Top San Ignacio Art & Culture

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.

Visit the ruins of a mighty Mayan city on a guided tour of the Xunantunich archaeological site near San Ignacio. Cross the Mopan River on a traditional hand-canked ferry, and then ascend to the hilltop complex featuring the remnants of plazas, royal quaters, ball courts, and the imposing El Castillo temple — the second tallest in Belize. Climb to the top of the great pyramid for views that stretch into Guatemala, and learn about the fascinating ancient Mayan civilization from a guide.

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.

Explore Guatemala’s most stunning Maya city on a full day trip from San Ignacio with lunch at a nearby restaurant. Travel back in time as you follow your guide through the remarkable ceremonial center, where weathered stelae, sweeping plazas and imposing temples tell dramatic stories about this ancient civilization. Spot wild turkeys, monkeys and tropical birds within the ruins, and stop to browse Maya crafts and souvenirs at a nearby shop before returning to Belize—don’t forget your passport.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

End your time in Belize on a high note and take an economical airport shuttle to Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) from San Ignacio. Your driver meets you directly at your accommodation to begin your journey. After collecting all of the passengers, enjoy a swift transfer to the airport where you arrive with plenty of time before your departure flight.

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.

See for yourself why Belize’s Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave is named one of the top caves in the world on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. After a hike through the jungle, swim across the flooded cave entrance to enter a complex system of underground caverns and tunnels that are only accessible with a licensed guide. Inside, with only a headlamp for light, walk among ancient Mayan artifacts and crystallized human remains.

Explore Tikal, one of the most important Mayan sites in Central America, on this extensive all-day small-group tour. Accompanied by a bilingual guide, you'll learn about local history and the flora and fauna. Visiting Tikal at sunset also allows you to explore the site with fewer tourists and during cooler temperatures.

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.

Visit Central America's most legendary ancient Mayan site on a private day trip to Tikal, located across the border from Belize in Guatemala. Get help crossing the border for a stress-free entrance to the archaeological site, and spend the day exploring the mighty and mysterious ruins of temples, plazas, royal apartments, and more with a guide. Look for wildlife like howler monkeys and toucans while trekking through the rainforests that surround the UNESCO-listed site, and recharge with included lunch at a restaurant inside the park.

Experience the wonder of the ancient city of Tikal during this comprehensive full-day tour. Head to Tikal National Park, where you'll explore ancient archeological sites like the Central Acropolis, several significant temples, the Great Plaza, and more. Along the way, your guide will share information about ancient Mayan archeology, culture, and the history of the royal family of Tikal.

Discover the history and natural beauty of the Barton Creek cave system on a canoe trip through its twisting passages. Glide through jungle riverways and under cathedral cave ceilings as an experienced guide shares information about the history and culture of the area while you look for stalactite formations and ancient artifacts in the cave. After the canoe journey, enjoy a picnic lunch and stop for a refreshing swim before returning to San Ignacio.

Step back in time to the powerful peak of the ancient Mayan civilization with this guided 3-hour tour of the Xunantunich ruins. Let your imagination run wild as you explore the temples, plazas, and royal palaces of the famed archaeological site by foot. From the top of the imposing El Castillo pyramid, take in panoramic views of the surrounding Belize River Valley and the ancient city below. Round-trip transport from your San Ignacio hotel is included.

Small groups for a more personalized experience. Convenient pick up and drop off at your hotel within 20km of San Ignacio town. Sit down lunch. Tikal or “Place of Voices” was the largest city of the Maya Classic Period with a population estimated to have been over 90,000 at its peak. An early departure is required for this full-day adventure beginning with pickup at hotel followed by a 20 minute drive to the Western Border of Belize and Guatemala. After crossing the border enjoy a very scenic 1.5 hours’ drive to Tikal. After a fun day of hiking, exploring and learning about the Maya history and culture, the day’s adventure will conclude with a well-deserved delicious lunch.

Head deep into the jungles of Belize and discover the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, ATM for short, during this full-day excursion. Join a small group and depart San Ignacio in search of the impressive underground cave that was once sacred to the ancient Mayans. Admire the various geological formations inside and see sacred burial remains.

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.

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.

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.