Canoe down Barton Creek to see an enormous and mystical cave that played an important role in local Maya culture. Once you paddle inside, it’s easy to see why the Maya chose this awe-inspiring cave as a site for ceremonies. Guides on this half-day tour are well-versed in Maya history as well as natural history.
San Ignacio Tours and Activities
San Ignacio tours and activities listing, a guide of excursions available while traveling in San Ignacio
Cave tubing and a visit to the Belize Zoo will bring you face-to-face with Belize’s incredible outdoors. First you’ll visit the Belize City Zoo, which is known for its rehabilitation programs for endangered animals. Then you’ll head to the Caves Branch River, where you will ride on an inner tube through the ancient caves of the Maya
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a mecca for snorkelers. This reserve is located on the coast of Ambergris Caye, one of Belize’s most popular islands for visitors. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is known for its sea grass beds, mangrove forests, coral reefs, and a section of reserve known as Shark Ray Alley.
Touring Xunantunich and the Belize Zoo will give you the opportunity to some of the best natural and cultural destinations Belize has to offer.
This is a unique experience, with spectacular views that you will not get anywhere else in Belize. The canopy tour is approximately 2500 feet (762 m) of cable.
This tour will bring you to the top of a Maya temple, and then to the entrance of the Maya underworld. The temple is inside the Maya city of Xunantunich, which is located near the border of Guatemala. Its name translates to “Maiden of the Rock.” After you ascend the walls of its temple, you’ll continue the tour to the Cave Branch River, where you’ll follow the river into a series of caves that had intense spiritual significance for the Maya.
On this tour you will get to go tubing on a river that flows through a network of more than 30 caves. These caves have crystalized columns, vaulted ceilings, and Maya artifacts.
This tour takes you to two of Belize's top Maya sites - Xunantunich and Cahal Pech.
The Barton Creek Tour is good for people of all ages. You’ll get go caving in a canoe and see Mennonites, Mayan ruins, and some stunning Belize jungle.
This pontoon jungle tour takes you to see some of San Ignacio’s inland waterfalls. You have the freedom to customize this tour to suit your interests—you can hike to one of the waterfalls or simply relax on the boat.
Visit the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins and the site the Maya named after the "Maiden of the Rock." It has enormous and impressive examples of artful Maya hieroglyphs.
Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Stone Sepulcher) is one of the most impressive caves in the Maya world of Belize, named after a sacrificial chamber deep within the ATM Cave. This wet cave is located within the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in the Cayo district.
Explore 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.
The Barton Creek Tour is good for people of all ages. You’ll get go caving in a canoe and see Mennonites, Maya ruins, and some stunning Belize jungle. It also includes a visit to Green Hills Butterfly Farm, which is research orientated. The main flight area makes it possible to study interactions between different butterfly species.
This tour starts by making your way along the riverside trail leading through habitat for birds, green iguanas and other kinds of Belizean wildlife.
In the Nohoch Che'en Archaeological Reserve, the winding Caves Branch River flows underground through ancient caves, once traveled through and even inhabited by the Maya. Just an hour from Belize City and a half hour from Belmopan is The Outpost, a well-stocked base camp for cave tubing and zipline-riding in the midst of this history-rich area.
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.
Located on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful town of San Ignacio is the Cahal Pech Maya site and the Visitor Center. This site is one of the oldest Maya ruins in Belize.
This tour will take you to two different nature reserves in the Maya Mountain region of western Belize. You'll get to see Maya ruins and some of the incredible natural formations that characterize this part of the country. Keep in mind that there is some hiking and climbing involved in this tour, so participants should be at least moderately fit and have no physical limitations.
Glide through the Belizean rainforest in this thrilling and exhilarating tour. Offering a variety of 3 different runs, you can choose a beginner run for 45 minutes or, step out to the next level and zipline through the rainforest for a full hour. If you crave more excitement, then combine both runs — 9 runs, 15 platforms, a jungle lift, and 2,700 feet of adrenaline-pumping ziplining!
Rent a canoe for a self-guided tour of the Macal River. You’ll begin by paddling upstream from the Chaa Creek Lodge, before you float back to your starting point. The Macal River is an excellent place for canoeing because of the wildlife you can see on the banks of the river—you can expect to spot colorful birds as well as iguanas among the dense vegetation.
This tour is not for the faint at heart. Begin with a 2 hour hike up the Maya Mountains for an exciting and thrilling adventure over the rainforest canopy at Actun Loch Tunich, “The Monster of All Caves.” Here, you will be mesmerized by incredible aerial views of jungle rainforests. Then, sink your fears by stepping off the ledge of the cliff for a 300-feet high rappelling adventure ride where you will have amazing visuals of the Black Hole and luscious greens.
Take a half-day tubing tour to see Caves Branch Cave, one of the main caves that the Maya considered sacred openings to the underworld.
