Xunantunich Mayan Ruin and Cave Tubing from Placencia

After morning pickup at your Placencia hotel, relax and enjoy the scenery as you travel up the coast and along the scenic Hummingbird Highway for about 3.5 hours to reach the heart of the Cayo district. Cross the Mopan River on a traditional hand-cranked ferry on the way to the hilltop archaeological site of Xunantunich. An important ceremonial site during the classic Mayan period, Xunantunich was the first such site in Belize to be open to the public and is among the country’s most impressive and well-preserved ruins.

Imagine the mighty city that once thrived here as you explore remnants of the plaza, royal palace, ball courts, and administrative buildings with your guide. If you're up for the challenge, hike to the top of the main temple for panoramic views of the Cayo and neighboring Guatemala. You may even see the trees below shaking with the movement of howler monkeys.

Then, take a voyage through what the ancient Maya considered to be the underworld on a cave tubing tour, one of Belize’s most popular adventures. Hike through the jungle to reach the mouth of an extensive cave network, and then float along an underground river on an inner tube. Watch the light from your headlamp flicker across mysterious rock and crystal formations as the gentle currents carry you along. After emerging back into daylight, relax on the return ride to your Placencia hotel.