Top San Ignacio Historical Tours

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.

Visit the incredible ancient city of Tikal 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. Round-trip transport from your San Ignacio hotel and all park fees are included.

Awaken your inner archaeologist as you explore the sprawling Mayan ruins of Caracol. Departing from San Ignacio, you’ll journey deep into the jungles of Belize to the Chiquibul Forest Reserve — home to one of the largest Mayan sites in the country. Your expert guide will illuminate the fascinating 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. Round-trip transport from your San Ignacio hotel is included on this full-day tour.

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.

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.

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.

The Barton Creek Tour is one of the most relaxing canoe experiences where you will travel inside an ancient waterway canopied by cathedral ceilings as you observe numerous formations of stalagmites and stalactites. This tour is a half day tour and can be schedule at a time convenient to the guests (depending on the amount of persons booking the tour). Usual tour schedule for Barton Creek Tour: 8:30am 1:00pm

Combine three experiences in one day during this comprehensive excursion ideal for travelers on a time budget. See more of the region than you could alone—including a stop at the Xunantich archaeological site for a tour from a local guide—without the hassle of arranging your own transport. Then, sample several typical Belizean foods and learn to make chocolate the Mayan way.

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.

Discover highlights of Belize’s western Cayo District on a full-day combo adventure, beginning with a horseback ride through lush jungle and riverside trails. Follow in the footsteps of ancient Mayan royalty and climb to the top of a giant sacred pyramid at the Xunantunich archaeological site, and taste local flavor with a typical Belizean lunch. Finish on a sweet note with a chocolate-making tour where you'll learn to grind raw cacao beans and transform them into silky, decadent chocolate.

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.

Nohoch Che’en caves located at Caves Branch is definitely one of the ten top things to do in Belize. Our country holds the largest cave system in Central America and the Caves Branch forms part of this natural wonder. In 2010 Nohoch Che’en or Caves Branch was declared a 15.5 acre archaeological reserve by the Belize government. Many caves are located in this area including Petroglyph, Pothunters, Satabe, Footprints, St. Margret’s Cave, Pottery Cave, and Caves Branch Rock Shelter among others. You will also experience Belize’s Subtropical jungle when you Zip lining over the rainforest 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.

Let our guides take you back in time, explore the impressive underworld of the ATM Cave and enjoy one of the most enlightening experiences of your life. When you venture into the hour glass shaped entrance you will be welcomed by clear blue waters from the perennial stream that flows throughout the cave. Along the way you will see ancient tools, pots and pieces and learn the history of the Mayan Civilization. As you travel deeper into the cave you will meet sacred burials and the Crystal Maiden complete and intact female remains covered in sparkling mineral deposits. Her death is sacrificial ritual for agricultural fertility.

A 4 hour or more tour into this no known ending cave. This cave is a dry cave with many chambers. swimming in the lakes is an option for you. This tour is an intense activity level. What to bring:  • packed breakfast and/or lunch  • bottled water and/or snacks  • swimwear, towels and extra dry clothes if you intend to swim  What to wear:  • comfortable clothing and running/hiking shoes 

The Caracol Mayan Ruin Tour is a moderate tour for kids 12 years and older. The entire tour takes approximately 8 hours (full day tour) and departs at 7:30am from San Ignacio it includes transportation, guide, park entrance fees and lunch. On the way back a stop is made in the Mountain Pine Ridge (Rio Frio Cave and the Rio On Pools) to cool off and enjoy a picnic lunch. Two places that will be explored are the Rio Frio Cave and Rio On Pools. MINIMUM 2 person

Experience the essence of a meditative ambiance as you glide on a canoe through an underground cave system as the sound of the paddle on the peaceful waters harmonizes with your heartbeat. While canoeing through the cave see large crystalline formations, skeletal remains and other cultural artifacts.

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. Our next stop is the Butterfly Farm which is located in Western Belize, it is rich in wildlife and vegetation and holds the largest live butterfly display in Belize. Guests can enjoy bird watching or learn about the different species of plants and animals. The day ends with a picnic lunch or souvenir shopping. MINIMUM 2 person

One of the most important Mayan places in Belize, you can't miss it! We have two daily departures. Book Now

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. Big Rock Falls is a hidden gem located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve flowing over the Privassion Creek. It is a large cenote surrounded by big rocks and a small pool at the bottom. This tour is for both adventure seekers and relaxation lovers. You can climb boulders and plunge into the pool below or relax under the water fall and enjoy a water massage. MINIMUM 2 person

Tikal is an ancient ruin called Yax Mutal. It is one of the largest archaeological sites located 19 miles north of Lake Petén Itza in the Northern Region of El Petén, Guatemala. Tikal forms part of Guatemala's Tikal National Park which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.The Tikal Tour takes you back in time where you get to observe and experience the architectural features of the ruins and learn about the daily lives and practices of the Mayans. MINIMUM 2 persons

A must-visit, even when on the shortest stays in our beautiful country. Xunantunich is a national treasure that fills its visitors with a sense of time travel. You’ll depart from your Hopkins where our guides will meet you before your drive to this temple. You'll know you're arriving when you spot the little falls of the Mopan River winding alongside the road through the village of San Jose Succotz. You're hit with how green and lush everything is. Some visitors will get to see a group of women doing laundry in the river while their children swim nearby.The temples are nestled in between lush rainforest whose trees may bloom vibrant red, yellow, orange, or pink in season. Bring along a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, along with an open heart to experience simplicity and visiting another world for a few hours.

this half day tour gives you more flexibility to book more tours for this day. You can book a cave tour, or medicinal trail or even a Mayan Shaman tour or better yet; a chocolate making tour all tours available within 30 minutes from this Mayan Ruin tour. What to bring: • packed breakfast and/or lunch  • bottled water and/or snacks  What to wear: • comfortable clothing and running/hiking shoes 

Visit Belize’s 3 Ancient jungle Mayan ruins recently discovered and unexcavated. Which are located in Benque, San Jose Succotz and Cave World Adventures. This Tour starts at 8am and it's a 6-8 hour tour What to bring: -packed breakfast and/or lunch  -bottled water and/or snacks  What to wear:  • comfortable clothing and running/hiking shoes 

a whole day tour with a duration of apprioximately 8 hours What to bring: -packed breakfast and/or lunch   -bottled water and/or snacks   What to wear:   • comfortable clothing and running/hiking shoes