Xunantunich & Jungle Waterfall Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Explore Xunantunich temples then cruise to jungle waterfalls nearby

You’ll climb ancient Mayan temples at Xunantunich with a local guide, then cruise Belize’s jungle rivers by pontoon boat to swim beneath hidden waterfalls. With lunch included and transport sorted out for you, expect laughter, muddy shoes, and moments you’ll remember long after the trip ends.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost missed the start of this Xunantunich and jungle pontoon waterfall tour because I couldn’t find my other sock. The driver just grinned when I apologized — apparently, “Belize time” is a thing here. Our guide, Luis, had this way of making everyone feel like we’d known him for years. He pointed out the hand-cranked ferry across the river, which rattled and creaked in a way that made me wonder if it was older than the ruins themselves. There was this faint smell of wet earth and something floral in the air as we walked up toward El Castillo. My legs were burning by the time we reached the top, but wow — you can see all the way into Guatemala from up there (Luis said on clear days you can spot villages across the border). Didn’t expect to feel so small standing on those ancient stones.

After climbing down (my knees were not thrilled), we piled back into the van and headed into the Mayan mountains. The road got bumpy — at one point someone’s water bottle rolled under my seat and I never saw it again. We boarded this old-looking pontoon boat on the Macal River; it was quieter than I expected, just birds calling and our guide telling stories about jaguars and how his grandmother used to cook with wild herbs from these forests. At one waterfall stop, I slipped on a rock (classic me), but ended up laughing with two other travelers who did exactly the same thing right after. The water was cold enough to wake you up for real.

Lunch was simple but good — rice, beans, chicken, some spicy sauce that Luis warned us about (I ignored him and paid for it). Sitting there with wet hair and muddy shoes, eating with people I’d only just met that morning… it felt oddly familiar. Maybe it’s something about sharing food after swimming under waterfalls in Belize that makes strangers less strange? Anyway, if you’re thinking about a day trip to Xunantunich from San Ignacio or anywhere nearby, don’t overthink it — just go. I still think about that view from El Castillo sometimes when things get too noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Xunantunich and Jungle Waterfall Adventure

• Guided tour of Xunantunich Mayan Temple and history
• Explore waterfalls on inland Jungle pontoon cruise

Top questions

How long does the Xunantunich & Jungle Pontoon Waterfall tour take?

The tour lasts most of a full day including travel between sites.

Is lunch included on this day trip to Xunantunich?

Yes, lunch is included during the tour.

Do I need to be very fit for this Belize waterfall adventure?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

Are guides provided during the Xunantunich visit?

Yes, a local guide accompanies you throughout the day.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Transport by private vehicle with air conditioning is included.

Can vegetarians be accommodated on this tour?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is public transportation nearby for joining this tour?

Public transportation options are available nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by private air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees and taxes covered, guidance from a knowledgeable local throughout both Xunantunich ruins and jungle river cruise stops, plus lunch (with vegetarian options if needed) before returning in comfort later that afternoon.