Top San Ignacio Cultural Tours

Journey into the heart of the Mayan underworld at the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave. Departing from San Ignacio, this guided, action-packed 9-hour tour kicks off with a 45-minute, physically intense jungle hike through the Tapir Nature Reserve to the entrance of the cave. Swim, climb, and spelunk your way through astonishing caverns into the depths of the cave, where you’ll get an up-close look at artifacts and offerings used in ancient Mayan ceremonies. Round-trip transport and riverside lunch are included. Please note this tour isn't recommended for those with a fear of enclosed spaces or heights.

Explore the cave of the crystal sepulcher on a full-day tour to Actun Tunichil Muknal from San Ignacio, and discover a spiritual site that was sacred to the ancient Maya. Learn about the traditions and rites that took place in the cave system and visit the crystallized remains of an ancient ceremonial victim as you hike deep into the cave with a professional guide. Swim through a spring-fed pool, and follow tunnels, passageways and yawning chambers lined with stalactites, stalagmites, ancient ceramics and stoneware.

Explore the dominion of the ancient Maya in Belize on a full-day tour from San Ignacio. Climb to the top of sacred pyramids and learn about the once-mighty civilization at the archaeological site of Xunantunich, and enter a portal to the Mayan underworld on a cave tubing adventure that takes you splashing through the crystalline caverns of an underground cave system. Round-trip transport from San Ignacio Town and lunch are included on this tour.

Visit the incredible ancient city of Tikal on this day trip from San Ignacio. Once a powerful city center during the Mayan period, today Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws scores of visitors each year. Your professional guide takes you across the border into Tikal National Park in Guatemala, and leads you on a fascinating tour of the archaeological complex. Round-trip transport from your San Ignacio hotel and all park fees are included.

Awaken your inner archaeologist as you explore the sprawling Mayan ruins of Caracol. Departing from San Ignacio, you’ll journey deep into the jungles of Belize to the Chiquibul Forest Reserve — home to one of the largest Mayan sites in the country. Your expert guide will illuminate the fascinating history of Caracol, which was once a mighty city and a rival of neighboring Tikal in Guatemala. Explore magnificent plazas, temples, palaces, and an observatory while learning about the social and religious practices of the ancient Mayans. Round-trip transport from your San Ignacio hotel is included on this full-day tour.

Enjoy an easy, economical exit from Belize with this shared departure transfer from your San Ignacio hotel to Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE). This prompt, door-to-door shuttle service will pick you up at your hotel and take you directly to the international airport near Belize City, approximately a 1.5-hour ride.

Belize Ground Shuttle is a professional shuttle company operating daily shared shuttle service for travelers between San Ignacio and the Belize International Airport (BZE). Ride in style and comfort in our brand new vans. We offer regularly scheduled shuttle runs to and from the airport for all international travelers. Spaces are limited on each shuttle run, so book early. All shuttles feature free WiFi, water, air conditioning, and a professional driver. You should be at the airport at least two hour prior to your flight departure. Please select the shuttle departure time that fits your schedule. *Drop off at the Belize City water taxi terminal and municipal airstrip available upon request. Additional fees may apply. Please inquire

Float down a pristine river in the heart of the jungle with a full-day tubing and caving trip from San Ignacio. Strap on a helmet equipped with a waterproof headlamp, and hike into a cave entrance surrounded by lush foliage. Follow a gentle stream through a series of cavern passages, learn about the rich Maya history of the region, then enjoy a cool swim in the clear water. Visit a final cave to see a thriving bat colony and fantastic rock formations before returning to San Ignacio.

Float through a flooded cave system then soar through the jungle canopy on a full-day combination tubing and ziplining adventure from San Ignacio with a small group. Hike through a lush forest to reach the Caves Branch River, then float alongside your guide as you explore the natural formations, glittering crystals and stalactites inside a spacious series of caverns. Swap your inner tube for a harness, then strap in to a series of exciting ziplines that take you from tree to tree with a bird’s-eye view of the forest floor. 

Ride a horse to the Maya ceremonial center of Xunantunich on a 4-hour private tour from a legendary riding stable in San Ignacio. Follow your guide along the gentle Mopan River, and watch for tropical birds and howler monkeys among the trees. Enjoy a sweeping view of the Xunantunich complex, then spend an hour at the fascinating site; take in the towering El Castillo pyramid and enjoy the serenity of the rural spot as you ride through the partially excavated ruins before returning to San Ignacio.

Explore the ancient Maya city of Caracol with a full-day tour from San Ignacio that includes the Río On pools and the Río Frio caves. Follow your guide through the vast archaeological site, stand in the field of the ball court, and take in sweeping views of the jungle from the peak of the sky temple pyramid. Follow the history of Caracol in the glyphs, stelae, and carvings throughout the site, and then finish your day swimming in natural pools and visiting a vast limestone cave system in Pine Ridge.

