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Xunantunich Tour: Explore Mayan Ruins
4.9
20 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
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within San Ignacio Town
- Local guide
- Bring reusable water bottles for water
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within San Ignacio Town
- Local guide
- Bring reusable water bottles for water
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
(20 Ratings)
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Taylor_k
Feb 1, 2026
Best excursion hands down - My husband and I went into this excursion not really knowing what to expect other than what is stated in the description. We got so much more than we have ever thought possible. Leo was our tour guide and he was the best tour guide we have ever encountered. He was full of so much knowledge even filling the car rides with tales of the culture of the area. His knowledge on the Mayan ruins was incredible - he has definitely done his research. Once we were at the caves he went above and beyond to give us an experience that was so much more than simply floating on a tube through the caves. I cannot recommend this tour enough! The lunch provided was also amazing- which is a plus since you never know what you are going to get on an excursion!
Review provided by Viator
Michaela_t
Jan 24, 2026
Exceptional! - An amazing experience! The shuttle collects you from your place, and takes you to the beautiful Mayan Ruins. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable, and loved learning from him.
We then had a long drive to the entrance point for the caves, where we had a delicious lunch. Changed into our swimsuits, then carried our tubes to the river. It was exceptional! Bring water shoes and bug spray! Amazing adventure and so worth it.
Review provided by Viator
Jacquice_s
Nov 8, 2025
Amazing and informative - This was an amazing experience. Edgar, our guide was great. He was one of the best tour guides I have had.
Review provided by Viator
Robert_g
Sep 17, 2025
Super - Superb day accompanied by a passionate and attentive guide. I recommend this activity without any hesitation.
Thanks Edgar.
Review provided by Viator
Kaitlin_m
Apr 29, 2024
Beautiful, Historical, and Fun - Eduardo was very knowledgeable and got us to our destination on time. Xunantunich was beautiful and would recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Patriciadc1757bg
Apr 15, 2023
Sensational Mayan ruins easy to visit - Oh, great. They picked me up at the hotel. An expert told me everything and took me to explore the whole compound. It is wonderful... small and compact, which makes it very easy to visit. The views from above are beautiful. It's very worth it. The best thing was the surprise, when I finished they gave me a snack and a rum punch that was delicious. The guide very good and very friendly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christopher_d
Mar 26, 2023
Wonderful guide! - Edwardo was such a great and knowledgeable guide. He shared so much history and information we really felt like we learned a lot! We had a rental car and requested he meet us at the site which worked out perfect.
Review provided by Viator
Tiffany_v
Dec 19, 2025
I really enjoyed the tour... - I really enjoyed the tour of the site. We walked along many structures up steep stairs to get to some spectacular views. The tubing was canceled because it rained a lot the night before. But i still enjoyed this part. I was refunded the difference with no issues. Bug spray before you go. There were some vendors selling souveniers at the river crossing, and I got a few cute beaded turtles and birds. Super cute!
Review provided by Viator
Marc_k
Feb 27, 2024
Nice day! - We visited the Maya site of Xunantunich: it was interesting, and the site (my first Mayan site) was amazing.
And then we went cave tubing, the river is very calm, but swimming in the cave was nice.
Our guide, Marlon, was very nice and funny!
Review provided by Viator
Kerrbacchus
Feb 12, 2023
Great tour and refreshing float - We had a great tour of the Xunantunich grounds. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, personable, and great about pointing out wildlife. Plus lunch was delicious! Tubing on a hot day after Xunantunich was refreshing and peaceful. I had a little trouble keeping up with the other two on the water and I wish the guide had waited for me a bit more, but he was usually always in sight at least. A very good experience over all.
Review provided by Viator