Hike through the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve to see beautiful forests. You’ll experience two distinct environments—a tropical forest and a cool pine forest—as you explore caves and swim in the Río On pools.
*This tour takes you to Guatemala via Belize*
Located in the dense tropical jungles of the Petén region of Guatemala, Tikal is the largest Mayan site you can visit, and is spectacular! Extensive excavation and restoration has revealed the grandeur of this past civilization. An abundance of tropical birds, monkeys, and other wildlife can also be seen while exploring the trails throughout the site.
Learn about flora and fauna as your guide leads you on a 30-40 minute hike along a nature trail on your way to the Underworld— known by the Maya as ‘Xibalba.’ Strap on your headlamp, sit on your inner tube, and have a refreshing ride down this wonderful cave system where you’ll be mesmerized by natural wonders including stalactites, stalagmites and other rock formations. This tour is amazing fun for adults and kids alike!
Take an off-the-beaten path look at one of Belize’s top Mayan attractions. Swim across the creek and under the jungle overgrowth to see the Actun Tunichil Muknal. It is one of the most interesting Maya sites in the world, and a has a chamber where you can see the crystalized, skeletal remains of a teenage sacrifice victim.
This tour combines relaxation with archeology and adventure, on a tubing adventure to one of the most intriguing Maya sites Belize. It begins by climbing into a rubber tube and taking a peaceful float down the river, and ends with an exhilarating zip-line ride through the jungle.
Flowing from a giant crack in a mountain, this cave offers an adventure to the ancient past. Glide through the darkness in crystal clear waters into a mystifying world of marvelous natural formations. Here you will witness burial grounds, ceremonial pottery, and bones of ancient people that remain as an eternal testimonial.
Take this tour to see one of the largest Maya ruins in the world inside the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. It begins with an early morning drive from Chaa Creek—you’ll travel 2 hours to reach this site.
Used by the Maya during the Classic period, St. Herman’s Cave is now used as an adventurous voyage to the ancient past. This cave showcases a cave system featuring huge caverns and ceremonial chambers containing artifacts and calcified skeletons. After this “Underworld” experience, cool off at the Blue Hole and enjoy the bliss of the Belizean surroundings.
This site has been featured on National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and History Channel because of its mesmerizing giant shimmering flowstone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites widely present throughout this 3-mile long cave. ATM features burial chambers, Mayan artifacts, intact calcified human remains, and slate stelaes that were used for burials. The cave was name after a shocking display showcasing the calcite-encrusted remains of a woman whom the Cave of the Stone Sepulchre was name for
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.
Take an early morning tour of the Chaa Creek Nature Reserve to see the many bird species that make their home here. Your guide will be an experienced bird watcher who can help you spot some of the more elusive birds.
An off-the-beaten path destination located about 16 miles from San Ignacio Town. This was used as a ceremonial centre for the ancient Maya — a civilization who believed caves were the entrance to “Xibalba”, also known as the Underworld. This cave is considered to hold the largest collection of Maya pottery in Belize and perhaps in the whole world.
Begin your journey with a 45-minute hike through the jungle where you will enjoy the natural surroundings before arriving your expected destination.
This site is home to the renowned 130-feet-tall temple, El Castillo, which offers incredible panoramic views of surrounding temples and views of both Belizean and Guatemalan landscapes. Xunantunich was a major ceremonial centre as well as a residential and recreational area for the ancient Maya civilization. There is a most impressive stucco frieze on the East side of the temple, whose carved elements represent astrological symbols.
This tour takes you to nearby Maya sites to showcase the architecture and centres developed by the ancient Maya in the Cayo District. The tour features visits to some of San Ignacio’s landmarks— the Xunantunich and Cahal Pech temples, two very popular sites amongst archaeologists. During this combination tour, you’ll learn about the rich culture of the Maya people and witness infrastructures that have persisted for many centuries.
This tour takes place on a pontoon boat called La Capitana, on a man-made reservoir of the Macal River. Macal River makes its way through the Cayo District, which has large swaths of wild jungle.
Just 29 miles (47 km) from Belize City is The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center. “Zoo” isn’t the best description for this place – this is truly a natural wildlife habitat. The environment is untouched within the zoo’s 29 acres (12 ha), and is home to 150 animals (48 species total).
Zig zag along cables across the Belizean rainforests! This tour presents you with surprises, adventure, wonders, and amazing views of Belizean nature. This experience is a great choice for couples on a romantic honeymoon, family adventures, or group getaways looking for a thrilling journey.
Your Macal River Tubing adventure begins with a short scenic drive from Chaa Creek to duPlooys where a tour of the Botanical Gardens will educate you on the diverse cornucopia of Belize’s rich botanical world. Put on your life jacket and head down to the refreshing waters where you will then board your inner tubes for a self-guided float down the meandering Macal River where you will meet a fascinating assemblage of riverine creatures and beautifully adorned fine-feathered friends!
