Day Trips from Belize to San Ignacio

This Xunantunich and horseback riding tour from San Ignacio combines two close-up ways of experiencing the Cayo landscape. Cross the Mopan River by hand-cranked ferry and explore Xunantunich’s plazas, palaces, carved friezes, and El Castillo with a local guide who explains Maya rulership, ceremony, astronomy, and regional connections. At Banana Bank Lodge & Jungle Horseback Adventures, meet the ranch team, receive a safety orientation, and ride through tropical trails and riverside countryside on a horse selected for your ability. The transition from ancient ceremonial architecture to working Belize ranch country gives the day unusual depth and variety. Travelers first see how the Maya built above the river valley, then experience the surrounding countryside at trail level from horseback. Because both experiences are rooted in the Cayo District, they feel naturally connected rather than assembled as unrelated stops.

Embark on a half-day adventure to Xunantunich and the Inland Blue Hole from Placencia. Prepare to be transported through time as you explore the national treasure of Xunantunich. Along the way, catch a glimpse of local life at the Mopan River. After immersing yourself in the wonders of Xunantunich, cool off with a dip in the enchanting Inland Blue Hole. This hidden gem, distinct from Belize's renowned Blue Hole in the Caribbean Sea, is nestled in lush woodlands.

Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the majesty of remote Mayan ruins during a private half-day trip to Xunatunich from Belize. Ideal for history buffs and travelers with limited time, this tour promises the undivided attention of your guide and offers historical insight that you’re unlikely to find in the guidebooks. Plus, hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Visit Xunantunich, known for its ancient Mayan ruins, on this private tour from Belize City. You'll take a roughly 3-hour drive out to the ruins in an air-conditioned vehicle, where you'll explore ruins and learn about ancient culture. Climb to the top of El Castillo, the second-tallest structure in the country, for views of Belize and Guatemala. Hotel pickup and lunch are included for your convenience.

Uncover the ancient mysteries of archaeological sites, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, on an enriching tour from San Ignacio. Travel deep into the Belizean jungle with a guide and discover Mayan structures and exotic flora and fauna. At Xunantunich, gaze at spectacular views of the lush forest from El Castillo, Belize’s second highest man-made structure, and marvel at the intriguing limestone structures of Cahal Pech. Gain fascinating insight into the history and culture of the Maya empire from your expert guide on this educational tour.

Explore the dominion of the ancient Maya in Belize on a full-day tour from San Ignacio. Climb to the top of sacred pyramids and learn about the once-mighty civilization at the archaeological site of Xunantunich, and enter a portal to the Mayan underworld on a cave tubing adventure that takes you splashing through the crystalline caverns of an underground cave system. Round-trip transport from San Ignacio Town and lunch are included on this tour.

Discover the ancient Maya city of Caracol on a full-day private tour from San Ignacio with an optional visit to the Rio On pools. Explore the sprawling complex at your own pace as you explore with a local guide, and learn the history of this site through the glyphs, stelae and ceremonial carvings that are scattered throughout the ruined political center. Watch for wild turkeys and howler monkeys among the stones, and take in sweeping views of the jungle from the towering sky palace pyramid before returning to San Ignacio.

In addition to a personal experience, you will - Have exclusive access to off the beaten path parts of the site - Climb one of the tallest Mayan structures - Smell and taste exotic wild plants - Connect with the world of the ancient Maya - Create lasting memories with loved ones - Learn about the lives of ordinary people - Have fun!

Ride a horse deep into the countryside on a 2-hour private riding tour from San Ignacio along the Kiskadee Trail, and explore open pasture, jungle trails and the scenic Mopan River. Watch for parrots, herons and kiskadees as you follow your guide along a gentle path that’s appropriate for all skill levels, then pause to visit an ancient Maya site. Take in the tropical sounds of bird song and monkey calls, and enjoy the serenity of this rural valley before finishing your tour with return transfer to San Ignacio.

