Xunantunich and Cahal Pech from San Ignacio
Recommended by 100% of travelers
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San Ignacio, Belize
- 5 to 6 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Uncover the ancient mysteries of archaeological sites, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, on an enriching tour from San Ignacio. Travel deep into the Belizean jungle with a guide and discover Mayan structures and exotic flora and fauna. At Xunantunich, gaze at spectacular views of the lush forest from El Castillo, Belize’s second highest man-made structure, and marvel at the intriguing limestone structures of Cahal Pech. Gain fascinating insight into the history and culture of the Maya empire from your expert guide on this educational tour.
- Head into the jungle to explore Xunantunich and Cahal Pech
- Learn about the rich history of the Maya civilization from your guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in San Ignacio Town included
- Lunch at a local restaurant included
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Professional local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels only)
- Transport by private vehicle
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Entrance fees and meals for infants
- pickups & drop offs to hotels/resorts OUTSIDE of San Ignacio Town
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.8:00 am
Itinerary
The day begins with pickup from your hotel. From there, get a good view of lush forest vistas from El Castillo, a man-made structure that ranks as one of Belize's highest.
With your guide, travel to see the limestone formations at Cahal Pech. Here you can gain captivating insights into the history and culture of the Maya Empire, ensuring an educational experience.
Then, continue your jungle adventure as you explore Xunantunich to get an even better understanding of Maya civilization. Stop for delicious lunch at a local restaurant and take a break to stay hydrated with bottled water. Next, hike, climb Maya structures, and indulge in panoramic views of the countryside until the end of your tour.
With your guide, travel to see the limestone formations at Cahal Pech. Here you can gain captivating insights into the history and culture of the Maya Empire, ensuring an educational experience.
Then, continue your jungle adventure as you explore Xunantunich to get an even better understanding of Maya civilization. Stop for delicious lunch at a local restaurant and take a break to stay hydrated with bottled water. Next, hike, climb Maya structures, and indulge in panoramic views of the countryside until the end of your tour.
1
Cahal Pech
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
2
Xunantunich
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
3
Benny's Kitchen
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- REQUIRED: min of 2 people, Children must be accompanied with one paying adult
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- LOCAL PROVIDER must be informed of any vegetarran, vegan, gluten free or any other FOOF ALLERGY
- Wheelchair accessible; please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
- Service animals allowed
- Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately as per local weather on day of tour
- Near public transportation
- REQUEST FOR car seat must be done at least 24 hours before tour date
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- TOUR NOT AVAILABLE for CRUISE SHIP passengers due to duration of tour plus driving distance to & from cruise ship terminals
- PICKUP time starts 7am OR EARLIER for any hotel outside of San Ignacio town as per arrangement with local provider - before tour date
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 34 reviews
nazar_b, Feb 2026
Rod was very knowledgeable. We started at 8am and with the early start there was almost no one there at Cahal Pech which made it very intimate and unlike Chichen Itza which felt more like a tourist trap in Mexico. This felt off the beaten path and hard to believe that it was just us there. Rod was an excellent host and I would recommend this tour. He also took us to a nice local restaurant after.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for choosing St Leonard’s for your adventure.
There’s something truly special about exploring Cahal Pech in the quiet of the early morning, and we’re so glad Rod was able to create that intimate, meaningful atmosphere for you.
Avoiding the crowds and feeling like you’ve discovered something hidden and authentic is exactly the kind of memory we hope our guests take home. Rod takes great pride in making history feel personal and unhurried, and we love that you felt so well cared for throughout the day. We’re honored to have been part of your Belize experience and hope we can welcome you back for another unforgettable journey
Tim_H, Feb 2025
Both sites were quite different in a good way Peche Cahal more compact but had some interesting passageways. Xuanantich was larger and had a larger central pyramid. Our guide, Jose, was incredibly knowledgeable and had a great personality. I would go on any tour he was guiding.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you for taking time to write a 5 Star review.
We really appreciate it!!
