Placencia to Xunantunich: Cave Tubing & Mayan Ruins Tour

Summary

Explore Xunantunich ruins and float Belize’s ancient caves

You’ll climb ancient temples at Xunantunich with a local guide, float quietly through Belize’s limestone caves with just your group’s laughter echoing around you, and share a simple lunch along the way. With pickup from Placencia and all gear included, it’s an honest kind of adventure you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how the van smelled faintly of sunscreen and river mud when we left Placencia — it was early, but our guide, Luis, was already cracking jokes about “Mayan time.” The drive up to Xunantunich took a couple hours, winding through villages where kids waved at us from bikes. When we finally reached the ruins, the air felt thick and green. Luis pointed out the hand-cranked ferry across the river — I’d never seen anything like it. Climbing El Castillo, I could hear birds arguing in the trees and my legs complaining a bit (worth it for that view over Guatemala — you can actually see it on clear days).

After exploring the Mayan ruins, we stopped for lunch — rice and beans with chicken, nothing fancy but honestly perfect after hiking around in the sun. I tried to ask for more habanero sauce in Spanish; Luis just grinned and handed me a bottle. Then came cave tubing. The helmets felt a bit awkward at first (my head is apparently huge?), but floating into those limestone caves was… weirdly peaceful. Water dripping somewhere in the dark, cool air on my skin, just our little group’s voices echoing off stone that’s been there since before any of us were born.

I didn’t expect to feel so small inside those caves. Luis told stories about Maya rituals — he even showed us soot marks from ancient torches on the ceiling. At one point we all turned off our headlamps and just floated in silence for a minute or two. It’s hard to describe that kind of quiet; you start hearing your own heartbeat if you pay attention. Anyway, by the time we got back to Placencia I was tired in that good way — like you’ve actually done something real with your day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Xunantunich Mayan Ruins and Cave Tubing

• Explore Xunantunich Mayan Ruins and limestone caves

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Placencia to Xunantunich?

The drive from Placencia to Xunantunich takes about two hours each way.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, lunch is included during the tour.

Are helmets and life jackets provided for cave tubing?

Yes, helmets, headlights, and life jackets are provided for cave tubing.

Is hotel pickup available in Placencia?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Placencia is included.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.

Do I need previous experience for cave tubing?

No previous experience is needed; guides provide instructions and safety gear.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip pickup from Placencia, entry fees for Xunantunich Mayan ruins, all equipment needed for cave tubing (helmets, headlights, life jackets), parking fees along the way, plus a local lunch before heading back in an air-conditioned vehicle.