Mayan Ruins & Spice Farm

Discover the ancient Mayan archeological site of Nim Li Punit along with its treasures and visit the Belize Spice Farm and Botanical Gardens to see how they cultivate and harvest exotic spices. It’s a 40 minute boat transfer from Harvest Caye to the mainland of Belize where you will board your air-conditioned bus for a 1 hour scenic ride to the archeological site of Nim Li Punit, "Large Hat" in the Mayan Kekchi language. The site was so named due to a depiction on a Maya stela of one of its rulers wearing a very large head dress. This unique Mayan ceremonial site has a small museum and a welcome center where you can see some of the large stelas with well-preserved Maya drawings and writing, as well as artifacts. It also has a ball-court in the center of the complex and an observatory in one of the plazas. The entire site is shaded by a canopy of large trees, providing a comfortable environment for viewing this very interesting Mayan site. Next, you’ll head over to the Belize Spice Farm and Botanical Gardens and see how vanilla, nutmeg, maze cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper are cultivated. As you travel through the farm via tram, you’ll see how these unique spices are dried and processed for packaging. Afterwards, relax in the comfortable guest center where you will be offered a complimentary fresh fruit juice and have the opportunity to purchase some of the spices that are grown here.