About this experience
Travel back in time and experience what life was like in the city of Xunantunich, one of Belize’s most popular Mayan sites. This tour from San Ignacio takes you to San Jose Succotz, a Maya-Mestizo village located close to the Western Border and delivers you on an old-fashioned, hand-cranked ferryboat to the magnificent ruins deep in the Belizean rainforest. Admire astronomical carvings at El Castillo (The Castle) and sweeping views of the Belize River Valley and neighboring Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala once you’ve climbed the steep pyramid steps to the top! Hotel pickup and drop-off within San Ignacio Town are included.
At a glance
- Duration: 9 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 9 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- It is recommended you wear comfortable shoes and clothing
- Bring reusable water bottle
Local guides to help you plan
San Ignacio Travel Guide
Plan a rewarding stay in San Ignacio, Belize, with practical advice on transportation, trip length, the town market, ATM cave tours, Big Rock Falls, accessibility, costs, and active day trips across the Cayo District.
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.
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.
What is included
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from within San Ignacio Town limits
- Water- Bring along reusable water bottles
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick up and Drop off outside San Ignacio Town limits
Itinerary and highlights
Travel back in time and experience what life was like in the city of Xunantunich, one of Belize’s most popular Mayan sites. This tour from San Ignacio takes you to San Jose Succotz, a Maya-Mestizo village located close to the Western Border and delivers you on an old-fashioned, hand-cranked ferryboat to the magnificent ruins deep in the Belizean rainforest. Admire astronomical carvings at El Castillo (The Castle) and sweeping views of the Belize River Valley and neighboring Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala once you’ve climbed the steep pyramid steps to the top! Hotel pickup and drop-off within San Ignacio Town are included.
Nohoch Cheʼen, or more commonly known as the caves branch, is a great tour if you’re looking for a relaxing and peaceful day. The expedition starts by gearing up with life jackets and safety tips. The tour then continues with a hike through a forest trail, at which point the group is given the option to shorten or extend the hike to get a longer viewing of the caves and a longer ride down the river, since it’s a large cave system. Along the trail, you sometimes encounter wildlife such as birds like the crested quetzal bird and other small creatures like the “lone coati” or coatimundi, small scavengers looking for nuts or fruits to eat. As the hike concludes, it's time to get into the water. Everyone is placed in their tubes and guided down the river and through caves. While in the cave, there are plenty of beautiful rock formations to view, and the river also provides some exciting rapids to pass through on the tubes.
Meeting and pickup information
- Unit 2 inside the Belze Caving Expeditions office
- We provide complimentary pick up for hotels located within town limits, for hotels outside of town, we can arrange pick up at a small surcharge
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Belize Family Adventure
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- It is recommended you wear comfortable shoes and clothing
- Please note: a minimum of 2 passengers is required in order for this tour to operate. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- Bring reusable water bottle
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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