Explore one of the world’s most-visited Mayan sites at your own pace on a private tour that lets you dive deeper into the history of the Xunantunich ruins. Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site with a private guide means that you’ll have ample time to ask questions as can tailor your itinerary to only cover the areas that most interest you. Plus, your guide puts the 26 different temples into context with commentary.

Embark on an unforgettable journey full of adventure when you join this full-day Xunantunich Mayan ruins and cave tubing experience. This 7.5-hour tour is a private escapade perfect for all ages, ensuring fun for the whole family. From the moment you're picked up, indulge in unlimited sight-seeing and revel in the best of Belize's top three excursions. Don't miss out on this extraordinary experience in Belize.

Known for its rich Mayan culture and heritage, Actun Tunichil Muknal boasts ancient artifacts that were used in ceremonial rituals, skeletal remains, pottery and stone tools, and even hieroglyphs—all of which you can see on this challenging all-day guided tour. Plus, enjoy a refreshing swim and picnic to cap off your experience.

Experience two of Belize’s natural and cultural treasures on a private tour. Learn the fascinating history behind Xunantunich, a sprawling and ancient Mayan city that’s best explored with a guide. Later, step inside the glittering Saint Herman's cave and cool off with a swim in the beautiful Blue Hole natural pool. A private guide and driver makes this a personalized day of adventure.

Guest get to view the city and the country side and learn the Culture and History of it while heading to the cave. The guest hike through the rain forest for 20 minutes to where they start the cave tubing. Guest will not carry their tube, the tubes will already be at the cave entrance. In the cave guest get to see Magnificent Stalactite, Stalagmite, columns and also a beautiful waterfall in the cave system. After finished at the cave guest head to where they do the Mudding (In Our Rainy Season) in the jeep wranglers through the rain forest and also through the Maya Mountain. After the jeeps guest head to have lunch (Lunch Included in the tour).After lunch they head back to where they were picked up in the morning.

Explore the ancient Maya city of Caracol with a full-day tour from San Ignacio that includes the Río On pools and the Río Frio caves. Follow your guide through the vast archaeological site, stand in the field of the ball court, and take in sweeping views of the jungle from the peak of the sky temple pyramid. Follow the history of Caracol in the glyphs, stelae, and carvings throughout the site, and then finish your day swimming in natural pools and visiting a vast limestone cave system in Pine Ridge.

Explore the cave of the crystal sepulcher on a full-day tour to Actun Tunichil Muknal from San Ignacio, and discover a spiritual site that was sacred to the ancient Maya. Learn about the traditions and rites that took place in the cave system and visit the crystallized remains of an ancient ceremonial victim as you hike deep into the cave with a professional guide. Swim through a spring-fed pool, and follow tunnels, passageways and yawning chambers lined with stalactites, stalagmites, ancient ceramics and stoneware.

Explore Guatemala’s most stunning Maya city on a full day trip from San Ignacio with lunch at a nearby restaurant. Travel back in time as you follow your guide through the remarkable ceremonial center, where weathered stelae, sweeping plazas and imposing temples tell dramatic stories about this ancient civilization. Spot wild turkeys, monkeys and tropical birds within the ruins, and stop to browse Maya crafts and souvenirs at a nearby shop before returning to Belize—don’t forget your passport.

Discover some of Belize’s top natural attractions with ease on an 8.5-tour of Crystal Cave (Mountain Cow Cave) in the Blue Hole National Park from San Ignacio. Following a moderately challenging hike, you’ll descend to Xibalba, the reputed entrance to the Mayan underworld, and marvel at stalagmites, stalactites, and crystal formations. Plus, you’ll swim in the Blue Hole and enjoy a hearty lunch accompanied by rum punch.

Discover pristine forests, limestone caves and scenic waterfalls on a full-day trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve from San Ignacio. Visit the hidden source of the Rio Frio river, then slip into the water at a series of natural pools and rock slides. Pause for a picnic lunch before continuing to Big Rock Falls, a 150-foot (46-meter) waterfall that gives off a cooling spray of mist as it tumbles into a clear, deep swimming hole, then return to San Ignacio through the rugged mountain terrain.