Belize City to Altun Ha & Cave Tubing Tour with Lunch

Summary

Altun ha ruins and cave tubing adventure from belize city with local guide and lunch included

You’ll climb ancient temples at Altun Ha with a local guide, float through Maya caves at Jaguar Paw on an inner tube, and share a Belizean lunch outdoors. Expect muddy shoes and honest stories—plus those quiet moments in the jungle you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice at Altun Ha would be the smell — kind of mossy, like old stone after rain. Our guide, Carlos, was already waiting by the van when we got picked up in Belize City (right on time, which surprised me because I’m used to things running late). He started telling us about the Maya right away, but not in that “tour guide voice” — more like he was sharing family stories. When we climbed up one of the temples, I remember my legs shaking a bit (not just from the height), and Carlos pointed out where they found the Jade Head. The view over the jungle was so wide it made me quiet for a minute. I still think about that.

After Altun Ha, we drove out toward Jaguar Paw for the cave tubing part of this day trip from Belize City. The road got bumpier and greener — you could hear birds going nuts somewhere in the trees. At the riverbank, there was this cool hush as we put on our helmets and grabbed tubes. The water felt colder than I expected when I dipped my hand in (Carlos laughed at my face). Floating into the cave was honestly a little eerie; you can smell wet earth and limestone, and every sound echoes weirdly off the walls. He showed us some old Maya carvings inside — I probably missed half his explanation because I was busy staring at shadows on the ceiling.

Lunch after all that was simple but perfect: rice and beans, stewed chicken, potato salad. We ate outside under a tree while someone’s radio played quietly nearby — not sure what song it was, but it fit. There’s something about eating with your hands still a little damp from river water that makes food taste better, you know? Anyway, if you’re looking for a private Altun Ha & cave tubing tour with a local guide who actually seems to care if you’re having fun (and not just ticking boxes), this is it. Not everything went smoothly — my shoes got soaked crossing back over the river — but honestly that just made it feel more real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Altun Ha Ruins & Cave Tubing

• Visit Altun Ha Maya Ruin
• Tube through Jaguar Paw caves

Top questions

How long does the Altun Ha & cave tubing tour take?

The full day trip typically lasts several hours including travel time between Belize City, Altun Ha ruins, and Jaguar Paw caves.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a traditional Belizean lunch with rice and beans, stewed chicken, and salad is included.

Are entry fees covered in this tour?

All entry fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

Is hotel pickup available from Belize City?

The tour includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from Belize City.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What should I bring for cave tubing at Jaguar Paw?

You should bring clothes that can get wet; all equipment like tubes and helmets is provided.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned van from Belize City, all entry fees to Altun Ha ruins and Jaguar Paw caves, guided visits throughout both sites with plenty of stories along the way, plus a traditional Belizean lunch—rice and beans with stewed chicken—before heading back to town.