Quenching the perpetual thirst of one of Central America's most biologically diverse habitats, the Macal River in the Cayo district, located in western Belize races through Belize's Chiquibul rainforest.
Macal’s floodplain is home to the endangered wildlife including Morelet's crocodiles, tapirs, jaguars, and the last 250 birds remaining in a local subspecies of scarlet macaw. Many portions are considered Class III-V whitewater runs, so guides generally recommend their paddlers to be in good physical shape. Most kayakers make a pit stop at the famed "rainforest medicine trail to learn of the medicinal properties of the surrounding flora.
The Annual La Ruta Maya Canoe Race – a 4 day race from western Belize to the coast in March, starts on the Macal River near the bridge in San Ignacio.
Tour operators and guides throughout the San Ignacio area offer canoe rentals and guided daily tours to interested travelers. A number of accommodations along the river and within the surrounding area make overnight excursions readily accessible.
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