You don’t need to be an archaeologist to feel enthralled by the Maya world. They left behind carvings of mythical beasts, twisted hieroglyphs, and evidence of intense religious ceremonies. When you visit, knowledgeable guides interpret explain the purpose of elaborate temples and shrines.
PLAN AN ARCHAEOLOGY VACATION IN BELIZE
Belize’s Maya sites are on the mainland, on the western side of the country. Many of the top destinations are a short distance from San Ignacio, although it’s also easy to plan day trips to Maya sites from Belize City.
Browse some of our favorite itineraries
Get excited and browse our selection of our favorite hand made tours from around the world. From romantic honeymoons to family-fun; these are completely flexible and arranged to your needs.
Adventure, Relaxation, & Mayan Explorer
Our entire trip in Belize was flawless. Drivers and tour guides met us on time every day. All details with transportation and hotels were great. Any future trip I take to Central America will be booked with Anywhere.com
Belize
Beaches to Mayan Ruins
I would recommend Anywhere.com. We've used their services twice, in Costa Rica and Belize. For the second trip, Belize, we did feel we had to communicate more often to get the trip sorted out, but in the end, Anywhere totally came through for us. Every connection was smooth, every accommodation well-represented, and every tour well worth the trip.
Belize
Belize Round Two
From the great cities of the Maya to diving the Palancar Reef, Belize has a lot to offer and is highly recommended!
Belize
An Above & Beyond Birthday
Love the options— the hotels were spectacular. I enjoyed having a non-event day to hang out at pool and wall into town to see local events. Drivers were coordinated well, and they served well as tour guides. This country is beautiful, the people are so kind and generous.
Belize
Beaches to Jungles
I’ve been telling everyone about anywhere.com! Absolutely would not have had this great if an experience without you!
Belize
Explore Belize Together
Megan’s family vacation in Belize blended adventure and relaxation for a memorable Caribbean getaway. They trekked from San Ignacio’s rainforest highlands to the Tikal ruins, then snorkeled with sharks and rays at Hol Chan Reef along Belize’s tropical coast. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides shared Maya history and coastal traditions, leaving Megan’s family with a deeper appreciation for Belize’s vibrant heritage and natural wonders.
Belize
Belize Winter Escape
Belize was delightful we thoroughly enjoyed all the people that we met from drivers to tour guides to Hotel staff and just people we encountered along the way. Spending time both up in the jungle in the mountains and down on the coast was a wonderful contrast and I highly recommend doing both if possible. The weather was variable but over the time of our holiday we had opportunity to do all the things that we wanted, enjoy some tropical rain as well as some beautiful beach days The wildlife, history and scenery were spectacular. Both the lodge we stayed in and the hotel on the coast were well maintained with excellent, knowlegeable staff and good food My biggest negative would probably be that in being a less wealthy Nation their management of garbage and limited recycling capacity was quite noticeable in places.
Belize
Senior’s Vacation from Islands to Jungles
Belize is a good place to go if you want to stay in a resort or be in nature, like Pooks HIll and snorkeling and diving at Ambergris Caye. It's also a wonderful place to learn about and see Mayan culture from long ago.
Belize
A Grand Family Anniversary Trip
Belize is beautiful and completely exceeded our expectations. This special 50th wedding anniversary celebration trip for the 10 of us went flawlessly, and we all couldn’t wait to come back!
Belize
We had an UnBelizable Time
We always put our trip together and make out own plans. This time, we went with Anywhere and let you make suggestions. So glad we did. It was really worth the extra expense to know that everything was under control and we had someone to call on should things not go as planned. BUT, everything went as planned and it was better than expected!
Belize
A Belize Adventure to Remember
Such a great trip from start to finish. Our kids had such a great time and we did as well. Everything was planned so perfectly! Thank you Rodrigo!
Belize
Mother and Son's Belize Adventure
Anywhere has always (third trip booked) done a great job in the choices, planning and logistics. Best travel company ever!!
Belize
Maya ruins day trips
Day trips from San Ignacio to Xunantunich, Cahal Pech and Caracol, and across the border to Tikal. See all Belize Maya ruins tours and archaeology tours.
Tikal One Day From San Ignacio
From $225Explore the vast ruins of Tikal during this one-day tour. You’ll visit Tikal’s temples and pyramids, learn about Mayan culture, and walk along short trails through the jungle.
Caracol Mayan Temples was discovered in 1938 by loggers, located deep within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve now it is the most extensive Maya site in Belize and one of the biggest in the Maya World.
Xunantunich and Cahal Pech Tour
From $185This tour takes you to two of Belize's top Maya sites - Xunantunich and Cahal Pech.
On this tour, you’ll get to see two very different Maya sites. The first, Xuanantinuch, is the ruins of a compact but impressive Maya city. Here visitors can stroll around multiple plazas and temples. At the nearby Barton Creek Cave, you’ll see a cave that served as an entrance to Xibalba, the Maya underworld.
Explore the ancient wonders of Belize with our Mayan Majesty: Xunantunich & Big Rock Falls Excursion. This adventure takes you on a journey through time, starting with a visit to Xunantunich, one of Belize's most iconic Mayan archaeological sites. Discover the towering structures of this ancient city, including the majestic El Castillo pyramid and the fascinating Sun God statue. After immersing yourself in the history of the Mayan civilization, it's time to experience the natural beauty of Belize with a visit to Big Rock Falls. Nestled in the lush jungles of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Big Rock Falls is a breathtaking waterfall cascading into a serene pool below. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters or simply relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings. Throughout the excursion, knowledgeable guides will provide insights into the history, culture, and natural wonders of Belize, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all participants. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or adventure seeker, the Mayan Majesty: Xunantunich & Big Rock Falls Excursion promises an immersive journey into the heart of Belize's rich heritage and stunning landscapes.
Xunantunich Horseback Riding Tour
From $173This tour starts by making your way along the riverside trail leading through habitat for birds, green iguanas and other kinds of Belizean wildlife. Note: No previous horseback riding experience is required; helmets are provided. There is a weight limit of 250lbs (113.4kg) per person.
Top Maya Sites
Caracol is a city across the border from Tikal in Guatemala, and these two cities were tense rivals in their heyday. You can still feel its grandeur when you see its enormous, stepped temples. The temple at Xunantunich has some incredible hieroglyphs toward its crown. Altun Ha is one of the most visited Maya sites, partly because of its proximity to Belize City. Visit the site called Cahal Pech to see trees growing out of the remains of temples.
Plants and Animals of the Maya World
Hiking to these sites through the rainforest presents a good opportunity for bird watching. Look for crocodiles as you make your way down the river that leads to Lamanai — this Maya name translates to “submerged crocodile” in English.
Maya Caves
The Maya considered caves sacred, and believe them to serve as openings to the Underworld. Paddle through the Barton Creek Cave and see where the Maya left human remains and ceramics. At the cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal you can also see evidence of the Maya, including a crystalized skeleton known as the Crystal Maiden.
Ready to Explore?
Tell us what you’d like to learn about in Belize. We’ll help you find the Maya site that will capture your imagination. Our expert travel planners can tell you how to get to these sites, which are often deep inside the tangled jungle.
