Recently Viewed
Xunantunich Tour: Explore Mayan Ruins
4.9
30 Ratings
San Ignacio
Immerse yourself in Belize’s Mayan history with a day trip to Xunantunich from San Ignacio. Explore the ancient ruins, climb the pyramid steps, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Belize River Valley. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Immerse yourself in Belize’s Mayan history with a day trip to Xunantunich from San Ignacio. Explore the ancient ruins, climb the pyramid steps, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Belize River Valley. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Xunantunich - Step back in time and discover the ancient city of Xunantunich, a renowned Mayan site in Belize. This excursion from San Ignacio transports visitors to San Jose Succotz, a Maya-Mestizo village near the Western Border, and takes them on a traditional, hand-cranked ferryboat to the stunning ruins nestled in the Belizean rainforest….
- Xunantunich - Step back in time and discover the ancient city of Xunantunich, a renowned Mayan site in Belize. This excursion from San Ignacio transports visitors to San Jose Succotz, a Maya-Mestizo village near the Western Border, and takes them on a traditional, hand-cranked ferryboat to the stunning ruins nestled in the Belizean rainforest. Marvel at the astronomical carvings at El Castillo (The Castle) and enjoy breathtaking views of the Belize River Valley and the nearby Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala, after ascending the steep pyramid steps to the summit! Hotel pickup and drop-off within San Ignacio Town are provided.
- Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve - Known as the caves branch, Nohoch Cheʼen offers a serene and leisurely tour. The adventure begins with equipping life jackets and receiving safety instructions. The journey continues with a hike through a forest trail, where participants can choose to shorten or extend the hike for a longer exploration of the caves and an extended river ride, as it is an extensive cave system. Along the trail, wildlife such as the crested quetzal bird and small creatures like the “lone coati” or coatimundi, which are small scavengers searching for nuts or fruits, may be spotted. As the hike ends, it’s time to enter the water. Participants are placed in their tubes and guided down the river and through the caves. Inside the cave, there are numerous stunning rock formations to admire, and the river offers some thrilling rapids to navigate on the tubes.
What's Included
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from within San Ignacio Town limits
- Water - Bring along reusable water bottles
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from within San Ignacio Town limits
- Water - Bring along reusable water bottles
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick up and Drop off outside San Ignacio Town limits
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick up and Drop off outside San Ignacio Town limits
Additional Information
Journey into the past and explore the life in the ancient city of Xunantunich, a favorite Mayan spot in Belize. This expedition from San Ignacio guides you to San Jose Succotz, a village encompassing Maya-Mestizo heritage, situated near the Western Border. It then transports you using a charming, manually-operated ferryboat into the majestic remnants…
Journey into the past and explore the life in the ancient city of Xunantunich, a favorite Mayan spot in Belize. This expedition from San Ignacio guides you to San Jose Succotz, a village encompassing Maya-Mestizo heritage, situated near the Western Border. It then transports you using a charming, manually-operated ferryboat into the majestic remnants nestled within the Belizean rainforest. Marvel at astronomical etchings at El Castillo (The Castle) and enjoy panoramic vistas of the Belize River Valley and neighboring Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala after summiting the tall pyramid staircase! Complimentary hotel transfers within San Ignacio Town are provided.
- It is recommended you wear comfortable shoes and clothing
- Please note: a minimum of 2 passengers is required in order for this tour to operate. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- Bring reusable water bottle
Location
43 Burns Avenue
Burns Avenue
Unit 2 inside the Belze Caving Expeditions office
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(30 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Ellen_m
Apr 29, 2026
Best guide EVER - Omg this was so great! Angel was the PERFECT guide: he took his time, showing us things that other guides rushed past. There was a member of our group who struggled with balance so he was always there to hold her hand and help her across certain spots. Finally, he was so well informed: we learned so much about Mayan history as well as modern day Belize. We can't recommend him enough..
Review provided by Viator
Laura_l
Apr 18, 2026
This experience was... - This experience was really nice and I totally recommend.
I felt we didn’t really know the planning for the day so here is a big overview:
- you will take a bus to Xunantunich (15min drive) and visit the site for about 2h
- you will then go on another drive for 1h30 to the caves
- once there, you will have lunch (homemade lunch, really nice), be able to change into swimsuits and leave for the caves (be sure to take water shoes and a t shirt that can go into water)
- you will walk for about 25min with a tube both in forest and water and then go in the tube once in the cave
- the cave tubbing is really nice and relaxing
- then you go back to the changing rooms before jumping in the bus for the way back
I didnt really know that before doing the tour but don’t forget walking shoes for Xunantunich visit (with sun cream) and water shoes and another t shirt for the cave tubing (shoes that you are confortable walking with and that can go into water).
Enjoy !!
Review provided by Viator
Michael_m
Apr 12, 2026
The Xuantunich ruins were... - The Xuantunich ruins were amazing and the tubing was very fun. Our guide Edgar was very knowledgeable and kind. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Autumn_l
Apr 10, 2026
Incredible Experience! - This was an awesome experience! Our guide, Angel, was fun and informative. He went out of his way to make sure everyone on the tour had the best time (even helping one of the other travellers propose <3 ) The lunch was absolutely delicious and the cave tubing exceeded all expectations. Highly recommend :)
Review provided by Viator
Lynn_v
Mar 21, 2026
Very informative! Would recommend! - Rudy was a bit late to pick us up, but we've come to embrace the Belizean time. Once the tour at the ruins started we were captivated by Rudy's storytelling. He has a plethora of information to offer about anything and everything related to history, culture, tourism, etc. When we did cave tubing he tied our tubes together so we didn't have to stress about anything and could enjoy the ride. Lunch was included, and it was delicious. There were washrooms and change rooms available so there was no need to worry, though we didn't know that at the time of booking because it wasn't in the listing. Even though it was a full day tour it was so peaceful and relaxing to do both these excursions in one day.
Review provided by Viator
Christy_p
Mar 10, 2026
Wonderful Experience. - Edgar was a fabulous tour guide. His passion and attention to details was amazing. He has a true gift that shows through his guidance. We are very blessed to have had him show us the Xunantunich Ruins and the cave tubing. We had a great time.
Review provided by Viator
Aaron_d
Mar 7, 2026
One of the best tours... - One of the best tours I’ve ever done. My tour guide Hugh was amazing in guiding us through the cave. 10/10 experience
Review provided by Viator
Darren_v
Feb 21, 2026
Un-belizeable! - This was a great tour. We are a family of four with 2 adult children (ages 20 and 22). Angel was our tour guide and he was so knowledgeable. He told the history in a way that kept everyone engaged and interested (even those not interested in history). He pointed out lots of wildlife and interesting plants. The picnic lunch was delicious. The caves were incredible. The water was so clear and clean. The hike through the cave was very cool. It was not too difficult and we all loved it. Angel shared his country’s culture and passion with us all.
Review provided by Viator
Jessica_f
Feb 16, 2026
Edgar is the BEST!!! - We did the full day ruins and cave tubing. It was phenomenal!!! Edgar was a complete joy! He was knowledgeable, kind and completely prepared for everything!! He knew the history and many verified facts about the ruins and caves. He incorporated his own personal experiences and family history in the presentation. He even provided an authentic belizean lunch for us in between the tours! Our trip was incredible solely because we had Edgar! 5 stars all the way!
Review provided by Viator
Patrick_c
Feb 14, 2026
Rudy made our tour truly... - Rudy made our tour truly special. He was knowledgeable, patient, and very friendly, taking extra time to explain things in depth compared to other guides. His passion and attention to detail made the experience much more meaningful. We would absolutely recommend him to anyone.
Review provided by Viator
