There are numerous Mayan ruins in Belize; while on one of these tours you'll visit the best of them. Archeological tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will show you ruins and teach you about the history, culture, and myth that surround them. You'll visit ancient palaces and temples, or explore caves to see the skeletons of Mayan sacrificial victims. These tours are a wonderful option for history buffs or amateur archeologists.
How can we help?
Click and read long-form guides
Tikal One Day From San Ignacio
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.
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 is a unique experience, with spectacular views that you will not get anywhere else in Belize!
@ Calico Jack’s (Explorer): This tour is offers 1,135 feet of cable and takes 45 minutes from start to finish. It entails 4 runs and 7 platforms. You hone your skills as you explore the jungle canopy overhead and end this tour with the exciting jungle lift run.
@ Calico Jack’s (Intermedio): Here you will find Maya artifacts just the way they were left by the Mayas hundreds of years ago. The cave is ranked as one of the Top Ten Caves Of The World by the National Geographic Society. National Geographic and the Discovery Channels and History have done documentaries on this spectacular cave. Allow us to unveil the secrets of “Xibalba” the Mayan underworld to you.
@ Calico Jack’s (Ultimo Explorer): This 1-1.5 hour tour is for zip line enthusiasts. It combines the Explorer and Intermedio in over 2,900 feet of zip line comprised of 9 runs and 15 platforms that take you over and through the jungle.
@ Calico Jack’s CJV (Extreme): This 2-hour tour combines the Ultimo Explorer zip line tour with a cable walk over a canyon, a climb down a rope ladder and subsequent rappel of approximately 50 feet. Return to the starting platform via a 500 foot run from our jungle lift with the option of returning superman style.
For the zipline, there is no maximum weight limit as long as the person fits into the harness, which accommodates up to a 48-inch waist.
For cave tubing, there is also no maximum weight limit. Participants just need to be able to complete the trail hike, which takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes.
We begin by making our way to the mainland & up the Belize River. Along the way as we serve breakfast keep an eye out to spot crocodiles, iguanas & possibly manatees.
Visit the Maya Ruin site of Lubaantun and then hike to the caves of Blue Creek. Located in the remote south of Belize is a magical 1300 year old Mayan ruin that is just waiting to share its story with you. Step into the past and imagine coming here as an early explorer, hacking your way through the jungle to the crumbling steps.
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.
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 site has one of the most interesting collection temples of any Maya ruins in Belize. There’s the 130-foot tall El Castillo temple, which is one of the tallest buildings in the country. Visitors can climb to the top of it stepped facade to check out the incredible surrounding landscape.
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking natural beauty of Mountain Pine Ridge. This tour takes you to a variety of stunning sites, each offering unique experiences. Families with young children or non-swimmers should keep a close eye on little ones at all locations to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Getting There: Our adventure kicks off at 8:00 AM as we depart from San Ignacio, traveling through the charming villages of Christo Rey and San Antonio, primarily inhabited by local farmers along the scenic Macal River. As we ascend into the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, we'll check in with the Park Ranger before exploring three incredible destinations:
RIO FRIO CAVE: Experience the grandeur of this cave, featuring two impressive 65-foot entrances that invite natural light. Marvel at the enormous stalactites and the cathedral-like vaults as a stream meanders through, creating tranquil pools and cascading waterfalls.
RIO ON POOLS AND FALLS: A true gem along the Mountain Pine Ridge, Rio On Pools is perfect for a family outing. A short, easy walk from the parking area leads you to breathtaking pools nestled among ancient boulders. Enjoy natural whirlpools or slide into the refreshing waters. The varying depths of the pools cater to both adventurous kids and those seeking a more relaxed experience.
BIG ROCK FALLS: Discover the awe-inspiring Big Rock Falls, tucked away in the escarpment. Here, water cascades over massive 150-foot rock formations, creating a mesmerizing sight. Dive into the cool, inviting pool below for a refreshing swim—it's an experience you'll cherish, whether alone, with friends, or with family.
Departure: After exploring these natural wonders, we’ll make our way back to San Ignacio, with an anticipated return around 4:00 PM, depending on your pace.
Embark on this adventure and immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes of Mountain Pine Ridge!
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.
Discover the essence of Belize with a trip to Altun Ha, known as “rock stone water” in Maya. Embark on an exciting journey aboard our skiffs for a scenic 30-minute boat ride across San Pedro Lagoon and through the Northern River, navigating past potential obstacles depending on the season. Along the way, seize the opportunity to witness the abundant jungle wildlife.
Arriving at Bomba Village, explore local traditions and find unique souvenirs. The adventure continues with a van ride along the Pan-American Highway to the ancient Altun Ha archaeological site, where you’ll marvel at stelae, altars, temples, and more, some restored and others as they were discovered since excavations began in 1965.
The journey doesn’t end there; proceed to Maruba, a distinctive jungle lodge, for an optional lunch, spa treatment, horseback riding, or simply relax amidst the sounds of nature. Conclude this unforgettable experience with a return boat trip to Ramon’s Village Resort on Ambergris Caye, making your Belize adventure truly memorable.
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.
This 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.
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.
Mayan Majesty: Xunantunich & Big Rock Falls Excursion
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.
This tour takes you from Ambergris Caye to the mainland, where you’ll set sail down the legendary Lamanai River toward a Maya ruin. Lamanai has sat, shrouded in jungle, for many centuries, and didn't get any attention from archeologists until the 1970s. But this tour truly isn’t about the destination – travelers should take this trip especially for the journey through the gorgeous surroundings of the Belizean jungle alone.
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.
Tikal is a highly doable day-trip from San Ignacio, and this all-day excursion ensures that you don’t miss out on seeing one of the most spectacular ruins left behind by the Maya. This is an all-day tour, and includes a stop for lunch. Join your guide for an exciting trek to the jungle, which with any luck will include sightings of some incredible wildlife – keep an eye out for the famous resplendent quetzals and their tremendous tail feathers. Sightings of monkeys and birds will continue once you arrive, and you’ll get to watch jungle animals skitter up and down the stony faces of the many temples.
This is an all-day, seven-hour tour that takes you to one of the most famous Maya sites in Belize. The Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave is a fascinating cave that preserves the remains of Maya culture. It’s best known for the skeleton of a sacrificial victim – a young woman whose remains have lain in the cave for over 1,000 years. Over time, the bones have formed a layer of crystallized minerals, which has led to her nickname, “the Crystal Maiden.”
For cave tubing, there is no maximum weight limit. Participants just need to be able to complete the trail hike, which takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes.
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.
Tikal One Day From San Ignacio
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.