Xunantunich & Cave Tubing Day Trip from San Ignacio
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
Travel back in time and experience what life was like in the city of Xunantunich, one of Belize’s most popular Mayan sites. This tour from San Ignacio takes you to San Jose Succotz, a Maya-Mestizo village located close to the Western Border and delivers you on an old-fashioned, hand-cranked ferryboat to the magnificent ruins deep in the Belizean rainforest. Admire astronomical carvings at El Castillo (The Castle) and sweeping views of the Belize River Valley and neighboring Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala once you’ve climbed the steep pyramid steps to the top! Hotel pickup and drop-off within San Ignacio Town are included.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
It is recommended you wear comfortable shoes and clothing
Please note: a minimum of 2 passengers is required in order for this tour to operate. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Bring reusable water bottle
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Xunantunich
Travel back in time and experience what life was like in the city of Xunantunich, one of Belize’s most popular Mayan sites. This tour from San Ignacio takes you to San Jose Succotz, a Maya-Mestizo village located close to the Western Border and delivers you on an old-fashioned, hand-cranked ferryboat to the magnificent ruins deep in the Belizean rainforest. Admire astronomical carvings at El Castillo (The Castle) and sweeping views of the Belize River Valley and neighboring Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala once you’ve climbed the steep pyramid steps to the top! Hotel pickup and drop-off within San Ignacio Town are included.
Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve
Nohoch Cheʼen, or more commonly known as the caves branch, is a great tour if you’re looking for a relaxing and peaceful day. The expedition starts by gearing up with life jackets and safety tips. The tour then continues with a hike through a forest trail, at which point the group is given the option to shorten or extend the hike to get a longer viewing of the caves and a longer ride down the river, since it’s a large cave system. Along the trail, you sometimes encounter wildlife such as birds like the crested quetzal bird and other small creatures like the “lone coati” or coatimundi, small scavengers looking for nuts or fruits to eat. As the hike concludes, it's time to get into the water. Everyone is placed in their tubes and guided down the river and through caves. While in the cave, there are plenty of beautiful rock formations to view, and the river also provides some exciting rapids to pass through on the tubes.
What‘s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off from within San Ignacio Town limits
Local guide
Water- Bring along reusable water bottles
Gratuities
Hotel pick up and Drop off outside San Ignacio Town limits
Pickup points
Cassia Hill Resort Belize
68 Mls George Price Highway San Ignacio Belize
Maya Mountain Lodge
3/4 Mile Cristo Rey Road, San Ignacio Belize
The Log Cab-Inn
Mile 68 Western Highway, San Ignacio Belize
San Ignacio Resort Hotel
18 Buena Vista St San Ignacio Belize
Ka'ana Resort
Mile 69 1/4 George Price Highway San Ignacio Belize
Midas Belize
Branch Mouth Road, San Ignacio Belize
Cahal Pech Village Resort
Western Highway, Cahal Pech Hill San Ignacio Belize
Options
Xunantunich Maya Site only
Xunantunich Tour only
Shared Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Snacks: Chips with Salsa, juice, and Water
Xunantunich Maya Site only
Air condition Vehicle
Pickup included
Xunantunich & Cave Tubing
Shared Tour
Duration: 9 hours
snack, water, Juice, Lunch,
Air Condition
Pickup included
Reviews
26 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very informative! Would recommend!
Lynn V,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Rudy was a bit late to pick us up, but we've come to embrace the Belizean time. Once the tour at the ruins started we were captivated by Rudy's storytelling. He has a plethora of information to offer about anything and everything related to history, culture, tourism, etc. When we did cave tubing he tied our tubes together so we didn't have to stress about anything and could enjoy the ride. Lunch was included, and it was delicious. There were washrooms and change rooms available so there was no need to worry, though we didn't know that at the time of booking because it wasn't in the listing. Even though it was a full day tour it was so peaceful and relaxing to do both these excursions in one day.
Wonderful Experience.
Christy P,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Edgar was a fabulous tour guide. His passion and attention to details was amazing. He has a true gift that shows through his guidance. We are very blessed to have had him show us the Xunantunich Ruins and the cave tubing. We had a great time.
One of the best tours...
Aaron D,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00One of the best tours I’ve ever done. My tour guide Hugh was amazing in guiding us through the cave. 10/10 experience
Un-belizeable!
Darren V,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great tour. We are a family of four with 2 adult children (ages 20 and 22). Angel was our tour guide and he was so knowledgeable. He told the history in a way that kept everyone engaged and interested (even those not interested in history). He pointed out lots of wildlife and interesting plants. The picnic lunch was delicious. The caves were incredible. The water was so clear and clean. The hike through the cave was very cool. It was not too difficult and we all loved it. Angel shared his country’s culture and passion with us all.
Edgar is the BEST!!!
Jessica F,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We did the full day ruins and cave tubing. It was phenomenal!!! Edgar was a complete joy! He was knowledgeable, kind and completely prepared for everything!! He knew the history and many verified facts about the ruins and caves. He incorporated his own personal experiences and family history in the presentation. He even provided an authentic belizean lunch for us in between the tours! Our trip was incredible solely because we had Edgar! 5 stars all the way!
Rudy made our tour truly...
Patrick C,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Rudy made our tour truly special. He was knowledgeable, patient, and very friendly, taking extra time to explain things in depth compared to other guides. His passion and attention to detail made the experience much more meaningful. We would absolutely recommend him to anyone.
Rudy was a knowledgeable...
Lorna S,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Rudy was a knowledgeable guide and made the visit to Xunantunich very interesting. We went early in the morning and had the place to ourselves.
Best excursion hands down
Taylor K,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My husband and I went into this excursion not really knowing what to expect other than what is stated in the description. We got so much more than we have ever thought possible. Leo was our tour guide and he was the best tour guide we have ever encountered. He was full of so much knowledge even filling the car rides with tales of the culture of the area. His knowledge on the Mayan ruins was incredible - he has definitely done his research. Once we were at the caves he went above and beyond to give us an experience that was so much more than simply floating on a tube through the caves. I cannot recommend this tour enough! The lunch provided was also amazing- which is a plus since you never know what you are going to get on an excursion!
Exceptional!
Michaela T,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An amazing experience! The shuttle collects you from your place, and takes you to the beautiful Mayan Ruins. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable, and loved learning from him. We then had a long drive to the entrance point for the caves, where we had a delicious lunch. Changed into our swimsuits, then carried our tubes to the river. It was exceptional! Bring water shoes and bug spray! Amazing adventure and so worth it.
I really enjoyed the tour...
Tiffany V,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00I really enjoyed the tour of the site. We walked along many structures up steep stairs to get to some spectacular views. The tubing was canceled because it rained a lot the night before. But i still enjoyed this part. I was refunded the difference with no issues. Bug spray before you go. There were some vendors selling souveniers at the river crossing, and I got a few cute beaded turtles and birds. Super cute!
From US$75.00
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Operated by Belize Family Adventure