About this experience
Travel comfortably in a climate-controlled vehicle into Belize's lush countryside. At the Altun Ha archaeological reserve, step back over a millennium as your guide unpacks the rich ceremonies, architecture, and trade networks of the ancient Maya civilization—with the rare opportunity to climb directly to the top of ancient plazas and stone temples for sweeping jungle views.
The journey continues into the rainforest at the Nohoch Che'en cave system. Gear up with headlamps, helmets, and life jackets before slipping into your tube to drift along gentle river currents. As you glide beneath towering limestone ceilings, stalactites, and cathedral-like caverns, learn how the Maya viewed these mysterious caves as Xibalba, the entrance to the underworld. Complete your day with an authentic local lunch before an easy return transfer timed to your cruise or travel schedule.
At a glance
- Duration: 6 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 6 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Local guides to help you plan
Cave Tubing in Belize Guide
Plan a Belize cave-tubing day with practical advice on Nohoch Che’en, guided tours, costs, weather, safety equipment, mobility considerations, and St. Herman’s Cave.
Belize Maya Ruins Guide
Plan a rewarding Belize Maya ruins visit with a practical comparison of Xunantunich, Caracol, Lamanai, Altun Ha, and Cahal Pech, plus current advice on tickets, terrain, timing, weather, and responsible travel.
Altun Ha Mayan Ruins Guide
Plan a thoughtful visit to Altun Ha, an ancient Maya city in Belize. This guide covers trip options, changing admission details, safety, accessibility, packing, and scheduling a daylight return.
What is included
- Bottled Water
- Altun Ha Archaeological Reserve and Cave Tubing national park entry fees
- Round-trip transport by air-conditioned van from Belize City
- Cave tubing safety gear (inner tube, life vest, helmet, and waterproof headlamp)
- Port pickup and drop-off at Belize City FSTV cruise terminal and local hotels
Not included
- Gratuities for driver and tubing guides (optional)
- We can provide tamales only upon request by text, email or message us. Need to request from the time you book.
- Water shoe rentals and waterproof dry bags (available on-site for rent)
Itinerary and highlights
Depart Belize City on a narrated scenic drive through rural coastal plains and rainforest to the ancient ceremonial site of Altun Ha. Once a bustling Maya trade hub during the Classic Period, this archaeological reserve is famous for the discovery of the world’s largest carved Maya jade object, the Jade Head representing the Sun God, Kinich Ahau.
Walk across expansive plazas flanked by ancient stone temples and limestone structures. Unlike many archaeological parks, Altun Ha permits visitors to climb the stone steps of the grand Temple of the Masonry Altars. Reach the summit for panoramic views overlooking the canopy and surrounding jungle plazas while your guide details the sacred ceremonies, burial chambers, and daily life of the ancient Maya elite.
Head inland toward the Maya Mountains to the Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, Belize's premier cave-tubing destination. At the base facility, gear up with your provided helmet, headlamp, and life jacket.
Follow your guide on a scenic shaded rainforest hike across the riverbed, learning about native wildlife and medicinal plants. At the launch site, settle into your tube and drift into the Caves Branch limestone caverns.
As your guide steers through gentle currents, illuminate cathedral chambers filled with towering stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal formations while discovering why ancient Maya priests revered this subterranean realm as Xibalba- the portal to the underworld.
Exit into the sunny open river and float back to base to rinse and change before your air-conditioned return transfer to Belize City, timed with ample buffer for your cruise or travel.
Meeting and pickup information
- Cruise ship passengers, meet us out side of thermal one at the FSTV port and look for our representatives holding a sign saying “Explore Belize Caves”. Hotel guests, we will meet you st your hotel lobby between 8 am and 8:30 am. Guests coming from the bigger islands, we meet at the water taxi
- We pick up at the water taxi terminal in Belize city. We operate out of Belize city. And any hotel located in Belize city or surrounding.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Explore Belize Caves
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
And any hotel located in Belize city or surrounding.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
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