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.

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.

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.

Skip the confusion of navigating remote ruins on your own. Visit the Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve with ease on a guided tour from San Ignacio. Begin your journey by crossing the Mopan River on a traditional hand-cranked ferry—an experience in itself—before ascending to the hilltop ruins. Climb to the top for sweeping views that reach into neighboring Guatemala, and let your guide bring the ancient Mayan civilization to life with expert insights and stories.

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.

Tikal National Park covers 575 square kilometers of jungle and thousands of structures in ruins. Only the central part of the old city contains 3,000 buildings and covers about 16 square kilometers. Tikal is also part of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve of one million hectares created in 1990 to protect the dense forests of Petén, which began to disappear at an alarming rate due to population pressures, illegal logging and agricultural practices of felling and burning. Archaeologists estimate that the Maya settled in the area now known as Tikal in approximately 900 BC.

As we embark on the Xunantunich tour, what sets it apart is the journey across the Mopan River, where we'll navigate using a hand-cranked ferry to reach the temples, a unique and adventurous start to our exploration. Before immersing ourselves in the grandeur of the main temples, we'll visit a museum showcasing skeletal and pottery remains, providing a fascinating glimpse into the ancient civilization. Scaling the towering El Castillo, the second highest Maya temple in Belize, promises an awe-inspiring experience, with its remarkable architecture offering panoramic vistas of the lush jungle and serene Mopan River below. This archaeological site not only boasts unparalleled historical significance but also serves as a vibrant tapestry of culture and wildlife, enriching our journey with every step. After this amazing experience, visitors will hike back to the parking lot along with their tour guides.

This private Tikal Archaeological & Sunset Tour is designed for travelers of all ages, making it suitable for families with children as well as adults. Departing from San Ignacio, Belize, the tour offers a smooth, stress-free experience with full border-crossing assistance, private transportation, and a licensed, English-speaking guide. Enjoy a relaxed pace, wildlife encounters, and Tikal’s most iconic temples, finishing with a safe and unforgettable sunset experience inside Tikal National Park.

Enjoy a full day tour from San Ignacio across the border to Guatemala’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tikal. You’ll be driven to the famous temple complex to learn more about the ancient Maya civilization with a guide and admire the incredible relics. You’ll be given plenty of time to wander amongst the more than 3000 preserved sites in the complex, before enjoying a delicious local lunch upon your journey back.

Explore the Maya Ruin of Caracol and learn its history. Learn the history of how the Caracol was founded before the Common Era. Spend time hiking, touring, having fun, and taking pictures to commemorate the experience. Then, you visit the Rio Frio cave and check out the enormous bolder, stone chandeliers, water pools, and waterfalls. At Rio On Pools, you can enjoy sunbathing, water massages, relaxation, and swimming at a natural spa.

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.

Experience the wonder and natural beauty of Belize with this Caves Branch adventure tour. During your visit, you’ll board a raft for a float through the caves and passageways of this underground world, looking for ancient Mayan cave paintings and rock formations along the way. You'll also enjoy a zip line tour, where you can experience a thrilling aerial adventure as you glide above the rainforest canopy, looking for spider monkeys and other wildlife.

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.

Travel from San Ignacio into the jungles of northern Belize on a small-group day tour that makes it easier to reach the remote Lamanai ruins. Cruise along the New River to the archaeological site, avoiding complex road routes and turning the journey itself into part of the experience. Once there, explore the temples, plazas, and former royal areas with a guide who provides context on the ancient Maya city.

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!

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.

Experience a real-life lazy river on a private cave tubing tour near San Ignacio. Head to the Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve and take a short hike to the cave. Then, spend a couple of hours tubing through caves on the river, taking in the sights as they pass you by. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

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.

Welcome to the lost city! A place far, far away from home. Caracol Sits in the heart of the Chiquibul rainforest. It is known to be one of the largest Maya cities in Belize. Dominating the centre of this important community is the massive structure known as Caana, “Sky Place.” This immense complex of palaces and temples remains today the tallest human-made construction in Belize. Are you ready for a bumpy ride? Join us as we travel deep into the green dense forest of Belize. Off we go on a three-hour drive to one of Belize’s most prestigious jewels. Up and down, side to side as we drive up the dirt road. Looking through the window and witnessing how the broadleaf forest transitions into a pine Forest then back into the broadleaf forest is alluring. This is quite astonishing as both hold different ambient and different species of wildlife. “Come on, Vamonos!” says Dora La Exploradora, as Belize awaits you.

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.

Barton Creek Cave is a stream cave located near San Ignacio in the Cayo District. It was used by ancient Mayan people for ceremonial purposes and it was discovered in 1970 and studied by archeologists in 1998. As you enter Barton creek, you will enjoy the scenery of the Mennonite Community and their traditional lifestyle. During the tour you will see sparkling crystal formation and learn about the Mayan history, archaeology and geology. The tour consists of exploring 1 mile of the massive 4.5 long cave which is yet to be discovered. San Ignacio Butterfly Farm @ Midas Belize is on a 30 acre private reserve in San Ignacio Town with the Macal River. The wildlife entails of a Butterfly Farm and Trails where you will see Agouti's, Iguanas, Otters, Gibnats, wildcats, Grey Fox and over 60 species of Birds Toucans, Quetzal, Hummingbird MINIMUM 2 person required

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.