Top San Ignacio Day Trips

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

If you are looking for a private long day experience. This is the trip for you. Discover the stunning 7 miles cave kayaking experience with its extensive and breath taking variety of stalactites and stalagmites. We'll begin our adventure with a 20 minutes drive to the drop in point to the entrance of the cave. Pass through orange orchard with high chances to spot wildlife, then prepare to navigate through 5 different caves enjoying impressive chambers filled with amazing formations. It has a fair number of small rapids that can even beginner paddlers can navigate the river safely during the dry season. During our trip we will stop for a relaxing lunch, taking in the magnificent mountain and cave entrance view, with an opportunity to swim in the clear water of our beautiful river. After your kayaking experience finish your day with a zipline adventure taking approximately 1 hour with a total of 10 platforms and 7 runs.

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.

Delve into the Mayan underworld on a tour of Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave, a natural attraction that's challenging to reach on your own. This full-day tour from San Ignacio includes a scenic hike through Tapir Nature Reserve, followed by swimming, climbing, and exploring the cave’s chambers filled with ancient Mayan artifacts and human sacrifices. With round-trip transportation, a guide, and a local lunch included, this tour offers a seamless way to experience Belize’s rich history and natural beauty.

Come experience Belize’s Subtropical jungle when you Zip lining over the forest canopy and fly over the spectacular view of the Caves Branch River. The rainforest is home to a rich diversity of insects, birds and animals such as the spider monkeys and kinkajous which are spotted during the zip lining tour. You are fastened to a harness which is attached to a cable. The experienced guides will instruct you on how to push off from the platform and soar into the forest canopy. The tour is 30 minutes of aerial jungle tour zip lining through a series of 8 platforms. MINIMUM 2 PERSONS

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.

Xunantunich with river tubing is an awesome combination tour. After hiking the beautiful Mayan site you will get to relax in an inner tube and float down the lazy Mopan river. Exploring some of the best flora and fauna that lay on the bank of the river edge. Floating down the river and being sun kissed by the sun on a beautiful day like a dream come true. It's an experience of a lifetime that you could enjoy with your other half, family or friends. Come and let your well trained tour guide make it one to remember.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Awaken your inner archaeologist and get deeper insight into the Mayan ruins of Caracol on this tour from San Ignacio. Journey deep into the jungles of Belize without worrying about self-driving to the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, home to one of the largest Mayan sites in the country. Your expert guide will illuminate the history of Caracol, which was once a mighty city and a rival of neighboring Tikal in Guatemala. Explore magnificent plazas, temples, palaces, and an observatory while learning about the social and religious practices of the ancient Mayans.

Small groups for a more personalized experience. Convenient pick up and drop off at your hotel within 20km of San Ignacio town. Sit down lunch. Tikal or “Place of Voices” was the largest city of the Maya Classic Period with a population estimated to have been over 90,000 at its peak. An early departure is required for this full-day adventure beginning with pickup at hotel followed by a 20 minute drive to the Western Border of Belize and Guatemala. After crossing the border enjoy a very scenic 1.5 hours’ drive to Tikal. After a fun day of hiking, exploring and learning about the Maya history and culture, the day’s adventure will conclude with a well-deserved delicious lunch.

Barton Creek Cave Cave and Green Hills Butterfly Farm offer visitors a unique experience that cannot be found elsewhere. Barton Creek Cave offers a chance to explore a natural wonder that has been shaped by millions of years of geological processes, while Green Hills Butterfly Farm provides an immersive experience into the world of Butterflies. Visitors can also witness the different stages of a butterfly's life cycle and learn about the important role that they play in pollination and the ecosystem.

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.

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.