Belize: Altun Ha Mayan Temple, Cave Tubing & Zipline Day Trip

Summary

Ancient temples, jungle rivers and ziplining in Belize’s wild

You’ll climb ancient stones at Altun Ha Mayan Temple, float through mysterious caves on a tube while learning from a local guide, then zipline high above Belize’s jungle canopy. Small group size means more stories (and laughs) along the way. Expect muddy shoes—and memories that stick longer than you think.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect from a day trip out of Belize City—just that I’d always wanted to see a real Mayan temple up close. The morning felt a bit hazy as we squeezed into the van (there were only eight of us, which was nice). Our guide, Luis, had this way of making history feel like gossip—he pointed at the stones of Altun Ha and told us about old Maya rulers as if he’d met them himself. Standing on top of the temple, I could smell the wet grass and hear birds somewhere deep in the trees. It was both quiet and not quiet at all—kind of hard to explain unless you’re there.

After that, things got muddier and funnier. We hiked into the jungle for maybe twenty minutes, carrying our tubes and trying not to slip on roots. Luis stopped every so often to show us weird plants—one leaf he crushed smelled like lime, another was supposed to cure headaches (I tried it; can’t say it worked but it did taste bitter). The cave tubing part was slower than I thought it’d be. Floating through those dark tunnels with just headlamps and echoey water sounds—it felt ancient in a way that’s hard to fake. Someone behind me made a joke about bats but honestly, I was too busy staring at the rock shapes overhead.

I’m not really a heights person so when we reached the zipline platforms my hands were already sweaty. The guides clipped us in fast—no time to overthink it—and then suddenly I was flying over green canopy and yelling something half-embarrassed into the wind. Afterward we sat together with lunch (rice, chicken, fruit), legs still shaky but everyone laughing about their zipline faces. We headed back toward Belize City around four-ish, tired but in that good way where your clothes are damp and you don’t care.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mayan Temple and Jungle Adventure

• Start tour at 8am in Belize City
• Hike to Mayan Temple Altun Ha
• Guided tour of Mayan Temple
• Hike 20 minutes through jungle
• Learn about plants and insects
• Cave tubing through river and caves
• Zipline over jungle canopy
• Return to Belize City around 4pm

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Belize City?

The tour starts at 8am with return around 4pm.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel or port pickup in Belize City is included.

What should I bring for cave tubing?

Wear comfortable clothes that can get wet; tubes and gear are provided.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is provided during the tour.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is capped at 10 people maximum.

Do I need special fitness for this tour?

No special fitness is required; suitable for all levels.

Are park entry fees included?

Yes, all park fees are covered in your booking.

Can I join if I'm arriving from an island?

You’ll need to take an early ferry to Belize City for pickup if coming from an island.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup in Belize City, all park entry fees covered, water and snacks along the way, plus a traditional lunch before heading back in an air-conditioned vehicle with your small group and local guide.