 young men. Jose said that was the first time he'd seen anyone else there while guiding.
The cave had several huge rooms, some with incredible formations. One had a giant stalactite that had to be 8-10 feet across and 25-30 feet long that had crashed to the floor. There was a really pretty area that had terraced water damns made of white, sparkly calcite and a huge formation that reminded me of a pipe organ. It also had Mayan ceremonial chambers and pieces of broken Mayan pottery, an obsidian blade and human skeletal remains.
It was a great adventure climbing around and Jose had gear with him to get us in and out of awkward spaces. One time he used webbing to help us get down off a ledge and he managed to get me in and out of a couple of spaces I didn't think I'd make. But he never pushed us to do something we didn't want to do and he made sure we were safe.
Jose will adapt the tour to the level of the participants. He said he had taken a family with an 80 year old man into the cave. They obviously didn't do what we did but he worked to let him experience as much of the cave as he could within his abilities and he said the man loved the experience.
Cameras were allowed on the cave but it's hard to get anything good without a really powerful flash. A couple of times I used the timer setting to prevent shake and propped the camera on the ground while Jose shined his high powered headlamp on the formation but even that can't do it justice. You really have to experience it in person to appreciate the beauty of the cave.
The cave kayaking was more relaxing, kayaking along the jungle river and then through 3 caves. After about a 45 min -1 hr drive through the jungle, we put the single kayaks into the river and paddled through the jungle for a while before reaching the first cave. Jose led, occasionally using a machete to clear thorny brush from the sides of the bank. The first cave had smaller insect bats and the second cave had a bunch of bigger fruit bats flying around. Just outside the second cave we went for a swim while Jose prepared a lunch of flour tortillas with ham, cheese, hard-boiled egg, sliced carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes and onions and orange juice. The third cave only had a few bats. We probably spent about 20-30 min in each cave. In one we had to lay flat in the kayak while Jose pushed us through a short section where the cave ceiling was only 1 to 1 1/2 feet above the water. We were met by the driver at the take out and drove another 45-60 min, much on bumpy dirt roads, back to camp.
The second day we went to Crystal Cave. When I booked this tour I thought it was to the Crystal Cave aka Mountain Cow but there are apparently 3 different "Crystal" caves in Belize and this was not the Mountain Cow. I was a little disappointed when I found that out but this cave was incredible. We had gone to ATM 4 days earlier and we both preferred this cave.
We had to drive a long way on a dirt road and then walk 15-20 min through the jungle to reach the cave entrance. It was mainly dry but there were several places where we had to cross a stream, one was up to our knees and we were covered in dirt. We were fortunate to be the only ones on both tours so Jose let us go as far as we wanted. We ended up spending 6 hours inside the cave and walked through to the second entrance and back climbing and exploring all along the way.
We only saw two other groups the entire time. One was a group young Amish, 2 men and a woman. She had a white gauzy looking dress on that, for the life of me, I don't know how she made it to that point with that dress so clean. We were filthy from head to toe! The other was a group of 3 young men. Jose said that was the first time he'd seen anyone else there while guiding.
The cave had several huge rooms, some with incredible formations. One had a giant stalactite that had to be 8-10 feet across and 25-30 feet long that had crashed to the floor. There was a really pretty area that had terraced water damns made of white, sparkly calcite and a huge formation that reminded me of a pipe organ. It also had Mayan ceremonial chambers and pieces of broken Mayan pottery, an obsidian blade and human skeletal remains.
It was a great adventure climbing around and Jose had gear with him to get us in and out of awkward spaces. One time he used webbing to help us get down off a ledge and he managed to get me in and out of a couple of spaces I didn't think I'd make. But he never pushed us to do something we didn't want to do and he made sure we were safe.
Jose will adapt the tour to the level of the participants. He said he had taken a family with an 80 year old man into the cave. They obviously didn't do what we did but he worked to let him experience as much of the cave as he could within his abilities and he said the man loved the experience.
Cameras were allowed on the cave but it's hard to get anything good without a really powerful flash. A couple of times I used the timer setting to prevent shake and propped the camera on the ground while Jose shined his high powered headlamp on the formation but even that can't do it justice. You really have to experience it in person to appreciate the beauty of the cave.
Written April 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoynerTravel
Buckinghamshire, UK75 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
Maya Guide Adventures are a great family run adventure tour operator and jungle camp. They are highly experienced, safe and skilled in all that they do and provide amazing customer service. Their camp is in a beautiful setting with rustic yet luxurious cabanas and dorms. Do not miss this!
Written March 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
we are very interested in cave kayaking and are going to spend some of our trip at the Ambergris key and some on the mainland, where would be the best area to stay so we are close to this and the some Mayan ruins?
Written October 28, 2018
You should stay somewhere close to the Key or on it, for that part of your trip then near Belmopan (perhaps at Maya Guide Adventures' jungle lodge) for the cave kayaking part of your trip. Otherwise you will waste a lot of time in transport, which is not cheap in Belize.
Written November 2, 2018
Your kayaking looks a lot more interesting than what is being offered from our cruise ship. My question, is it possible for us to book a trip with you if coming in on a cruise ship. Our trip is planned for Sept.2017 Our ship will be there Sept 21st.
My other question, are these part of the Cayo District underground rivers & caves?
Thank you in advance for your response
Written February 17, 2017
I've been reading about the kayaking tour and the tubing tour. I'm wondering if one is more scenic than the other?
Written May 26, 2016
Hi Traci, cave kayaking is really scenic as you get to kayak through the caves and out, with gaps of jungle in between the cave systems with a great chance of seeing wildlife such as howler monkeys and lots of birds and of course the Jungle with great scenery. you also get to see rock walls as we kayak through. It is definitely more scenic than cave tubing. We do cave tubing as well both are great how ever the cave kayaking is way much more fun. you can contact us through our email to book your Adventure in Belize with us. Francis
Written May 28, 2016
We are very interested in doing the cave kayaking. We are 4 adults and will be in available to do the tour either February 18 or 19th. One problem we are running into is finding a resort or hotel to stay that is fairly close by and that will offer your tour. Most places only offer the cave tubing but we are more interested in kayaking. Do have any suggestions? We will need a place to stay from the 17th-19th.
-Stacey
Written November 22, 2015
Hi there, sorry for the late reply. I don't know about resorts or hotels nearby there. Marcos has rooms at his camp you can stay in and then kayak and cave from there. I would contact him and see if he has space.
Written December 4, 2015
What are the age limits and how stenious are the tours. We are on our early 70s but love travel with our grandkids.
Written September 12, 2015
The cave kayaking tour is fantastic and not strenuous. There is paddling of course but not hard. I don't know what the age limits are, and would recommend checking with Francis. Our kids did it at 14 & 17. I would probably not recommend doing it with children younger than 9 or 10 unless they are adventurous since part of it is in the dark of the caves. I'm just very happy we chose this outfit instead of the big touristy ones that do it with inner tubes tied to each other.
Written September 13, 2015
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