The Barton Creek Tour is good for people of all ages. You’ll get go caving in a canoe and see Mennonites, Mayan Ruins, and some stunning Belize Jungle. Barton Creek pass through a remote underground water cave system in a canoe. While canoeing through the cave see large and colorful formations, skeletal remains and other cultural artifacts left behind by the Mayas centuries ago. It is believed that the Mayas once used this cave for ritual burials
Witness how progressive Mennonites in Belize work and specialize as the major producers of dairy, poultry, and agriculture related endeavours. This industrious community was established back in the 1950s and continues to be an important provider of goods and services in Belize. Lunch and dessert are provided in Spanish Lookout.
Take this tour to see one of the oldest Maya sites in Belize. It has ruins that you can climb and is only 30 minutes from Chaa Creek.
Join Maya people as they share their culture’s history and stories at this second generation Maya village. Here, you will experience the making of corn tortillas— traditionally used to compliment the “caldo” and variety of other cultural dishes. After lunch, get a hands-on experience in a ceramic pottery class where you’ll be able to experience first and how the Maya clay pots are made.
Take this tour to see the site that the Maya called “Stone Woman.” You’ll reach Xunantunich via a ferry ride down the Mopan River, followed by a short hike through the jungle. Xunantunich spreads out over a couple of miles, but the central site is fairly compact.
This is a locally owned local attraction demonstrating the process of making chocolate drink. It is a hands-on experience and you taste organic chocolate. Sample it and take with you a rich organic chocolate bar.
This fun and educational tour takes you through some of our favourites spots around town. During this experience, you’ll get some historical facts about our hometown, the Resort, and a few other landmarks located around town— including Belize’s only suspension bridge, Hawksworth Bridge. Then, enjoy lunch at local restaurant and finish off with a delicious do-it-yourself chocolate from AJAW Chocolate & Crafts
Actun Tunichil Muknal cave (usually referred to as “ATM”) is the doorway to Xibalba, the Maya underworld. This cave contains ceramics and human skeletons that have fused with the walls of the cave. The most famous of these remains is the Crystal Maiden, a skeleton of a young woman believed to have been a sacrifice. Her bones are now partially covered with the sparkling build-up of cave sediment.
This tour of medicinal plants and herbs is found within our 17-acre private estate. The use of plants was utilized by the Maya community to cure numerous illnesses and pains, such as stomach aches, fever, chicken pox, botflies, allergies, and others. The guided tour will take you through our hiking trails of lush tropical rainforests for an educational experience of natural remedies
Discovered in 1938 and later explored in the 1950s, Caracol was thought to be a little more than a Maya ceremonial centre. It was not until more extensive excavation efforts in 1985 discovered the importance and prominence of this site. Caracol filled an important missing piece of Maya history by covering approximately 140 years of the Middle Classic period— highlighting this site as a supreme city. This tour also showcases landmarks of Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve such as Rio On Pools and Rio Frio Cave.
The nicest way to see Belize up close is on horseback. You’ll find beaches, jungle, pine forests and a few other types of terrain. The San Ignacio area is predominantly jungle and rolling hills with lots of Mayan ruins.
This full-day tour to Tikal National Park introduces you to the greatest city the Maya ever built. It dates back to 200 BC, and remained a flourishing capital until 900 AD. At its height, it is believed to have supported a population of around 90,000.
Located on-site, the Green Iguana Conservation Project is an interactive exhibit located at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel that gives visitors a closer look at the life of Green Iguanas. The venture aims to conserve and look after the endangered species by educating the public about the role Green Iguanas play in the ecosystem. Since 1996, the Green Iguana Conservation Project has placed continuous efforts and interactive exhibits to educate the general public and create awareness. Here, visitors of all ages are given the opportunity to mingle with these wonderful reptiles and also, learn about the incubation, hatching, rearing, and releasing process. The self-sustained Project has won both local and international attention by introducing the “Adopt an Iguana Program” and the “Iguana Kids Club”—two programs that aim to foster relationships between the species and visitors and additionally, fund scholarships. As a result, over the past years the Green Iguana Conservation Project has been ranked the \#1 Activity in the San Ignacio area and awarded with the Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor.
Belize is a country of Maya history, diverse flora and fauna, and gorgeous rivers and streams. In the rainforest of the Orange Walk District, this tour combines these elements into one day’s adventure. The tour offers hotel pick up from Belize City, and even the two hour drive to the river is scenic and informative, with guides narrating the route.
This tour will introduce you to the breathtaking sights and historical mystery of Altun Ha. Visitors will see the 5 miles (8 km) of land the site encompasses, and then walk around the grand temple-pyramids. Stroll around the bright green, lush grounds and gaze up at a majestic piece of history that gives us so much insight into the mysterious Mayans.