The Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge
Experience an exhilarating four-day endurance challenge to the finish line as paddlers vie for the title of The Belikin La Ruta Maya River Challenge Champions! Be among thousands of cheering fans lining the Belize and Macal River banks during this spectacular event, held on the weekend nearest to National Heroes and Benefactors Day on March 9.
Witness a display of epic sportsmanship as paddlers travel 175 miles from west to east of the country. La Ruta Maya, The Maya Route in Spanish, is the longest canoe race in Central America! Founded in 1998, the River Challenge acknowledges the ancient Maya’s use of the river for the transportation and trading of goods throughout the country. It promotes history along with the environmental importance of the Belize River.
The race starts at the Hawksworth Bridge in San Ignacio and ends at the BelChina Bridge in Belize City, with an award ceremony and an outdoor fair at the Civic Center. It is a highly-anticipated event for participants, whether to go for the win or to mark it off their bucket list.
Categories
- Male
- Female
- Mixed
- Intramural
- Pleasure
- Masters
- C2 (only two paddlers)
- Family Adventure Race
Teams and excited locals follow the journey of the race. They host parties and even camp at some stops for paddling the next day. Here’s a schedule to follow on each day, so you don’t miss out:
Day 1: The race starts at 7:00 am in San Ignacio, Cayo District, ending in Banana Bank, Cayo District.
Day 2: The race starts at 6:30 am in Banana Bank, Cayo District, ending in Double Head Cabbage, Belize District.
Day 3: The race starts at 8:00 am in Double Head Cabbage, ending in Burrell Boom, Belize District.
Day 4: The race starts at 9:00 am in Burrell Boom, ending at BelChina Bridge “Finish Line” in Belize City
