Private Barton Creek & Butterfly Ranch Tour from San Ignacio

Paddle into an underground cave, then stand in a kaleidoscope of butterflies

A private tour from San Ignacio combines two stops: a canoe ride deep into Barton Creek Cave, an underground system over seven kilometers long with stalactites and stalagmites, and a guided walk through Green Hills Butterfly Farm to see 30 species and their life stages. The tour runs six hours total, includes hotel pickup, lunch at a local restaurant, all equipment (canoes, helmets, life vests, flashlights), and a live English-speaking guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Barton Creek Cave2h · entry included
2. Green Hills Butterfly Ranch1h · entry included

Explore cave, butterfly farm, and lunch

• Drive 45 minutes to Barton Creek Cave
• Canoe ride inside Barton Creek Cave
• Observe cave rock formations
• Visit Green Hills Butterfly Farm
• Learn butterfly life cycle
• Lunch at local restaurant

The experience

The drive to Barton Creek takes 45 minutes from San Ignacio. Once there, your guide leads you into a canoe and paddles you through the cave's cool, clear water past rock formations that have been building for thousands of years. The cave stretches over seven kilometers, though the tour covers the accessible sections where stalactites hang from the ceiling and stalagmites rise from the floor. Your guide explains the geology and history as you move through the passages, and the flashlights cut through the darkness to show the formations up close.

After the cave, you head to Green Hills Butterfly Farm in the Cayo District. The farm houses over 30 species, and your guide walks you through the different stages of a butterfly's life, from eggs to caterpillars to chrysalises to adults. You'll see the insects at each phase and learn how they pollinate crops and support the ecosystem. The farm is designed so butterflies move freely around you as you move through it.

Lunch happens at a local restaurant between the two stops, giving you a chance to eat regional dishes and talk with locals about life in the area. The remaining time in the six-hour window covers the drive to and from each site, plus the time spent at the cave and farm. Hotel pickup in San Ignacio is included, and you return there at the end of the day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• canoe, helmet, life vest and flashlight for the cave.
• lunch at a local restaurant.
• guided tour of Green Hills Butterfly Farm with explanations of the butterfly life cycle.
• live English-speaking guide throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (19 to 45 years) · Senior (46 to 85 years) · Youth (11 to 18 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 5 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 10 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 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Classic Maya Adventure Tours (CmaTours)

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guided canoe float through cave geology followed by a walk-through butterfly farm: both in one day with hotel pickup included, rather than coordinating two separate outings.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 18 years); Child (6 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 5 years).

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.

How deep does the canoe go into Barton Creek Cave?

Barton Creek Cave stretches over seven kilometers underground, but the canoe tour takes you through the accessible sections where you can see stalactites and stalagmites clearly. Your guide controls the depth and distance based on water conditions and your comfort level.

What's involved in the butterfly farm visit?

Green Hills Butterfly Farm has over 30 species flying freely around the grounds. Your guide shows you eggs, caterpillars, chrysalises and adult butterflies at each life stage, explaining how they pollinate and fit into the local ecosystem.

What gear do I need to bring for the cave?

The tour provides helmets, life vests, flashlights and canoes. You wear the vest and helmet during the paddle. The flashlight helps you see the rock formations. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and bring a change if you prefer to dry off before lunch.

Can I book this tour if I'm staying outside San Ignacio?

Hotel pickup is included for hotels in San Ignacio. If you're staying in the Out District, pickup can be arranged for an additional cost. Confirm the location when you book.