Xunantunich & Barton Creek Cave tour from San Ignacio: 8 hours

Two major sites in one day without arranging transport between them

An 8-hour guided tour from San Ignacio pairs a morning exploration of Xunantunich Maya Temple (reached by hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River) with an afternoon canoe paddle through Barton Creek Cave's underground chambers. The tour includes a professional English-speaking guide, lunch at a local restaurant, all park fees, equipment, and hotel pickup. It balances archaeology and natural wonders at a moderate pace suited to families.

The experience

Eight hours running 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM means you start early enough to reach Xunantunich before the midday heat and finish with time to spare. The morning half takes you across the Mopan River on a historic hand-cranked ferry, then through a 2-hour guided walk of the ancient ceremonial plazas. The canopy around the pyramids holds howler and spider monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds: sightings happen often enough that the operator lists them as a regular feature. You climb to the top of the pyramids for panoramic views across the jungle, then head back down for lunch at a local village restaurant where you eat traditional Belizean food.

The afternoon is a 45-minute drive through countryside villages to Barton Creek Cave, where you trade the guide for a canoe and a spotlight. You paddle by yourself through the cave's underground chambers, an ancient Maya burial site, past massive stalactites and stalagmites, with remnants of Maya history still visible on the cave's ledges. The paddle itself is described as relaxing and effortless, not a strenuous paddle, so the physical demand stays low even though you are moving through water in a confined space.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in San Ignacio. The air-conditioned vehicle moves the group between sites. A professional guide leads the temple portion in English. Equipment for the canoe, bottled water, and park entrance fees are all provided. Lunch is the only meal included, so plan accordingly if you want snacks or drinks beyond what the tour provides.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels.
• park entrance fees for both sites.
• canoe equipment and spotlight for the cave.
• lunch at a local restaurant.
• bottled water and soft drinks.
• all transportation between San Ignacio and the two attractions.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 69 years) · Senior (70 to 85 years) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Your driver/guide will meet you by the bus terminal located at the Welcome Center. He will be holding a sign with your name so that you can easily recognize each other.”

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 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cayo Inland Expeditions

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from San Ignacio means you don't need a rental car or arrange your own transport between the temple and the cave: the full day moves as one seamless itinerary, which matters if you're staying in town without a vehicle.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (4 to 9 years); Infant (under 4).

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 Xunantunich Maya Temple like when you get there?

Xunantunich is a ceremonial plaza complex built by the ancient Maya, centered on pyramids you can climb. The surrounding jungle canopy is home to howler and spider monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds. Wildlife sightings are frequent. You spend roughly two hours exploring the site with your guide, ending at the top of the pyramids where you get panoramic views across the jungle.

How does the canoe paddle through Barton Creek Cave work?

You paddle by canoe through an underground cave system that was used as a Maya burial site. A spotlight illuminates the massive stalactites and stalagmites as you move through the ancient ceremonial chambers. The paddle is described as relaxing and effortless, not a strenuous workout. Remnants of Maya history are still visible on the cave's ledges.

Does the tour pick me up from my hotel in San Ignacio?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, though only from selected hotels in San Ignacio. Confirm your hotel is on the pickup list when you book, as not all accommodations in the area are covered.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. If poor weather forces a cancellation, the operator offers you either an alternative date or the option to book a different tour. Surcharges may apply if you switch to a different experience.