Xunantunich & Cahal Pech Tour - Two Mayan Ruins in One Day
About The Trip
This tour is far more than a “walk through ruins”. From the moment you’re picked up in San Ignacio Town, your personal guide—trained and certified, and a regular attendee of the Belize Archaeological Symposium—will begin weaving together the cultural threads that make this region one of the most important in the Maya world. Our guides stay up to date with the latest archaeological discoveries and scholarly interpretations, meaning you’ll get insights that even some history books don’t yet include.
Your adventure begins at Cahal Pech, a serene, hilltop complex surrounded by forest. Once the royal residence of an elite Maya family, this site offers quiet plazas, ceremonial structures, and passageways that transport you into the daily life and spiritual practices of Belize’s earliest city dwellers. Despite being located just above San Ignacio, Cahal Pech retains a peaceful, almost mystical atmosphere—perfect for those who enjoy immersive, less crowded sites.
Next, you’ll head to Xunantunich, one of Belize’s most iconic Maya ruins. After a short hand-cranked ferry ride across the Mopan River, you’ll be greeted by towering temples, including El Castillo, the second-tallest manmade structure in Belize. Standing atop this 130-foot-high pyramid, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Belize Valley and, on a clear day, even the Guatemalan mountains beyond. This part of the tour often includes sightings of howler monkeys and tropical birds, adding a touch of wildlife to your cultural journey.
Whether you’re a history lover, an avid photographer, or simply curious about the mystery and beauty of the Maya civilization, this tour offers an engaging, professionally guided experience that is accessible to all ages and fitness levels. With storytelling rooted in archaeology and passion, it’s not just a tour—it’s a window into another world.
What to Expect
Your tour begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel or guesthouse in San Ignacio Town, followed by a brief drive up to the hilltop site of Cahal Pech, one of Belize’s oldest Maya ruins. Accompanied by your expert guide, you’ll walk through quiet courtyards, plazas, and residential structures that date back more than 2,000 years. You’ll explore ancient temples, a ceremonial ball court, and, if time allows, visit the onsite museum to gain further insight into the site’s archaeological significance and artifacts discovered there.
From there, you'll continue to the banks of the Mopan River, where a short hand-cranked ferry ride carries you across to the majestic site of Xunantunich. As you walk through the ceremonial center, your guide will share stories of ancient rulers, the site’s role in regional trade, and the impressive engineering behind its construction. You’ll climb the iconic El Castillo temple for sweeping panoramic views of the Belizean countryside and into nearby Guatemala. Along the way, keep an eye out for howler monkeys and tropical birds that frequent the area. This cultural journey into Belize’s Maya heritage concludes with your return to San Ignacio, filled with remarkable views, fascinating history, and the quiet power of these ancient cities.
Essential Details
Upon booking, this is a summary of the details that must be kept in mind:
Tour Duration: Half-day (approximately 4–5 hours)
Start Times: Morning or early afternoon (best times for wildlife sightings and minimal crowding: 8–10 AM or 2:30–4 PM)
Difficulty: Easy
Minimum Group Size: 2 persons
Maximum Group Size: 8 (for personalized experience)
Price: $135 USD per person
Tour Type: Shared (Private tours available upon request)
Recommended Attire
In order for you to feel both comfortable but flexible for this tour, we recommend the following:
Lightweight, breathable clothing
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunhat or cap
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Reusable water bottle
Camera or smartphone for photos
Bug spray (eco-friendly preferred)
Booking Information
At booking, we would like to know the following information to best serve you. We are flexible and are committed to giving you the most personal experience we are capable of, thus we would like you to provide the following information:
When booking, please provide the following:
Number of participants (minimum 2)
Hotel name and location
Any special dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, etc.)
Preference for morning or afternoon tour
What's Included
Below are some of the things that are included when you book the tour:
Round-trip transportation from San Ignacio Town
Entrance fees to both Cahal Pech and Xunantunich
Licensed professional guide
Cold bottled water
Authentic Belizean lunch (served after tour if morning; before tour if afternoon)
What's not Included
The following things are not included as part of the tour package
Pickup/drop-off from outside San Ignacio Town (additional fee applies)
Tips or personal items
Tentative Itinerary
This itinerary is provided for reference only and can change depending on the pace of the person and/or other preferences.
8:00 AM / 2:30 PM
Pickup from San Ignacio accommodation
8:15 AM / 2:45 PM
Arrive at Cahal Pech, guided tour
9:30 AM / 4:00 PM
Depart for Xunantunich (includes ferry crossing)
10:00 AM / 4:30 PM
Guided tour of Xunantunich and climb El Castillo
11:30 AM / 5:45 PM
Enjoy included lunch (morning tours)
12:15 PM / 6:00 PM
Return to San Ignacio
Complementary Pickup
Pickup and drop-off are included only for accommodations within San Ignacio Town. If you’re staying outside of town and are unable to meet us at the Cayo Welcome Center, a cash fee will apply based on distance and number of riders. We’ll notify you in advance if your hotel falls into this category.
Some commonly booked hotels that may incur an additional fee include:
Mystic River Resort
GAIA Riverlodge
Sweet Songs Lodge
Blancaneaux Lodge
Mahogany Hall
Black Rock Lodge
Chaa Creek
Table Rock Jungle Lodge
Vanilla Hills
Cancellation Policy for this Tour
This policy applies only to bookings made directly with us:
Thank you for Choosing us
The Cahal Pech and Xunantunich Maya Sites Tour is perfect for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Maya history, local folklore, and architecture, all within a half-day timeframe. Whether it’s your first time in Belize or you’re returning to explore more cultural wonders, this tour offers a memorable and meaningful experience, just minutes from San Ignacio Town.