Xunantunich Tours and Activities

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.

Ride a horse to the Maya ceremonial center of Xunantunich on a 4-hour private tour from a legendary riding stable in San Ignacio. Follow your guide along the gentle Mopan River, and watch for tropical birds and howler monkeys among the trees. Enjoy a sweeping view of the Xunantunich complex, then spend an hour at the fascinating site; take in the towering El Castillo pyramid and enjoy the serenity of the rural spot as you ride through the partially excavated ruins before returning to San Ignacio.

Take a break from beach combing and water sports to explore the ancient ruins and mysterious caves of the Cayo district on this full-day combo tour from Placencia. Visit the remnants of a once-mighty Mayan city at Xunantunich — where you can see all the way to Guatemala from the top of a pyramid — and then float through an underground network of caverns on a cave tubing adventure.

Step back in time at one of Belize’s most impressive Mayan sites, the ancient city of Xunantunich. Cross a hand-cranked ferry to reach the hilltop ruins, where you can explore former palaces, plazas, and ball courts with a guide and climb to the top of a ceremonial stone temple. After this archaeological adventure, head to the Mountain Pine Ridge region for a refreshing swim in Big Rock Falls.

Journey to the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich atop a trusty steed on a half-day horseback riding adventure from San Ignacio. Ride along the Mopan River and through a private organic farm for a unique way to reach the fascinating archaeological site, where you can explore the remains of royal palaces and one of Belize’s largest ceremonial temples with a guide. A typical Belizean lunch caps off the morning 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 the archeological site of Xunantunich on a private tour from Belize City, and discover the fascinating history of a Maya ceremonial center on the shores of the Mopan River. Climb to the top of El Castillo pyramid, take in views of the lush jungle, then stand between the walls of a traditional ball court. Spot howler monkeys and wild turkeys among the stones, and study the intricately carved stelae, freizes and glyphs that bring the ancient Maya civilization to vibrant life. 

Take a break from the beaches to see two highlights of Belize’s lush Cayo District, all without renting a car. Stand atop the massive El Castillo temple and and peer into Guatemala at the Xunantunich archaeological site, where a guide shows you highlights of the ruins and reveals secrets of ancient Mayan life. Later, cool off with a swim in the Blue Hole, a natural swimming pool surrounded by tropical forest.

During this tour, you wlll visit the  ancient Mayan center of Xunantunich which sits on an impressive hilltop just near the border of Belize and Guatemala. Xunantunich was a major ceremonial center during the classic period.

Climb to the top of Belize’s second-tallest ancient pyramid and canoe to a sacred Mayan cave on this combo tour from San Ignacio. At the Xunantunich archaeological site, take in the views from atop the ‘El Castillo’ temple and see the ruins of royal palaces. A drive through modern Mayan villages takes you the entrance of Barton Creek Cave, once a sacred site for burials and ceremonies. The cave is only accessible by canoe, but it's a gentle ride, making this a great option for all ages and fitness levels.

Experience the unspoiled wonders of Belize's countryside and jungle on this combo adventure from San Ignacio. First, explore the open savannah and wildlife-rich wooded trails on a horseback riding tour, then hike through the lush lowland forest to reach the Caves Branch River for a classic cave tubing float. It's a great way to explore the best of the Cayo, complete with a delicious Belizean lunch in between activities.

Get in gear for this Belize mountain biking adventure! Experience the magnificent Mayan ruins of Xunantunich in a way that few others do, reaching the archaeological site by way of a challenging single- and double-track ride. You’ll bike through a subtropical forest with an expert guide, then cross the Mopan River on a traditional hand-cranked ferry before riding to the hilltop ruins. Take in the panoramic views from the top of the imposing El Castillo temple and explore other highlights of the ancient city. The tour includes round-trip transport from your San Ignacio hotel. 

Ride a horse deep into the countryside on a 2-hour private riding tour from San Ignacio along the Kiskadee Trail, and explore open pasture, jungle trails and the scenic Mopan River. Watch for parrots, herons and kiskadees as you follow your guide along a gentle path that’s appropriate for all skill levels, then pause to visit an ancient Maya site. Take in the tropical sounds of bird song and monkey calls, and enjoy the serenity of this rural valley before finishing your tour with return transfer to San Ignacio.

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.