Take a relaxing ride down a river to explore magnificent limestone formations on this 3-hour Belize cave-tubing adventure. A short hike along a jungle trail will lead you to the refreshing waters, where you’ll enjoy a swim, and then hop aboard your inner tube. Accompanied by an expert guide, float through an underground cave system used by the ancient Mayans to access their mythological underworld, Xibalba. Round-trip transport from your San Ignacio hotel is included.

Uncover the ancient mysteries of archaeological sites, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, on an enriching tour from San Ignacio. Travel deep into the Belizean jungle with a guide and discover Mayan structures and exotic flora and fauna. At Xunantunich, gaze at spectacular views of the lush forest from El Castillo, Belize’s second highest man-made structure, and marvel at the intriguing limestone structures of Cahal Pech. Gain fascinating insight into the history and culture of the Maya empire from your expert guide on this educational tour.

Ride a horse through the Belizean countryside on this small-group, 1.5-hour riding tour from San Ignacio. Spot birds and wildlife as you follow your guide along a gentle trail, and pass tropical fruit trees and lush vegetation. Enjoy your time away from the crowds and just admire the beautiful trail ride: open savannah, jungle & river trails.

Welcome to the lost city! A place far, far away from home. Caracol Sits in the heart of the Chiquibul rainforest. It is known to be one of the largest Maya cities in Belize. Dominating the centre of this important community is the massive structure known as Caana, “Sky Place.” This immense complex of palaces and temples remains today the tallest human-made construction in Belize. Are you ready for a bumpy ride? Join us as we travel deep into the green dense forest of Belize. Off we go on a three-hour drive to one of Belize’s most prestigious jewels. Up and down, side to side as we drive up the dirt road. Looking through the window and witnessing how the broadleaf forest transitions into a pine Forest then back into the broadleaf forest is alluring. This is quite astonishing as both hold different ambient and different species of wildlife. “Come on, Vamonos!” says Dora La Exploradora, as Belize awaits you.

Tikal is a world heritage site and its a must do when in the area. The best was to full enjoy this mysterious place is the spend as much time as possible at the site. We offer that possibility in short period by using the time wisely.

Combine three experiences in one day during this comprehensive excursion ideal for travelers on a time budget. See more of the region than you could alone—including a stop at the Xunantich archaeological site for a tour from a local guide—without the hassle of arranging your own transport. Then, sample several typical Belizean foods and learn to make chocolate the Mayan way.

Let our guides take you back in time, explore the impressive underworld of the ATM Cave and enjoy one of the most enlightening experiences of your life. When you venture into the hour glass shaped entrance you will be welcomed by clear blue waters from the perennial stream that flows throughout the cave. Along the way you will see ancient tools, pots and pieces and learn the history of the Mayan Civilization. As you travel deeper into the cave you will meet sacred burials and the Crystal Maiden complete and intact female remains covered in sparkling mineral deposits. Her death is sacrificial ritual for agricultural fertility.

Get an intimate glimpse into the coves and crevices of Belize’s intricate cave network during a private canoeing tour of Barton Creek Cave. Opting for a private canoe tour allows you to set the pace of your paddling as you listen to tales of Mayan history and culture from your guide. Plus, hotel pickup and drop-off allow you to skip the hassle of hiring a car and finding a meeting point.

An exclusive tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. The small Belize capital Belmopan is the newest Caribbean settlement in the Americas, rich with ancient Mayan culture in addition to the rest. You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. What is considered as one of the best places to have a date in the city? Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones. What kinds of tales about the scary Sisimitos and Sisimitas are told in Belizean folklore? This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period!

This guided tour takes you into the jungles of Belize to explore the Lamanai ruins, the site of an ancient Maya city. Begin your journey with a scenic cruise down the New River to reach the entrance to the archaeological site, and then explore the excavated temples, plazas, and royal palaces with your guide.

Another Unique and AMAZING adventure tour brought to you by Caves Branch Adventure Co & Jungle Lodge- this unforgettable expedition takes you into the very heart of the ancient Maya civilization as it shows you the actual ceremonial centers of the sacred shahmen and brings you face to face with the beliefs and rituals that was the foundation of one of the worlds ancient people. Untouched by human hands, this cave leaves no doubt that the

Delve deeper into the indigenous culture of Belize on a cooking tour to the Garifuna community on Hopkins from San Ignacio. After enjoying a scenic kayak ride to an island, you’ll go on a guided walking tour before mastering the basics of classic Belizean cuisine during a cooking class. Lunch, dinner, and refreshments are included for a seamless experience.

This tour is ideal for families or for you that want have the guide and the vehicle just for you. Organize your tour to your measure, time and disposition! Discover the history of the Mayans and take a step into their culture where science, maths, wars, arranged marriages between families, religious sacrifices and their impressive capacity to build, make us understand how this civilization was one of the most important the history of humanity.