Top San Ignacio Archaeology Tours

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.

Get an intimate glimpse into the coves and crevices of Belize’s intricate cave network during a private canoeing tour of Barton Creek Cave. Opting for a private canoe tour allows you to set the pace of your paddling as you listen to tales of Mayan history and culture from your guide. Plus, hotel pickup and drop-off allow you to skip the hassle of hiring a car and finding a meeting point.

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.

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 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.

Climb one of Belize's tallest temples and learn the history of the ancient Mayan civilization on a tour of Xunantunich, a hilltop archaeological site near San Ignacio. After walking among the ruins of ball courts and royal palaces, head to a tucked-away forest reserve for a jungle pontoon cruise. It's an eco-friendly way to explore the Belizean rain forest, complete with waterfalls, tubing, and cliff jumping for the adventurous.

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.

Experience the wonder of the ancient city of Tikal during this comprehensive full-day tour. Head to Tikal National Park, where you'll explore ancient archeological sites like the Central Acropolis, several significant temples, the Great Plaza, and more. Along the way, your guide shares insights about ancient Mayan archeology, culture, and the royal family of Tikal. Hotel pickup is included for your convenience. Note that admission fees are not included.

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.

Journey to Lamanai, one of Belize’s most iconic Maya cities — hidden deep in the jungle and accessible only by boat. This unforgettable full-day adventure combines a scenic drive departing San Ignacio, a wildlife-rich river cruise, and a guided exploration of towering temples surrounded by rainforest. With roundtrip transfers, lunch, entrance fees, and a guided tour included, you can simply relax and enjoy the journey Highlights Visit one of Belize’s most impressive ancient Maya cities in the jungle Cruise the New River with opportunities for wildlife spotting Learn the legends, history, and symbolism of Lamanai with a licensed guide Includes pickup and drop-off from San Ignacio / Cayo, lunch, tour guide, entrance fees and taxes Perfect day trip for travelers staying inland who want culture + nature in one tour. The easiest way for inland travelers to experience one of Belize’s most iconic Maya sites without having to arrange transportation to Belize City.

Float through ancient caves and crystal-clear waters on a one-of-a-kind tubing adventure. See stunning rock formations! Professional Guides that will take you through a unique experience and will share very special history of the Mayas and geology of the caves. This is a great family getaway tour. It does not require for you to be completely physically fit, since its an easy 10 minutes walk to the cave under the canopy of the majestic forest and surrounded by mountains.

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.

Take out your camera and get ready to capture iconic pictures in Yaxha. After picking you up from the airport or hotel, the guide will take you on a walking tour from Gate 2 of the Yaxha Mayan Site to Yaxha North Acropolis, where you’ll visit the Minor Astronomical Observatory. Then, you’ll explore Grupo Malher, Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park, Cultural Triangle Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park, Yaxha National Park, and Square of the Columns.

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

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 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.

Discover two of Belize’s highlights in one day: explore the ancient Maya temples of Xunantunich, then float through underground rivers on a cave tubing adventure.This hassle-free experience is perfect for families, adventure seekers, and history buffs. Begin at Xunantunich, crossing the hand-cranked ferry and climbing the towering El Castillo pyramid for sweeping jungle views that stretch into Guatemala. Learn stories of Maya kings and rituals of this ancient city. Then cool off with a cave tubing adventure through Belize’s underground river system. Equipped with life vests, helmets, lights, and tubes, float past glittering formations and hidden chambers as guides reveal Maya legends of Xibalba, the underworld. - Cross the hand-cranked ferry and explore Maya temples with licensed local guides. - Float underground rivers on a cave tubing adventure. - Woman-owned operator for authentic care. - Small-group tour with lunch, equipment, transport and fees included.

See ancient geological history with this canoe tour. Upon arrival, you'll learn about the history of the region including the role of the Barton Creek Cave in ceremonies performed by the Mayan people. While exploring the cave you'll see gorgeous crystals forming and learn about the culture of local Mennonite communities. Once you arrive at Big Rock Falls you'll have the option of cooling off in the free-flowing water.

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.

Combine two fun activities into one full-day tour—a hassle-free alternative to managing multiple reservations—on this action-packed adventure from San Ignacio. Float through the largest cave system in Central America during a tubing session, and spot glittering crystals and stalactites inside a series of spacious caverns. Then, strap in for an exciting zipline journey from tree to tree with a bird’s-eye view of the forest floor.

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.

Go where cars can't and explore the heart of the jungle on a full-day tubing and caving trip from San Ignacio. Ideal for adventurers, this experience sees you hike into a cave entrance surrounded by lush foliage. Follow a gentle stream through a series of cavern passages, learn about the area’s Maya history, then enjoy a swim in the clear water.

When your time in Belize comes to an end, make leaving easy with this shared departure transfer from your San Ignacio hotel to Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE). This prompt, door-to-door shuttle service will pick you up at your hotel and take you directly to the international airport near Belize City, so you don't have to stress about taking your luggage on public transportation.