Belize is known as a hub for family, romance and adventure travel, but did you know that this Caribbean gem is also known for its rigorous sport challenges such as the Ruta Maya and Easter Sunday Cycling Classic Race?
Both events are inspired by history and religiously held each year in the bearing heat of March. The La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge particularly dares both amateur and professional canoe paddlers to brave 180 miles of uncharted river waters with both deep and shallow areas.
From The Mayas To Now
The ancient Maya used this same Route to transport goods from inland Belize to the coast hence the name “La Ruta Maya” or in English the “Mayan Route.” Both artefacts found in the region and oral history coincide with this well known fact.
A bit of history
For this section we will be referencing to an article printed in 2001 by Tom Bie in The Paddler Magazine. The piece highlights the history of the legendary race stating, “The event as it exists today is due to largely to the combined efforts of two men: race director Mike Green and Richard Harrison, an entrepreneur native whose Big H Juice and water bottle company was at the time a sponsor of the event.”
Now
This year the race starts off on March 7th and finishes on March 10th, 2025. This means four days of paddling on a three person canoe. The race has four legs:
Day 1 – San Ignacio to Banana Bank
Day 2 – Banana Bank to Double Head Cabbage
Day 3 – Double Head Cabbage to Burrell Boom
Day 4 – Burrell Boom to Belize City Center Finishing Line
There are many viewing points between the stations, and many locals make a secondary sport of chasing the race through the various sight seeing spots.
If you’re down for an even more immersive experience, most of the stations turn into somewhat of an after party scene for the support crews and viewers. The truest La Ruta Maya experience starts the night before in San Ignacio and ends 4 days later in Belize city where there are ‘pre’, ‘watch’ and ‘after’ parties throughout. All throughout the Race the overnight stops are always hotspots such as Burell Boom, Banana Bank & Double Head Cabbage.
The Slim and Trim Like Guava Limb Team : 2023, 2024 & 2025 Champions
San Ignacio’s very own, the Guava Limb Cafe canoe is paddled by three young men Daniel Cruz, Javier and Andres Cobb all hailing from the riverbank village of Esperanza in the Cayo District.
They have been competing for years and now can claim a special victory reserved for those who have won the competition three times in a row! They secured their victory in 2023, 2024 & 2025.
Sweet victory!
Chaa Creek Canoes
As part of their commitment to the environment and sustainability, Chaa Creek produces much of its own furniture, and all the furniture for the Guava Limb Cafe home of the Slim and Trim Boys.
Carefully selected materials are at the foundation, and careful craftsmanship is the vehicle that transforms raw to refined. This same thoughtful expertise goes into the production and maintenance of the canoes raced in by the ruta Maya team, after all, the slim and trim boys deserve nothing but the finest craft for their journey.
The La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge kicks off March 6th at the Hawksworth Bridge in San Ignacio.
Good Luck to all the paddlers participating in this year’s event!