Top Hopkins Day Trips

Xunantunich Maya Ruins is one of Belize’s most famous archaeological sites, which can mean buses that travel there get crowded. Instead of looking up public transport schedules, enjoy this small-group tour instead. Travel seamlessly from Hopkins Bay to Xunantunich, explore the ruins with a guide, and then continue the trip to St. Herman’s Cave. Here you can try out cave tubing, with all required equipment provided for extra convenience.

Discover one of Belize's best-kept secrets on a day trip to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve and waterfall near Hopkins. Hike through the jungle to a hidden cascade, and then ride natural river waterslides and inner tubes down the South Stann Creek River. After enjoying this natural playground, enjoy a picnic lunch and spot a variety of Belizean wildlife in the surrounding nature reserve that's home to the country's largest number of jaguars.

Discover the ancient Maya site of Tikal, which is located in Guatemala across the western border of Belize, on this all-day tour from Hopkins. These ancient ruins, including temples and pyramids, illustrate the story of Mayan culture and history. Navigate immigration and customs at the Guatemala border with the help of a guide.

Enjoy a relaxing float through Belize’s Jaguar Paw Cave and admire the subterranean world on this outdoor adventure in Belize. Join a small group and float along the Caves Branch River with your headlamps to see geological formations including stalagmites and stalactites. Then, get your adrenaline pumping on a series of ziplines that wind through the rain forest. Hotel pickup is included for convenience.

Venture into the heart of Belize's jungle to explore St. Herman's Cave on an exciting tubing excursion. Begin with a jungle walk, unraveling the secrets of the cave and the geology of the Maya Mountains. Then head inside the cave system, and experience the thrill of floating on inner tubes with only your headlamp illuminating the way.

Step into the heart of the ancient Maya world with a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the legendary Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave — one of the most awe-inspiring and sacred archaeological sites in Central America. Your day begins with a scenic drive from Hopkins Village along the breathtaking Hummingbird Highway, where lush rainforest, rolling hills, and vibrant wildlife set the tone for your adventure. Once inside the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, your experience starts with a guided jungle hike, crossing crystal-clear rivers and immersing yourself in untouched rainforest. Then, the real adventure begins — a refreshing swim into the cave entrance leads you into a hidden underground world. Wade, climb, and explore through magnificent chambers filled with ancient Maya artifacts, ceremonial pottery, and skeletal remains preserved for over 1,000 years. Witness the famous “Crystal Maiden,” a calcified skeleton that sparkles beneath your headlamp — one of the most iconic discoveries in Belize.

Embark on the ultimate adventure in Belize with a combination tour of Xunantunich Mayan Ruins and Cave Tubing at Jaguar Paw! Prepare to uncover the mysteries of ancient civilizations and immerse yourself in the wonders of the underground world. Journey back in time as you explore the impressive Xunantunich Mayan Ruins. Climb to the top of El Castillo, the towering pyramid, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. Marvel at intricate carvings and glyphs that provide insights into Mayan culture. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories and legends that bring this ancient site to life. After Lunch, get ready for an adrenaline-pumping cave tubing experience at Jaguar Paw. Float along underground rivers, surrounded by awe-inspiring limestone caves.

Rappel down the Actun Loch Tunich Cave (also known as the Black Hole Drop) on this all-day tour from Hopkins. See the massive rainforest canopy surrounding the cave, which was formed from a sinkhole, as you travel down about 300 feet (91 meters) to the bottom. Also, enjoy a picnic lunch before your return hike. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Step into the soul of Belize with this authentic Garifuna and Maya Cultural Foodie Tour from Hopkins. Begin your day on Kalipuna Cultural Heritage Island, home to the vibrant Garifuna people. Learn about their deep ancestral heritage, participate in interactive storytelling, drumming and join local cooks to prepare a traditional Garifuna dish made from fresh, organic island ingredients. Feel the rhythm, taste the flavors, and soak in the island’s serene atmosphere. Afterward, travel inland to a Maya community, where you’ll take part in a hands-on chocolate-making session — from a visit to an organic cacao farm, roasting cacao beans to grinding them on a traditional stone metate. Learn about the cultural and spiritual importance of cacao to the Maya civilization and enjoy your own rich, hand-crafted chocolate treat.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) in Belize is one of the most popular and impressive Maya ceremonial caves. The caving part of this all-day tour from Hopkins takes you through a subterranean river. You'll need to swim into the mouth of the cave and wade through ankle- to chest-high water before climbing through intricate passageways of dry chambers to reach a cathedral-like main hall that’s 1,148 feet (350 meters) in length and 164 feet (50 meters) wide and is filled with artifacts and sacrificial remains.

One of the best Mayan sites in Belize, Caracol, is deep in the heart of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. The reserve is located at the base of the Maya Mountains in the Cayo District in Western Belize. Covering an area of nearly 25,000 acres, Caracol is one of the largest Mayan sites. Impressive not only in size, it also has an immense agricultural field system and elaborate city planning. Caracol is one of the most pristine and well-kept Maya sites in Belize. If you want to see an incredible piece of our history, head to Caracol in Belize. Numerous carved monuments establish that Caracol was a major player in the geopolitics of the Maya civilization. Caracol was an ally of Calakmul in Campeche, Mexico and engaged in several wars with neighboring polities, such as Tikal, Naranjo and Ucanal in Guatemala.

Venture deep into the lush Maya mountains to discover the marvels of Belize's ancient heritage on this full-day excursion. Explore the majestic Xunantunich Mayan ruin, renowned as the "Maiden of the Rock," and learn about the ancient archaeological site. Then, dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Hole National Park, formed by the collapse of an underground limestone cave.

