Nim Li Punit, Chocolate & Waterfall from Placencia

Walk Maya ruins, grind cacao, swim in the rainforest

This nine-hour activity from Placencia combines three experiences: exploring the ancient Maya site of Nim Li Punit with its hilltop views and carved stelae, making chocolate on grinding stones at Ixcacao before eating lunch prepared by the "Chocolate Queen," and swimming or relaxing at a jungle waterfall. Private transportation, entrance fees, lunch and bilingual guides are included. Children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Maya site, chocolate, and waterfall

• Visit Nim Li Punit ancient Maya site
• Make chocolate the ancient Mayan way
• Enjoy lunch with the Chocolate Queen
• Swim and relax at jungle waterfall

The experience

Your day starts at Nim Li Punit, an ancient Maya settlement built on a hilltop. You walk among the structures and plazas, reading the stories carved into stelae by the Maya centuries ago. The site's elevation gives you views across the landscape: the kind of vantage point that explains why the Maya chose this place to build.

From there you head to Ixcacao Chocolate, where you make chocolate the way it was made before industrial mills. You grind cacao on stone the traditional way, then taste what you've made alongside handmade bars and rich drinks. Lunch comes next, prepared by the owner, known locally as the "Chocolate Queen", and it's included in the day. The whole stop is built around doing the work yourself, not watching someone else do it.

The day ends at a jungle waterfall where you can swim in clear water or sit in the rainforest quiet. The drive between stops is in an air-conditioned vehicle, and your guide speaks English or Spanish. Bottled water is provided throughout, and the operator handles parking and entrance fees.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transportation from Placencia.
• entrance fees to Nim Li Punit and Ixcacao Chocolate.
• lunch prepared on-site.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• bilingual guide (English or Spanish).
• parking fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (20 to 75 years) · Youth (12 to 19 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 14 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Wilder Belize Adventures

Is this one for you?You book this as a private tour with your own guide and driver, which means the pace stays yours and the group stays small: ideal if you're traveling with family or want to linger at any stop without holding up a larger group. The nine-hour commitment works best for a full day when you're based in Placencia and want to combine history, hands-on activity and nature in one outing.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 19 years); Child (4 to 11 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

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 Nim Li Punit and what will I see there?

Nim Li Punit is an ancient Maya archaeological site built on a hilltop, known for its tall carved stelae and the views from its elevated location. You walk through the structures and plazas to see the stonework and carvings the Maya left behind.

Do I make the chocolate myself, or watch someone make it?

You make it yourself on grinding stones using the traditional Mayan method, then taste the chocolate you've prepared along with handmade bars and drinks before eating lunch at the site.

How long is the drive from Placencia to each stop?

The itinerary covers three locations over nine hours total, including time at each site, lunch, and transport between them. Exact drive times between stops depend on current road conditions, but the operator provides private air-conditioned transport for the full day.

Can I bring my four-year-old on this activity?

Children from age 4 are welcome. The day includes swimming at a waterfall and making chocolate, both activities that work for younger kids, though the walking at the Maya ruins and the overall nine-hour length are worth considering for your child's comfort.

What's included in the price, and what should I bring?

The price covers private transportation, entrance fees to both Nim Li Punit and Ixcacao, lunch, bottled water, and bilingual guides. Bring swimwear and a towel for the waterfall, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes for the ruins.