We are so glad you had a great experience with St Leonard's and Jose.
Kate_G, Mar 2024
Rod and Carla were the best most knowledgeable tour guides on earth. They are incredible and we connected with them. We learned a lot and enjoyed the tour. We highly recommend.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
We're so happy to hear that you had such a fantastic experience with Rod and Carla on our tour! Their expertise and knowledge made for an unforgettable journey, and we're delighted that you connected with them. Learning and enjoyment often go hand in hand, and it's wonderful to know that you found the tour both educational and enjoyable. Thank you for your glowing recommendation; it means the world to us. We look forward to welcoming you back for more memorable adventures in the future!
Sherry_M, Jan 2024
Our guide was very knowledgeable and pleasant and helpful to plan for the next adventure. The view was spectacular!
Response from Host, Jan 2024
It sounds like you had an incredible time! Having a knowledgeable and accommodating guide can truly make an adventure unforgettable. And with a spectacular view to complement the experience, it seems like the perfect combination for a memorable journey. Thanks for sharing your positive feedback!
Karla_W, Oct 2023
We had a marvelous time. Our guide Rod was so knowledgeable, he took the time to help us understand not only the Mayan culture at the time, but the people of Belize. As well, we learned of the plant life. Then we had the most incredible lunch. A truly amazing day.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We really appreciate hearing from you.
It sounds like you had an incredible day with Rod as your guide. It's fantastic to hear that he not only provided insightful information about the Mayan culture but also took the time to share his knowledge about the people of Belize and the local plant life. A guide who goes the extra mile to offer a holistic and enriching experience can truly make a trip memorable. And, of course, a delicious lunch is always the cherry on top!
Thank you once again!!
Janie_R, Apr 2023
Ellio, our guide, was incredibly funny and knowledgeable. He made the whole experience fantastic. He helped us get some amazing pictures - which is nice otherwise it’d all be selfies and you’d miss how big the ruins are.
Response from Host, May 2023
Congratulations!!
We wish you many many years of happiness!
Thank you for choosing St Leonard's tour for such a special day!!
Paige_J, Jan 2023
A great day trip with a very knowledgeable guide! Our guide showed us around Cahal Pech before it got too crowded and then over to Xunatunich to climb the ancient structures. Delicious lunch spots, as well.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Thank you for taking time to write a review.
We are very happy you a great day trip learning about Cahal Pech and Xunantunich. Topping off a day with a wonderful meal is one of the best ways to end a day.
Thank you once again and we hope you enjoy many more plates of rice and beans!!
Jaspret_B, Apr 2022
Tour guide picked us up at hotel and gave amazing insightful tour. So much local knowledge really helps make it pop
Response from Host, Apr 2022
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us.
Our amazing team works hard to give everyone a memorable experience. We are really happy you had a great day and we look forward to having you join us again some day.
pbranch2012, Jul 2019
The guide was extremely polite and professional. He was very knowledgeable about the Ruins and history of the Mayan. Thanks my guide Rudolpho Juan my sister and l now have a better understanding of our family’s Mayan History. I would definitely repeat tour again with my other family members. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who is adventurous, loves historical sites and wants to learn about the Mayan’s Contribution to History.
Response from Host, Aug 2019
Hey girls!!
We are very happy you both had a great time exploring our amazing Mayan heritage both past and present.
Try listening to Andy Palacio's last album, 'Watina' and the Garifuna Collective.
My warmest regards to Patricia and yourself. We look forward to welcoming you and other members of your family the next time you come to Belize.
Trail16404799890, Jun 2019
Carla is amazing!!! She was very knowledgeable and made our tour very fun! She was sensitive to the needs and limits of our group. She made us feel at home and comfortable.
eharris00, Aug 2017
I cannot say enough good things about St. Leonard's Tours. Carla was so kind and so knowledgeable! It was nice because it was just us and the tour guide instead of being lost in a large group and missing things. We got to take our time! We loved it so much we hired them the next day for cave tubing!
From $165.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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