Xunantunich Ruins & Cave Tubing Combo | Full-Day Belize Tour
About The Trip
You will experience:
Exceptional guides who are super friendly and will customise your day for you.
Explore off the beaten path parts of the cave far from the crowds
Learn about the life of the ancient Maya both above and below ground
Swim and dive into magical pools deep below a sink hole
Climb Mayan ruins and taste exotic plants
Eat a scrumptious lunch
Have a fantastic day
About Trip:
This full-day tour offers the perfect balance between cultural immersion and outdoor adventure, taking you from the majestic Maya ruins of Xunantunich to the underground river caves of Nohoch Che’en, also known as Jaguar Paw. It is one of the most popular and enriching experiences for guests staying in San Ignacio.
The adventure begins with a brief scenic drive from town to the Mopan River, where a hand-cranked ferry transports you across the river to reach the archaeological site. Once inside, you’ll explore the ceremonial center of Xunantunich with your incredible guide, who attends the Belize Archaeological Symposium each year and stays informed on the latest discoveries and interpretations. Towering above the forest canopy, the iconic “El Castillo” pyramid offers panoramic views of the Mopan Valley and the nearby Guatemalan border.
During your guided exploration, you’ll learn about the site's history, ancient Maya rituals, plazas and the lives of the every day people while possibly spotting wildlife such as howler monkeys in the surrounding trees.
After touring the ruins, you'll enjoy an authentic Belizean lunch, either homemade or from a local restaurant, before heading east to the Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Reserve. There, your guide will equip you with a helmet, headlamp, life vest, and inner tube. A relaxed 25- to 30-minute hike through a tropical forest trail leads you to the river’s edge, where your cave tubing journey begins.
You will float along a gentle, slow-moving river that weaves through a system of limestone caves once believed by the ancient Maya to be portals to the underworld. Inside, you’ll witness shimmering stalactites, dramatic rock formations, and chambers once used in Maya ceremonies. What sets this experience apart is the opportunity to go beyond the main tubing path. Guests can leave their tubes and explore hidden chambers with their guide, often finding crystal formations and ancient artifacts in areas that are not visited by most tour groups.
This tour is suitable for curious explorers, families, and those who wish to experience Belize’s natural and cultural beauty in a single day. Your knowledgeable guide ensures your safety, comfort, and enjoyment throughout this dynamic and unforgettable excursion.
Quick Facts
The price per person is USD 150
The minimum number of persons needed to book this tour is 2
The approximate duration of trip is 10 to 11 hours
This full-day adventure combines mayan ruin exploration, some hiking, and belize cave tubing, requiring a moderate level of physical activity.
Kindly note that guests must meet a minimum height of 40 inches to be allowed to engage in the belize cave tubing adventure at Jaguar Paw.
What to Expect
Your day begins with a guided walking tour of Xunantunich, one of Belize’s most celebrated Maya archaeological sites. After crossing the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry, you'll enter the ceremonial center and explore its plazas, ball courts, and palaces. The highlight is El Castillo, a towering 130-foot temple that you can climb for panoramic views of the Belizean jungle and distant Guatemalan hills. As you walk, your guide will share insights into ancient Maya beliefs, political life, and the agricultural brilliance of this Classic Period city.
After your tour, you'll enjoy a hearty Belizean lunch, either at a local restaurant or as a home-cooked meal, before setting off on a scenic drive to Nohoch Che’en, also known as Jaguar Paw. Here, you’ll gear up with a helmet, life vest, and headlamp before taking a jungle hike to the river’s edge. Then, you’ll begin a guided float through the cave systems, drifting along calm waters under towering limestone ceilings. Your guide will lead you into the Crystal Cave, where you can explore on foot, admire shimmering rock formations, and even take a quick swim in the refreshing pools. After this unforgettable underground journey, you'll return to San Ignacio by early evening, tired but thoroughly enchanted by the blend of history, nature, and adventure.
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:
Name of your hotel, resort, or Airbnb in San Ignacio Town
Number of participants
Preferred tour date
Any special dietary needs
Age and general physical condition of participants
Tentative Itinerary
This itinerary is provided for reference only and can change depending on the pace of the person and/or other preferences.
7:30 AM
Pickup at your hotel in San Ignacio
8:00 AM
Ferry crossing & guided tour of Xunantunich (2–2.5 hrs)
10:30 AM
Optional gift shop stop and drive to Nohoch Che’en
12:30 PM
Arrival at Cave Park, lunch, and restroom break
1:30 PM
Hike to tubing site (20–30 minutes)
2:00 PM
Cave tubing and exploration (Crystal Cave detour optional)
4:30 PM
Change clothes and drive back
6:00 PM
Arrival at your hotel
What's Included vs What's not Included
Transportation from/to San Ignacio Town
Entrance fees to Xunantunich & Jaguar Paw Cave Park
Authentic Belizean lunch
Cave tubing equipment: helmet, headlamp, life vest, tube
Guided tours led by first class and experienced guides
Bottled water throughout the day
Below are some of the things that are included when you book the tour:
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
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:
Sweet Songs Lodge
Mahogany Hall
Black Rock Lodge
Chaa Creek
Table Rock Jungle Lodge
Vanilla Hills
Thank you for Choosing us
This tour provides the perfect mix of history, adventure, and relaxation. Designed to give you a full sense of Belize’s ancient and natural beauty, the Xunantunich & Cave Tubing Adventure is a guest favorite for a reason. Whether you’re climbing temples, floating through underground caverns, or learning about Maya legends and geology, you’re guaranteed a memorable and enriching experience.