It’s going to be an eventful day so be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. This tour will start with a journey from your Hopkins accommodation. Our guides will be waiting on-site for you before heading off in air-conditioned transport to Xunantunich. Xunantunich is a national treasure that fills its visitors with a sense of time travel. It sits close to Belize’s western border and is a must-visit. Local souvenirs, hammocks, and blankets are available from the many vendors waiting alongside the river at the entrance to the hand-cranked ferry that has carried many thousands to and from the calm beauty of this Maya Temple.

Combine a rainforest zipline experience with ancient Maya ruins on a full-day trip from San Ignacio to Xunantunich Cave. Traveling almost to the remote Guatemalan border, this ziplining trip is a great way to get deep into the jungle without much time on the road, and you’ll go from tree-to-tree on an exciting series of eight platforms that are set high in the rainforest canopy.

Ride a horse through an organic farm in San Lorenzo on a 2-hour tour that explores traditional agriculture, cattle farming and locally-grown medicinal plants. Follow your guide through fruit, vegetable and herb gardens, then try riding horseback across the gentle Mopan River. Watch for tropical birds and monkeys as you enjoy the leisurely pace of life in the Belizean countryside and finish your tour with return transfer to San Ignacio. 

The atmospheric ruins of Xunantunich are some of the most-visited Mayan ruins in the world. During your stay in Belize, ensure you don’t miss the ancient archeological site on this 6-hour tour of Xunantunich, including cave tubing. Ideal for adventurous travelers, this excursion allows you to explore the Mayan ruins, hike through exotic rainforest, and ride an inflated inner tube down rivers running through darkened caverns. Entrance fees and round-trip transport from your Belize City hotel are included on this small-group tour, limited to 15 people.  

Xunantunich offers many opportunities for amazing selfies and group photos. The panoramic views of the Cayo District and nearby Guatemala from atop ‘El Castillo’ are stupendous. Once at the cave tubing outpost, you’ll be given a basic orientation and safety briefing before heading off on a 30-minute hike which includes wading through a few knee-deep water streams.Once Inside the cave you’ll see intricate crystalline formations that line the cave with a majestic rise and fall of stalagmites and stalactites that add to the serene richness and grandiose of Xibalba as it’s known.READY! SET! GO! Push off from the wooden platform and zip along the aerial cable at canopy level where a guide will be waiting for you at the next platform. A couple platforms, into your Indiana Jones adventure, you’ll see the “hammock bridge” hanging almost 120 feet above the forest floor. Take in the tangled heart of Belize’s spellbinding and lush primeval forest.

Get a chance to see a portion of Belize City and San Ignacio Cayo in one day. Learn about the villages along the way as you make your way up to the Nohoch Che'en Caves where you'll be able to trek through our rainforest, explore the caves and float down the river. Eat a delicious local lunch and walk up 130 ft of history as you climb the temples at Xunantunich. Plus, get to be dropped off at a central point if your final destination is San Ignacio. This tour is packed with adventure and culture from start to finish. We know you only have a few days in the country, so let us help you to see more of Belize.

the viewing of a ancient Maya castle , artifacts, stucco frieze on the walls depicting the gods, a scenic drive thru the country side, your own guide and transportation, viewing the caves and ruins on your pace. let us know your choice for the float option. either kayak or tubes

Visit the ruins of a mighty Mayan city on a guided tour of the Xunantunich archaeological site near San Ignacio. Cross the Mopan River on a traditional hand-canked ferry, and then ascend to the hilltop complex featuring the remnants of plazas, royal quaters, ball courts, and the imposing El Castillo temple — the second tallest in Belize. Climb to the top of the great pyramid for views that stretch into Guatemala, and learn about the fascinating ancient Mayan civilization from a guide.

Float among the Mayan ruins on a cave tubing adventure combined with a thrilling zipline ride. After convenient hotel pickup, travel to the Temples of Xunantunich and fly over the forest canopy on a zipline. Enjoy a guided stroll through the forest, admire stalagmites and stalactites in two dry caves, and get carried lazily downstream in a tube on this memorable day trip.

Xunantunich is one of the largest ancient Maya cities ever built, the rulers of Xunantunich clashes with other powerful rivals in the area, including Tikal. In 2016, the largest Maya royal tomb ever discovered was excavated in Xunantunich, and the site remains an impressive display of pyramids, palaces, and other grandiose buildings.