La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge is a grueling multi-day canoe race traveling a perilous river route across the country of Belize. This race was founded by Cayo Tropical Fruits Ltd. (producers of Big-H brand fruit juices, Vida Purified Water and Mamita Milks) with great support from many Belizean corporations and organizations such as The Belize Tourism Board, The Lodge at Chaa Creek resort, and the San Ignacio Resort Hotel.

The project was seen as an opportunity to bring many partners with similar interests together to build an event that could allow for promotional themes of 'natural products' identified with sports, endurance, nutrition, and well being. The underlying concept is one of a team of businesses and organizations interested in the environment/ecology, history/culture and the tourism potential which the Belize Old River offers as one of the great natural resources of Belize.

The race occurs each year in March, coinciding with Baron Bliss Day. The canoe race leaves San Ignacio and ends in Belize City. The teams, which race for station prizes along the way, battle for the major cash prizes awarded at the end of the race. The eight divisions for the race include male, female, mixed, masters, dory, intramural, pleasure craft, and family adventure race.

The route runs West to East along the Macal and Belize Rivers. This is a race for everyone (not just professional racers)! The four day event is a grueling paddle down the 175 miles of the Belize Old River from the historic Hawksworth Bridge in San Ignacio, to the Belcan Bridge in downtown Belize City. There are three night stops as the race progresses: Banana Bank Lodge on the first night, Russel's Place in Bermudian Landing on the second night, and at Old River Tavern in Burrell Boom on the third night.

The first canoes enter Belize City to cheering crowds at about 10:00 am on the last day, where the celebrations continue at the Civic Center grounds. This day is known as El Dia Final. El Dia Final is a project organized and spearheaded by the Belize Tourism Board in an effort to culminate and celebrate La Ruta Maya River Challenge.

The general public is invited to this event to enjoy a fun filled day with food, live entertainment, games, prizes and surprises. Entrance to the grounds is free of charge but there will be gate prizes that everyone has an opportunity to win. The awards to the racers are issued at the official ceremonies which take place around midday. All the winners are presented with their awards and honored for their hard work and efforts.

If you are interested in obtaining more information about the race, or would like to field a team in the race, contact or send a fax to 501-824-3075 (Belize).

We look forward to seeing you at next year’s Ruta Maya River Challenge!!!