Once used by Maya merchants transporting goods and precious mahogany between their cities and the settlements of British lumberjacks, the Belize River helped many travelers and ships realize their plans and routes. Since the river flows from Guatamala and runs directly through the city of Belize, it is accessible throughout the country. The remote pockets of the river offer travelers a pass into the natural habitat of rare local animals and birds. Situated along the twenty-mile stretch of the Belize River, the Baboon Community Preserve offers an interesting and informative stopover. The last 3 days of the La Ruta Maya Kenoe Annual Race - a 4-day race from western Belize to the coast in March - takes place on the Belize River and ends at Belkan Bridge in Belize on Day 4.