Top San Ignacio Day Trips

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.

Feel like a jungle explorer as you cruise through the wild forests of Belize’s Cayo district on a private pontoon boat. Float down a river that winds through the mystical Maya Mountains, stopping to swim and cliff jump at three different tropical waterfalls buried deep in the rainforest. A fresh Belizean lunch cooked right on board the pontoon completes this fantastic full-day adventure.

Step into the ancient world of the Maya on a shared day tour to Tikal departing from San Ignacio, Belize. Travel through the jungle, cross the border with ease, and explore one of Central America’s most impressive archaeological sites with a knowledgeable local guide. Wander along forest trails as you spot wildlife, stand beneath towering temples, and learn the stories behind Tikal’s powerful rulers and ceremonial plazas. This well-organized tour combines history, nature, and adventure, all at a relaxed pace that’s enjoyable for all ages.

Step back in time to the powerful peak of the ancient Mayan civilization with this guided 3-hour tour of the Xunantunich ruins. Let your imagination run wild as you explore the temples, plazas, and royal palaces of the famed archaeological site by foot. From the top of the imposing El Castillo pyramid, take in panoramic views of the surrounding Belize River Valley and the ancient city below. Round-trip transport from your San Ignacio hotel is included.

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.

Visit the incredible ancient city of Tikal without having to rent a car on this day trip from San Ignacio. Once a powerful city center during the Mayan period, today Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws scores of visitors each year. Your professional guide takes you across the border into Tikal National Park in Guatemala and leads you on a fascinating tour of the archaeological complex.

This is a private day tour, meaning only your group will participate. Travel from San Ignacio Belize to Tikal with full border assistance, explore the site at a relaxed, personalized pace, and enjoy a private local expert guide who leads you through jungle trails, shares Tikal’s history and culture, helps spot wildlife, and takes you to the best viewpoints. The experience is completed with an included lunch and personalized attention throughout the journey.

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.

Explore Tikal, one of the most important Mayan sites in Central America, on this extensive all-day small-group tour. Accompanied by a bilingual guide, you'll learn about local history and the flora and fauna. Visiting Tikal at sunset allows you to explore the site with fewer tourists and cooler temperatures. Note that entrance fees are not included and must be paid separately.

Uncover the ancient secrets of Caracol, Belize’s largest and most impressive Maya archaeological site. Nestled within the lush Chiquibul Forest, this tour invites you to explore towering pyramids, sprawling plazas, and intricate carvings that speak of a once-powerful civilization. Enjoy a scenic drive through pristine jungle, guided by experts who share captivating stories of Maya history, architecture, and wildlife. Experience the tranquility of nature while enjoying a packed lunch amidst the forest before returning, enriched with knowledge and unforgettable views from the iconic Sky Palace. Venture into the heart of the Chiquibul Forest to explore Caracol Guided tour includes insights from knowledgeable local experts Enjoy a packed lunch in the serene surroundings of the jungle Immerse in a refreshing swim at the natural granite Rio-On Pools in the Mountain Pine Ridge, after exploring the ancient Maya City.

local tour guides share local knowledge of Belize. explore trails and local use of plants. Give you enough time to explore and enjoy the freshening waters the pools and water Falls. enjoy a Belizean Lunch and local drink while at the water Fall. just imagine having a picnic by water falls or pools

Head out on an adventure-filled day with this day tour from San Ignacio. First up, you’ll explore the Maya Temple of Xunantunich with a guide who can relay all the stories about the complex. After a delicious lunch on the way, you’ll get to spend the afternoon cave tubing in Noh Hoch Chen Archaeological Reserve. As you’re propelled through each cave, your guide will be able to fill you in on the ecology of the landscape.

Visit Central America's most legendary ancient Mayan site on a private day trip to Tikal, located across the border from Belize in Guatemala. Get help crossing the border for a stress-free entrance to the archaeological site, and spend the day exploring the mighty and mysterious ruins of temples, plazas, royal apartments, and more with a guide. Look for wildlife like howler monkeys and toucans while trekking through the rainforests that surround the UNESCO-listed site, and recharge with included lunch at a restaurant inside the park.

Experience the different terrains of Belize and have some thrills as you enjoy this offroading activity on ATVs. Follow your certified tour guide as you ride your ATVs through the ever changing terrain between Cristo Rey and San Antonio villages. The tour is designed for all levels of experience with riding off-road vehicles. Places on this small-group tour are limited to 10 participants.