Catch your own seafood meal on this fun guided excursion in Southern Belize. Head out with an experienced skipper and try your hand at catching snapper, grouper, barracuda, lionfish, and if you’re lucky, lobster and conch. Then, head to a private island and grill your catch on the beach before enjoy a relaxing afternoon of eating, swimming, snorkeling, and kicking back by the water.

Experience the best of Belize adventure and culture on this Jaguar Paw Cave Tubing & Zipline Adventure from Hopkins Village. Begin with a thrilling 45-minute zipline ride through the rainforest canopy, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views and the chance to spot exotic wildlife. Afterward, cool off as you float through the sacred Nohoch Che’en cave system, once used for ancient Mayan ceremonies. Your expert guide will share fascinating history while you explore breathtaking limestone formations. Refuel with a traditional Belizean lunch, then continue your journey through this stunning natural wonder. This combo tour is perfect for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts looking to make the most of their time in Belize.

Get ready for an exciting eco-adventure in Southern Belize! Your journey begins with an hour's drive from Hopkins Village to Placencia. Once there, you will embark on a scenic boat ride along the breathtaking coastline, followed by a trek into the lush mangroves and winding waterways of the Monkey River—a true haven for wildlife and natural beauty. As you cruise upriver, your knowledgeable local guide will point out fascinating sights, including manatees, crocodiles, iguanas, exotic birds, and, of course, the howler monkeys that give this tour its name. Their deep, echoing calls will surround you as you venture deeper into the jungle. After your Monkey River tour, you'll have the opportunity to explore Placencia before returning to Hopkins Village.

Venture out on this half-day horseback riding excursion that’s suitable for all ages at a private ranch in Hopkins. Ride the well-trained horses through orange groves and into the rainforest, plus head to the river for a refreshing swim with the horses. The working farm is home to sheep, cows, goats, and more.

Hike through tropical jungle to explore Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave) on an adventurous, small-group tour to the important Maya archeological site. Following a 45-minute hike to the cave entrance, you’ll swim and wade to reach a network of passageways, tunnels, and chambers used by the ancient Maya people. Round-trip, climate-controlled transport ensures a comfortable trip to the remote location, where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch after visiting the cave.

Visit one of the most impressive Ancient Mayan temples on a day trip combined with a refreshing cave tubing experience at St. Herman's cave. This is an all-inclusive package that includes transportation from/to Hopkins, guided tours, drinking water, lunch, park admissions, and a stop for a swim at the Inland Blue Hole. Climb to the top of these high temples learn about this Ancient civilization, and look for local animals including birds, coatimundi, spiders, and howler monkeys. After visiting the Mayan temples, drive to the cave tubing area. Float relaxed inside these dark chambers on this full-day adventure away from the visiting cruise passengers to Belize.

Head out on an all-day adventure to see some of the greatest Mayan ruins in Belize on this private guided tour. Xunantunich is located in the Cayo District, close to Belize’s western border with Guatemala. You'll cross over the Mopan River via a hand-cranked ferry, then travel a mile (1.6 kilometer) uphill to the largely excavated archaeological site, which can be accessed on foot or in a vehicle. The largest pyramid, El Castillo, offers an impressive panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Soar through the rain forest canopy on a series of thrilling ziplines, and get a bird’s-eye view of the tropical ecosystem. Hotel pickup and round-trip transfers from Placencia, Hopkins Bay, and the airport make it easy to reach Bocawina Zipline’s location within Mayflower Bocawina National Park. That means more time to explore the rain forest, home to wildlife including tapir, jaguars, howler monkeys, and more.

Spend the day exploring two of Belize’s most unique spots. Start at Xunantunich, a quiet Maya ruin where you can climb to the top of El Castillo and take in sweeping views of the jungle and nearby Guatemala. Afterward, head to St. Herman’s Cave for a relaxed tubing trip through cool underground rivers and wide limestone caverns. It’s a laid-back, active day that blends history, nature, and a bit of adventure, it's perfect if you want to see a different side of Belize without rushing. Great for curious travelers who enjoy being outdoors and learning something along the way.

Visit Xunantunich, located in the heart of the Cayo District, and cross the Mopan River on a charming hand-cranked ferry to explore the captivating Maya ruins. Witness the architectural marvels, decipher the stories etched in stone, and gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate culture that once thrived within these sacred grounds. But the adventure doesn't end there. After a delightful lunch, we'll take you to St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park. The centerpiece of the park is the stunning Blue Hole, a magnificent sapphire-colored body of water that is a natural sinkhole. It plunges to a depth of 25 feet (eight meters) and is continually nourished by a crystal-clear natural spring. Take a refreshing swim to beat the heat or savor a leisurely picnic amid the splendor of nature on a warm day. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the beauty and history of Belize. Book your trip today and embark on a journey of a lifetime.

Book this unforgettable Mayan Cultural experience combining culture, adventure, and nature in one incredible day. Travel from Hopkins along the scenic Southern Highway into the heart of the jungle for an immersive cultural visit with the Indian Creek Maya Women's Group, where you’ll experience traditional Maya cooking, cacao and corn grinding, basket weaving, dance, and storytelling. Continue your journey to the stunning Maya King Waterfall for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear pools surrounded by lush rainforest and the beauty of the Maya Mountains. This tour is the perfect blend of culture, connection, and natural beauty -ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Belize experience. Book now and make memories that last a lifetime.