Day Trips in Belize

Follow the footsteps of the ancient Maya on a full-day trip to Caracol from San Ignacio, and go deep into the jungle to discover a remarkable archeological site. Watch for bright tropical birds and howler monkeys as you explore the sprawling ruined city, and take in views of rolling forest canopy from the top of the Caana pyramid. Trace the history of the site in a vivid series of carved stelae and stone altars, then visit a natural swimming pool in the Mountain Pine Ridge before returning to the city.

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.

Explore the ruins of Altun Ha and go tubing through a pair of jungle caves on a 6-hour combination tour from Belize City. Learn about the daily lives, gods, and traditions of the ancient Maya in Belize's most iconic archeological site, where you'll find temple pyramids, a stone ball court and intricate carvings. Cool off in a tropical river through limestone caverns in Nohoch Che'en Archaeological Park, and visit a thriving tropical ecosystem in the heart of the Belize jungle.

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 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.

Embark on an archaeological adventure in the jungles of Belize with a day trip to the Xunantunich Mayan ruins from Belize City. Learn about the history of this ancient Mesoamerican city from an expert guide, and climb to the top of the El Castillo stone temple for magnificent views over the treetops and into Guatemala.

Take a journey down the mystical New River Lagoon to discover more than 3,000 years of Belize's Mayan history at the Lamanai ruins. Encounter exotic birds, crocodiles, turtles and howler monkeys on a river cruise as you venture deep into the jungle, where a powerful ancient civilization once thrived. Learn about the life and customs at the mighty Maya as you explore sacred temples and stone carvings, ceremonial plazas and a ball court on a guided tour of the archaeological site.

Discover some of Belize's top natural attractions with ease on an 8.5-tour of Crystal Cave (Mountain Cow Cave) in the Blue Hole National Park from San Ignacio. Following a moderately challenging hike, you'll descend to Xibalba, the reputed entrance to the Mayan underworld, and marvel at stalagmites, stalactites, and crystal formations. Plus, you'll swim in the Blue Hole and enjoy a hearty lunch accompanied by rum punch.

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.

Experience the Mayan underworld of Xibalba on a guided cave-tubing adventure. After a convenient hotel pickup, enjoy a safety briefing, orientation and 45-minute hike through the rainforest before hopping in a tube at the mouth of this elaborate cave system. Witness fr intricate rock formations, learn about the caves' history from an informative guide, and enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch after you reemerge into the sunlight.