Set off with your guide on a scenic drive that passes through the traditional village of San Jose Succotz. As we approach Xunantunich, we will ferry cross the Mopan River on a historic hand-cranked ferry, followed by a mile drive to the hilltop site of Xunantunich. The partially-excavated and largest pyramid-El Castillo, stands at 130 ft. above the main plaza floor, offering an impressive 360 degree, panoramic view over the jungle canopy of the Mopan River Valley. We highly recommend climbing to the top of the El Castillo, If possible. Then unto Barton Creek through some beautiful hilly terrains. Barton creek is a natural limestone cave that was once used by Mayans for ceremonial activities. The cave can only be accessed by canoes, After entering the cave about a mile in paddling through the cathedral like chambers and wide passage caverns. You can also take a swim in the clear refreshing blue-like creek.

Step back in time with the legendary Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, named the #1 Sacred Cave in the world by National Geographic. On this full-day adventure from San Ignacio, trek jungle trails, cross rivers, and swim into underground passageways where history and nature meet. Guided by our expert, licensed guides, you’ll uncover glittering stalactites, ceremonial pottery, stone tools, and human remains, preserved in their original resting places for over a thousand years. An unforgettable mix of adventure and culture, this journey uncovers the Maya’s sacred rituals — ideal for adventurers, history buffs, and families Highlights - Hike, cross rivers, and swim into the cave entrance - See Maya artifacts and the Crystal Maiden skeleton - Knowledgeable guides, small groups, and personal attention - Transport, safety gear, hearty Belizean lunch, and all fees included - Your booking supports local community focused programs in Belize - Woman-owned local operator

End your time in Belize on a high note and take an economical airport shuttle to Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) from San Ignacio. Your driver meets you directly at your accommodation to begin your journey. After collecting all of the passengers, enjoy a swift transfer to the airport where you arrive with plenty of time before your departure flight.

Discover the history and natural beauty of the Barton Creek cave system on a canoe trip through its twisting passages. Glide through jungle riverways and under cathedral cave ceilings as an experienced guide shares information about the history and culture of the area while you look for stalactite formations and ancient artifacts in the cave. After the canoe journey, enjoy a picnic lunch and stop for a refreshing swim before returning to San Ignacio.

Follow the footsteps of the ancient Maya on a full-day trip to Caracol from San Ignacio, and go deep into the jungle to discover a remarkable archeological site. Watch for bright tropical birds and howler monkeys as you explore the sprawling ruined city, and take in views of rolling forest canopy from the top of the Caana pyramid. Trace the history of the site in a vivid series of carved stelae and stone altars, then visit a natural swimming pool in the Mountain Pine Ridge before returning to the city.

Head deep into the jungles of Belize and discover the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, ATM for short, during this full-day excursion. Join a small group and depart from your hotel in San Ignacio to explore the impressive underground cave once sacred to the ancient Mayans. Admire the various geological formations inside and see sacred burial remains without worrying about getting lost.

Walk in the footsteps of Mayan royalty at Belize’s magnificent Altun Ha ruins on this day trip from San Ignacio. A professional guide will lead you through the archaeological remnants of this ancient city, which was an important center of trade and religion during the Classic Mayan period. Among the complex of more than 500 excavated structures, you’ll visit grand plazas and ceremonial temples, including the discovery site of a famous carved jade figure of the Mayan sun god Kinich Ahau. Round-trip hotel transport is included.

Jump on an ATV and zoom through the forest of Cayo to reach hidden waterfalls. On this guided tour, you’ll ride through villages of Cristo Rey and San Antonio as you explore the rugged terrain in Elijio Panti National Park. The highlight of the tour is reaching a beautiful waterfall where you can jump in to splash around amongst the rocks. Your guide will provide a safety briefing and all necessary accessories to make you feel safe.

Enjoy a full day of adventure by exploring a cave and temple from San Ignacio. Begin by heading to San Jose Succotz, a Maya village, where you’ll board a ferry to cross the Mopan River. From here, you’ll be immersed in beautiful jungle surrounding the Xunantunich Maya Temple. After exploring the temple with a guide, head to Actun Tunichil Muknal where you’ll hike and explore this natural cave steep in Mayan history and culture.