About this experience
Our Mayan Ruins and Inland Blue Hole tour starts off with a scenic drive from Hopkins to San Jose Succotz in Cayo District. This 2 hours drive will take you on the famous Hummingbird Highway, through the capital city Belmopan and San Igancio Town, then on to San Jose Succotz, where we will be crossing over a river on a hand-cranked ferry to access Xunantunich Site.
After the Xunantunich Site, your guide/driver will take you to experience an authentic Belizean lunch at Hode's Place in San Ignacio Town.
After lunch, we will head to the Blue Hole National Park for a refreshing swim in the Blue Hole cenote, a one-hour drive from San Ignacio.
Your guide/driver will also give you the option to stop at gift shops near the ruins and stop at Country Barn Ice-cream on the Hummingbird Highway.
Tour Duration Time 8 to 9 hours:
Travel Time (round-trip) - 4 hours
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins - 2 hours
Hode's Place (lunch) - 1 hour
Blue Hole National Park - 1 hour
At a glance
- Duration: 8 hr–9 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 8 hr–9 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
Great Blue Hole Belize Guide
Plan a Great Blue Hole visit by dive boat, live-aboard, snorkeling excursion, or scenic flight. Compare the experiences, costs, safety questions, accessibility, and weather considerations before booking.
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Guide
Plan a visit to Xunantunich in Belize, including the hand-cranked ferry crossing, current admission guidance, El Castillo, site facilities, safety, accessibility, and the choice between guided and independent visits.
Caracol Mayan Ruins Guide
Plan a thoughtful visit to Caracol with practical advice on transport, timing, terrain, accessibility, admission planning, and border-area safety in Belize.
What is included
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Parking Fees
Itinerary and highlights
Xunantunich is located in the Cayo District near the village of San Jose Succotz just a few miles out of San Ignacio Town. From there a hand-cranked ferry will take you across the Mopan River. From the other side of the river, it’s a mile uphill to the site, which can be accessed on foot or in a vehicle.
From the parking lot we will then make our way to El Castillo, one of the three largest Maya Temples of Belize, and the largest structure on this site standing 130 feet above plaza level, with a panorama overlooking the surrounding area when you climb to the top if the temple. El Castillo is remarkable for a series of stucco friezes on its exterior that depict stories and events from Maya mythology.
We will be stopping at Hode's Place for lunch, this restaurant is one of the best local restaurant in San Ignacio Town.
The tour starts off with a 5 minutes walk from the parking lot down some stairs to the Blue Hole cenote. There you can get in the natural pool for a refreshing swim, photography, or to experience the rainforest of Belize.
The inland Blue Hole (cenote) is located at the Blue Hole National Park on the Hummingbird Highway. It was formed by the collapse of an underground limestone cave. In this case, the river running through the original cavern still flows through the cave system, and forms a sapphire-colored pool at the bottom of the sinkhole. The depression measures about 100 feet deep and 300 feet in diameter, with the actual blue hole at the depression’s base having a depth of about 25 feet.
Meeting and pickup information
- We offer complimentary pick up from hotels in Hopkins Pick-up time in Hopkins is at 7:30 am
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Julian Transfers and Tours
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- 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?
Pick-up time in Hopkins is at 7:30 am
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What is the cancellation policy?
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