Top San Ignacio How to Get Around

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

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.

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.

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 San Ignacio’s ancient history and natural wonders on this combo tour that takes you from the heights of a massive Mayan temple to the depths of the Rio Frio Cave. Learn about the history of the Caracol ruins, Belize's largest archaeological site and one that's best visited on a guided tour. There's also time to enjoy the natural swimming holes at the Rio On Pools and plunge into waterfall pools at the Big Rock Falls.

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.

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.

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.

Journey to the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich atop a trusty steed on a half-day horseback riding adventure from San Ignacio. Ride along the Mopan River and through a private organic farm for a unique way to reach the fascinating archaeological site, where you can explore the remains of royal palaces and one of Belize’s largest ceremonial temples with a guide. A typical Belizean lunch caps off the morning tour.

Discover pristine forests, limestone caves and scenic waterfalls on a full-day trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve from San Ignacio. Visit the hidden source of the Rio Frio river, then slip into the water at a series of natural pools and rock slides. Pause for a picnic lunch before continuing to Big Rock Falls, a 150-foot (46-meter) waterfall that gives off a cooling spray of mist as it tumbles into a clear, deep swimming hole, then return to San Ignacio through the rugged mountain terrain.

Canoe to the remote Barton Creek Cave on a full-day trip from San Ignacio with an optional zipline adventure, butterfly farm visit or jungle hike to Big Rock Falls.  Glide into a hidden cave entrance that’s surrounded by water, and explore a deep series of passages that were sacred to the ancient Maya. Use your headlight to illuminate crystal formations and dangling stalactites, and learn about the cave’s ceremonial history. Slip into the water for a cool swim, then finish your day with the adventure of your choice.

Journey to the heart of ‘Xibalba,’ the ancient Mayan underworld, inside the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM Cave). Named one of the top caves in the world by National Geographic, ATM is only accessible with an expert guide to lead you through a labyrinth of flooded passageways, tight squeezes, and steep climbs. It's all worth it to walk through glittering caverns strewn with 1,000-year old pottery and the chilling remains of human sacrifice victims.

Discover the ancient Maya city of Caracol on a full-day private tour from San Ignacio with an optional visit to the Rio On pools. Explore the sprawling complex at your own pace as you explore with a local guide, and learn the history of this site through the glyphs, stelae and ceremonial carvings that are scattered throughout the ruined political center. Watch for wild turkeys and howler monkeys among the stones, and take in sweeping views of the jungle from the towering sky palace pyramid before returning to San Ignacio.

The Barton Creek Tour is one of the most relaxing canoe experiences where you will travel inside an ancient waterway canopied by cathedral ceilings as you observe numerous formations of stalagmites and stalactites. This tour is a half day tour and can be schedule at a time convenient to the guests (depending on the amount of persons booking the tour). Usual tour schedule for Barton Creek Tour: 8:30am 1:00pm

With limited buses going in and out of Guatemala and a sprawling archeological complex it can be overwhelming to visit Tikal independently. Visit the UNESCO listed ruins with ease on an all-inclusive 8-hour tour. Private transfer from San Ignacio takes you to the park, where you enjoy free admission. Then, follow your guide on an immersive tour to the ancient city’s most important landmarks.