San Ignacio: Xunantunich Ruins & Cave Tubing Day Trip

Summary

Climb maya ruins then drift through rainforest caves on a belize day trip

You’ll climb ancient Maya temples at Xunantunich near San Ignacio, then float underground on a cave tubing adventure through cool rainforest rivers. Expect home-cooked lunch and stories from your local guide along the way. If you like days that mix history with muddy shoes and laughter echoing off cave walls, this is your trip.

What’s the experience like?

We bumped along the road out of San Ignacio just after breakfast, windows down, the air already thick and green. Our guide, Mario, pointed out a pair of toucans in the trees — I nearly missed them because I was distracted by the way the morning light hit the river. It’s only about 20 minutes to Xunantunich but somehow it felt like we’d crossed into another world. Climbing El Castillo was steeper than I expected (my legs are still reminding me), but standing at the top with wind in my face and Guatemala off in the haze — that part got quiet for me. Mario told us how the Maya would have watched for visitors or enemies from here; I tried to imagine it, but mostly I just felt small in a good way.

Afterwards we piled back into the van for what turned into a long-ish drive — maybe an hour and a half? There’s something hypnotic about Belizean highways: sugarcane fields, villages with bright laundry flapping, kids waving as we passed. We reached Jaguar Paw hungry and sweaty. Lunch was simple—rice and beans with chicken and some kind of tangy slaw—but honestly, it tasted perfect after all that climbing. I tried to say “thank you” in Kriol to one of the cooks; she laughed and corrected me gently.

Cave tubing started with us hauling big rubber tubes through the forest, dodging tree roots and listening to cicadas. The river water was cold enough to make me gasp at first touch. Floating into that first cave — everything suddenly dark except our headlamps flickering on limestone walls — was weirdly peaceful. You could hear water dripping somewhere far ahead, echoing around us. At one point Mario stopped us so we could turn off our lights for a minute; it was pitch black except for a thin line of sunlight behind us, and everyone went quiet except for someone’s nervous laugh (maybe mine). By the end my arms were tired from paddling but I didn’t really want it to end yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Xunantunich tour and cave tubing adventure

• Meet guide at San Ignacio hotel
• Drive 20 minutes to Xunantunich
• Guided tour of Xunantunich site
• Drive 1.5 hours to Jaguar Paw
• Enjoy homemade lunch at Jaguar Paw
• Pick up cave tubing gear
• Walk 20-30 minutes to tubing start
• Go cave tubing for 2-3 hours
• Change clothes after tubing
• Drive 1.5 hours back to San Ignacio

Top questions

How long does the Xunantunich & cave tubing tour take?

The full day tour lasts approximately 8-9 hours including transfers from San Ignacio.

Is lunch included on this San Ignacio day trip?

Yes, lunch is included—either homemade or at a local restaurant near Jaguar Paw.

How difficult is climbing El Castillo at Xunantunich?

The climb is moderately steep but manageable if you have average fitness; there are handrails for support.

What should I bring for cave tubing near San Ignacio?

You should bring a complete change of clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and water-friendly shoes.

Are hotel pickups included in this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within San Ignacio are included in your booking.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children must be at least 40 inches tall to participate in cave tubing; families of 5+ get private tours automatically.

Can non-swimmers join the cave tubing part?

Yes, non-swimmers can join but should inform the operator when booking so guides can assist as needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within San Ignacio, all entrance fees to Xunantunich and Jaguar Paw caves, cave tubing equipment (tubes, helmets), bottled water throughout the trip, plus a home-style Belizean lunch before heading back in the afternoon.