San Ignacio Maya Ruins Tour: Xunantunich & Cahal Pech

Two ancient Maya cities, 183 meters above the jungle, one afternoon

A private guided tour of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, two major Maya archaeological sites near San Ignacio in Belize. You spend 3 hours exploring Xunantunich (including its 40-meter central pyramid El Castillo), and 2 hours at Cahal Pech, a hilltop city with 34 structures across seven courtyards. The guide speaks English or Spanish, pickup is included from your San Ignacio accommodation, and the tour runs 6 hours total. Lunch is not included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Xunantunich and Cahal Pech

• Pickup from place of stay
• Drive 15 minutes to Xunantunich
• Cross hand-cranked ferry over Mopan River
• Explore Xunantunich ruins for 3 hours
• Learn history and culture of Maya civilization
• Drive to Cahal Pech archaeological site
• Explore Cahal Pech ruins for 2 hours

The experience

How do you get to ruins that sit on a limestone ridge 183 meters above sea level without spending the whole day on logistics? The guide picks you up at your hotel in San Ignacio, drives you 15 minutes to Xunantunich, and crosses a hand-cranked ferry over the Mopan River, where you can watch green iguanas and bats at the riverbank before you even reach the site. The ferry crossing is part of the route, not a detour. It is how ancient settlers arrived too.

At Xunantunich you walk inside the city for 3 hours. The site centers on four major architectural groups, with El Castillo (a 40-meter multi-complex structure that served as dwellings, shrine and administrative hub for the elite) dominating the ridge. You can climb most of the temples if you choose to. The guide teaches the history and daily life of the Maya civilization that rose to prominence here between AD 700 and 1000, then declined. After Xunantunich, you move on to Cahal Pech, which overlooks San Ignacio from an imposing hill. Its name means "Place of Ticks" in Yucatec Maya. The site is compact (34 structures spread across slightly more than 2 acres), but dense with architecture: seven courtyards, tall temple pyramids, range buildings, two ball courts, a carved stela and an altar. The tallest temple, structure A1, stands 77 feet high. You enter as the ancient settlers did, through a large courtyard called Plaza B. You spend 2 hours here.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and water is provided. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and long pants or shorts. A camera and binoculars are useful. The tour suits families with children from age 1 onward, and the sites are wheelchair accessible. If you are based outside San Ignacio, ask about out-of-district pickups when you book.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup around San Ignacio.
• air-conditioned transport.
• water.
• a guide speaking English or Spanish.
• entry to both archaeological sites.
• 3 hours at Xunantunich and 2 hours at Cahal Pech.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (35 to 74 years) · Senior (75 to 85 years) · Youth (12 to 20 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 17 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 15 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Classic Maya Adventure Tours (CmaTours)

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you choose the language that works for you and your group. If you are staying outside San Ignacio, confirm out-of-district pickups when you book: the standard pickup covers the town and immediate area.

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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 20 years); Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 4 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.

What is El Castillo and why does it matter at Xunantunich?

El Castillo is the 40-meter central pyramid at Xunantunich, a multi-complex structure that served as dwellings, shrine and administrative center for the elite rulers of the ancient Maya city. It dominates the site and you can climb it during the tour.

How long does it take to get from San Ignacio to Xunantunich?

The drive is 15 minutes, plus a hand-cranked ferry crossing over the Mopan River. The ferry is part of the route and gives you a chance to spot green iguanas and bats at the riverbank.

Can I climb the temples at these sites?

At Xunantunich, you can climb most of the temples if you choose to. At Cahal Pech, the tallest structure, A1, stands 77 feet high and is part of the walking tour through the 34 structures and seven courtyards.

What does the guide teach about the Maya civilization at these sites?

The guide covers the history, daily life and beliefs of the ancient Maya. At Xunantunich, the city rose to prominence between AD 700 and 1000 before declining. Cahal Pech was first settled between 1200–1000 BC and abandoned around 800–900 AD.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is not included. Water and an air-conditioned vehicle are provided, and the guide recommends bringing sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat and long pants or shorts.