Caracol from San Ignacio: Maya ruins, cave and waterfall

Ancient temples, a cathedral cave and a waterfall in one day

A full-day guided tour from San Ignacio to Caracol, Belize's largest Maya archaeological site, with stops at Rio Frio Cave and Big Rock Falls on the return through Mountain Pine Ridge National Reserve. The 2-hour drive passes through wildlife habitat where jaguars and tapirs roam, then a guide walks you through the on-site museum before you climb Caana, the 141-foot main pyramid, and explore the temples and stelae. After lunch at the park, you swim at Big Rock Falls and wade through Rio Frio Cave's two 65-foot entryways before returning to San Ignacio by early afternoon.

The experience

The day starts at 7:00 a.m. with a 2-hour drive through Mountain Pine Ridge on a road where jaguars and tapirs have been spotted. Once at Caracol, your guide explains the site's history using the on-site museum. The settlement was occupied around 1200 BC, reached its peak around 650 BC, and was abandoned by 1050 AD. Caracol covers about 75 square miles and remains the largest Maya site in Belize.

You then explore the temples and climb Caana, the main pyramid, which at 141 feet tall is still the highest building in modern Belize. The guide points out the stelae and explains what each structure was built for. After the archaeological work, lunch is served at the park, and you have the option to stop for a swim at Big Rock Falls on the way out.

Rio Frio Cave sits deep in the escarpment with two massive 65-foot entryways that let natural light flood a cathedral-like vault room where a stream flows through, forming pools. Big Rock Falls drops 150 feet over rock formations into a deep round pool at the base: a short hike down a steep path gets you there. Both stops let you swim if you want to. The drive back to San Ignacio takes you out of the reserve and arrives around 4:00 p.m., depending on your pace at each site.

What’s included

• Bottled water and snacks throughout the day.
• lunch at the park.
• National Park fees.
• all activities and guide services.
• driver and guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup and drop-off for hotels within San Ignacio Town.

Options for this experience

2 options

Caracol, Rio Frio Cave and Big Rock FallsGuide in English or Spanish · 07:30Hotels located outside the San Ignacio Town limits will be charged an additional pickup and drop-off fee, based on how far they are from San Ignacio Town. Please choose the "Tour with Hotel Pick-up" option.

Tour with hotel pickup and drop-offGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00Pickups are available from the Bullet Tree area, Benque Viejo area, Chaa Creek area, Santa Elena Town, and the Cristo Rey and San Antonio villages. NOTE: Pickup at Ka'ana Resort, Windy Hill and Vanilla Hills is free.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 07:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by GoMaya Belize Adventures

Is this one for you?A minimum of two people per booking is required. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only for hotels within San Ignacio Town. Pickups outside town incur extra charges. If you need a vegetarian meal or have other dietary requirements, let the operator know at the time of booking.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5).

How far is Caracol from San Ignacio and what is the drive like?

Caracol is a 2-hour drive from San Ignacio through Mountain Pine Ridge National Reserve on a wildlife-rich road where jaguars and tapirs are sometimes spotted. The road itself is considered part of the adventure.

What is Caana and can you climb it?

Caana, meaning "sky palace," is the main pyramid at Caracol and stands 141 feet tall, making it the tallest building in modern Belize. Yes, you can climb to the very top.

What happens at Rio Frio Cave?

Rio Frio Cave has two massive 65-foot entryways that create natural lighting inside a cathedral-like vault room. A stream flows through the cave forming pools, and you can wade or swim in the water.

Is there a chance to swim during this tour?

Yes. You have the option to stop for a refreshing dip at Big Rock Falls on the return journey, and you can also swim in the pools at Rio Frio Cave.

What is the physical difficulty of this tour?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Rio Frio Cave is rated easy to moderate, while Big Rock Falls involves an active hike down a steep path to reach the waterfall and pool.