Altun Ha & Cave Tubing: Mayan Ruins, River Float, Lunch

Summary

Altun ha ruins and cave tubing day trip from belize city with lunch and transfers

You’ll trace ancient footsteps at Altun Ha’s Mayan ruins before floating through cool river caves with just your headlamp lighting up crystal walls. Expect muddy jungle trails, laughter over lunch (included), and moments of quiet awe—all with pickup from Belize City and an easygoing local guide who knows all the shortcuts.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly lost my hat to the wind as we stepped out at Altun Ha—guess that’s what happens when you’re busy gawking at centuries-old pyramids instead of watching your stuff. Our guide, Ernesto, grinned and told us the Maya believed these stones still “remember” every footstep. I’m not sure about that, but the way the moss felt cool under my fingers made me pause. He pointed to where jade treasures were found in the Temple of the Green Tomb. It’s strange—standing in a plaza where people gathered a thousand years ago, while today there’s just birds calling and a couple of kids chasing each other near the steps.

The drive to the Caves Branch River was longer than I expected (maybe I nodded off for part of it), but when we got there, Ernesto handed out tubes and headlamps like it was second nature. The jungle smelled sharp—wet leaves and something sweet I couldn’t place. We had to carry our tubes for about half an hour along a muddy path; I slipped once but nobody laughed (thankfully). At the cave entrance, everyone went quiet for a second before wading in—the water was colder than I thought it’d be. Floating inside those caverns, your own voice sounds different. My headlamp caught tiny crystals on the ceiling, and Ernesto hummed something low under his breath that echoed weirdly off the stone.

I didn’t expect to feel hungry after all that floating, but lunch hit differently—rice, beans, chicken with some kind of pepper sauce that made my nose run (in a good way). We sat together under a tin roof while rain started up outside; someone joked about “Belizean air conditioning.” On the ride back to Belize City, I watched water bead on the window and tried to picture how many stories these rivers must hold. Even now, sometimes when things get too loud back home, I think about that echo in the cave—how small it made everything else feel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Altun Ha ruins and cave tubing tour

• Drive 1 hour to Altun Ha
• Tour Maya site of Altun Ha
• Drive 1 hour 20 minutes to cave tubing
• Walk 30 minutes to cave entrance
• Float 35 minutes inside cave
• Float 25 minutes on open river

Top questions

How long is the Altun Ha & cave tubing tour from Belize City?

The tour lasts about 6 hours including transfers between sites.

Is lunch included on this Altun Ha day trip?

Yes, lunch is provided as part of your booking.

Do I need to bring my own tube or headlamp for cave tubing?

No, tubes, headlamps, life jackets are all provided by your guide.

How far is Altun Ha from Belize City?

The drive takes roughly 1 hour each way from Belize City to Altun Ha.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

You’ll walk about 30 minutes through jungle trails to reach the cave entrance.

Is there an age or height requirement for cave tubing?

Children must be at least 40 inches tall and accompanied by an adult for cave tubing.

Are pickups available for cruise ship passengers?

Yes, cruise ship passengers can arrange pickup by providing ship details when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Belize City by air-conditioned minivan, bottled water to keep you going in the heat, entry to both Altun Ha ruins and Caves Branch River tubing sites with all gear provided—tubes, headlamps, life jackets—and a hearty local lunch before heading back into town together.