Cave Tubing and Xunantunich Maya Ruins Tour from Belize City

Two Belizean adventures in one day: ancient temple ruins and underground river tubing

A full-day tour from Belize City combines cave tubing through a Maya-used river system in the Cayo District with a guided walk through Xunantunich, the site of Belize's second-tallest temple. The route covers countryside and local history, with a knowledgeable guide, lunch, all tubing gear, and transport by air-conditioned minivan included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Mayan temple and cave tubing

• Depart from office
• Explore Xunantunich Mayan temple
• Enjoy cave tubing adventure

The experience

The day starts at the office in Belize City and heads inland toward the Cayo District, a two-hour drive through the countryside. Along the way, the guide shares the history and way of life of the region, grounding the landscape in context before you arrive at either Xunantunich or Cahal Pech: depending on which combo you choose at checkout. Lunch and local dishes are built into the route, so you're not hunting for food between stops.

Xunantunich, meaning "maiden of the rock," sits on just 2 acres but holds seven plazas and over 30 structures: temples, residential buildings, ball courts, an altar and a sweat-house. The second-tallest temple in Belize anchors the site. You walk the ruins with your guide, who unpacks the history and layout so the stones make sense. The alternative option pairs Cahal Pech with Xunantunich instead, giving you two Maya sites in a single day.

Cave tubing is the inland centerpiece. You suit up in a helmet, life vest and headlamp, then float down a river that runs through a cave system the Maya once used. The water is cool and the passage winds through the rainforest underground. Tubing gears, including the inner tube itself, are provided. Bring old sneakers, crocs or a water shoe, no flip-flops, and a change of clothes and towel for after. The moderate difficulty means you need at least a moderate fitness level, and the experience is not suitable for pregnant travelers or anyone with spinal or cardiovascular concerns.

Park fees and taxes of $30 USD per person are payable when you're picked up. The guide speaks English or Spanish. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase if you want them.

What’s included

• Tubing gear including helmet, light, life vest and inner tube.
• transport by private air-conditioned minivan or SUV.
• lunch with local dishes.
• a licensed guide who speaks English or Spanish.

Options for this experience

2 options

Combined Xunantunich and cave tourGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00 and 09:00Private tour of Xunantunich from Belize City, with the option to add cave tubing at the Nohoch Che'en Archaeological Site for a submerged Mayan adventure. Pickup is included.

Cahal Pech and Xunantunich comboGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00Pickup is included

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 08:00 and 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Audio guideEnglish

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 22 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cave Tubing R Us

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to visit both Xunantunich temple and cave tubing in one day rather than splitting them across separate trips.

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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: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Xunantunich and why is it worth seeing?

Xunantunich is a Maya archaeological site in the Cayo District that holds Belize's second-tallest temple, along with seven plazas and over 30 structures including residential buildings, ball courts and a sweat-house, all built on 2 acres. The guide walks you through the ruins and explains the history and layout so you understand what you're standing in front of.

How does cave tubing work and what do I need to bring?

You float down an underground river through a cave system using an inner tube, wearing a helmet, life vest and headlamp provided by the tour. Bring old sneakers, crocs or a water shoe (flip-flops won't work) plus a change of clothes and a towel. The difficulty is moderate, so you need at least a moderate fitness level.

How long is the drive from Belize City to the Cayo District?

The drive from Belize City to the Cayo District takes approximately two hours, and you travel through the countryside with your guide sharing local history and culture along the way.

What's included in the tour price and what costs extra?

The tour includes transport by air-conditioned minivan, lunch, all tubing gear (helmet, light, life vest, inner tube), and a guide who speaks English or Spanish. Park fees and taxes of $30 USD per person are payable upon pickup. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase separately.

Can I choose between different Maya sites on this tour?

Yes, you pick either the Xunantunich and Cave Combo or the Cahal Pech and Xunantunich combo at checkout, so you can decide which two sites suit your interests before you book.