Top Hopkins Archaeology Tours

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.

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.

Most visitors see Xunantunich or St. Herman's Cave — not both. This tour combines Belize's two most rewarding inland experiences into a single day, with a local guide who connects the dots between ancient Maya culture and the natural landscape they called home. No big tourist buses, no rushed timelines — just genuine exploration with a company that knows Belize from the inside out.

Combine the best of Belizean nature and culture on this combo tour that includes a visit to the Xunantunich ancient Mayan ruins and the Inland Blue Hole — a beautiful jungle lagoon. The ruins can be difficult to navigate on your own, but a guide explains the site’s fascinating history and helps you safely climb the highest stone temple in Belize. A picnic lunch and hotel pickup are included for a stress-free adventure.

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.

Explore the rich history of the Caracol Mayan Ruins, the largest Maya site in Belize, while admiring its impressive temples and plazas. This full-day tour takes you through the lush Chiquibul Forest Reserve, with a scenic drive featuring stunning views. Visit the majestic Rio Frio Cave and enjoy a refreshing swim at the beautiful Rio On Pools, allowing for a perfect mix of culture and nature. With included meals and a licensed guide, this adventure is a must for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. - Full-day tour from Hopkins Village departing at 6:00 am - Explore Caracol, Rio Frio Cave, and swim at Rio On Pools - Includes park entrance fee, packed lunch, and transportation - Perfect for travelers seeking a blend of culture, archaeology, and relaxation

Our Mayan Ruins and Inland Blue Hole tour starts off with a scenic drive from Hopkins to San Jose Succotz in Cayo District. This 2 hours drive will take you on the famous Hummingbird Highway, through the capital city Belmopan and San Igancio Town, then on to San Jose Succotz, where we will be crossing over a river on a hand-cranked ferry to access Xunantunich Site. After the Xunantunich Site, your guide/driver will take you to experience an authentic Belizean lunch at Hode's Place in San Ignacio Town. After lunch, we will head to the Blue Hole National Park for a refreshing swim in the Blue Hole cenote, a one-hour drive from San Ignacio. Your guide/driver will also give you the option to stop at gift shops near the ruins and stop at Country Barn Ice-cream on the Hummingbird Highway. Tour Duration Time 8 to 9 hours: Travel Time (round-trip) - 4 hours Xunantunich Mayan Ruins - 2 hours Hode's Place (lunch) - 1 hour Blue Hole National Park - 1 hour

Discover the Belize rainforest with the Jaguar Paw Zipline and Cave Tubing Adventure. Start your morning zipping through the jungle canopy, where breathtaking views await as you navigate from platform to platform on one of Belize’s top zipline courses. After the rush, unwind by floating through the enchanting Jaguar Paw cave system, where you’ll glide along a tranquil underground river, taking in stunning rock formations and insights from your licensed guide. This combination of excitement and serenity is perfect for those craving adventure and a touch of nature in one fantastic day. - Suitable for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts - Includes licensed guide, lunch, and transportation - Tour duration: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM - Minimum height for cave tubing: 40 inches - Zipline requirement: Minimum age 5 years; 44-inch waist limit

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.

A great opportunity for travelers vacationing in Hopkins, this tour takes you on a scenic trip to discover Xunantunich. Enjoy the views of lush greenery around the Mopan River and visit the village of San Jose Succotz. Learn how the locals live as you discover this destination, nestled in the rainforest. Simply bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and your curiosity.

Discover the heart of the Maya World, just a 2 hour drive from Belize’s western border. Covered in thick jungle and discovered in the 1900’s, Tikal represents one of the most fascinating Mayan archaeological sites of the Mundo Maya. It was considered one of largest and most powerful cities of the Classic Period, until it was suddenly abandoned over 1000 years ago and the jungle outgrew the massive temples and structures there. Your tour guide is with you the whole way to fill you in on the history of the area and answer questions. At the border, you will be assisted through all the stamping and fees by your guide. For the next three and a half hours, time will rewind a thousand years. After you leave the park, there will be an opportunity to pick up memorabilia, then it’s back to Belize. Your guide will be there once again to ensure a safe and speedy crossing from Guatemala back into Belize.

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.