Top San Ignacio Archaeology Tours

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Head deep into the jungles of Belize and discover the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, ATM for short, during this full-day excursion. Join a small group and depart San Ignacio in search of the impressive underground cave that was once sacred to the ancient Mayans. Admire the various geological formations inside and see sacred burial remains.

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.

Follow the footsteps of the ancient Maya on a full-day trip to Caracol from San Ignacio, and go deep into the jungle to discover a remarkable archeological site. Watch for bright tropical birds and howler monkeys as you explore the sprawling ruined city, and take in views of rolling forest canopy from the top of the Caana pyramid. Trace the history of the site in a vivid series of carved stelae and stone altars, then visit a natural swimming pool in the Mountain Pine Ridge before returning to the city.

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

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.

Visit Central America's most legendary ancient Mayan site on a private day trip to Tikal, located across the border from Belize in Guatemala. Get help crossing the border for a stress-free entrance to the archaeological site, and spend the day exploring the mighty and mysterious ruins of temples, plazas, royal apartments, and more with a guide. Look for wildlife like howler monkeys and toucans while trekking through the rainforests that surround the UNESCO-listed site, and recharge with included lunch at a restaurant inside the park.

Climb one of Belize's tallest temples and learn the history of the ancient Mayan civilization on a tour of Xunantunich, a hilltop archaeological site near San Ignacio. After walking among the ruins of ball courts and royal palaces, head to a tucked-away forest reserve for a jungle pontoon cruise. It's an eco-friendly way to explore the Belizean rain forest, complete with waterfalls, tubing, and cliff jumping for the adventurous. 

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.

Get an intimate glimpse into the coves and crevices of Belize’s intricate cave network during a private canoeing tour of Barton Creek Cave. Opting for a private canoe tour allows you to set the pace of your paddling as you listen to tales of Mayan history and culture from your guide. Plus, hotel pickup and drop-off allow you to skip the hassle of hiring a car and finding a meeting point.

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.

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

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.

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.

With limited buses going in and out of Guatemala and a sprawling archeological complex it can be overwhelming to visit Tikal independently. Visit the UNESCO listed ruins with ease on an all-inclusive 8-hour tour. Private transfer from San Ignacio takes you to the park, where you enjoy free admission. Then, follow your guide on an immersive tour to the ancient city’s most important landmarks.

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.

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.

Alongside the guide guests will explore the ancient city of Xunantunich for 3 hours and Cahal Pech for 2 hours. During this period of time guest will learn the history, daily life of this ancient civilization and beliefs. You'll be able to climb most of the temples if you are pleased to do so. Educating whilst reliving a wonderful past through the path of our ancestors. "Don't just visit the past, experience it".

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

This guided tour takes you into the jungles of Belize to explore the Lamanai ruins, the site of an ancient Maya city. Begin your journey with a scenic cruise down the New River to reach the entrance to the archaeological site, and then explore the excavated temples, plazas, and royal palaces with your guide.

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