Xunantunich Maya Temple & Big Rock Falls from San Ignacio

Cross a hand-cranked ferry to climb a 130-foot Maya pyramid, then swim in emerald pools under a thundering waterfall.

This full-day tour from San Ignacio combines Xunantunich Maya Temple and Big Rock Falls, with a small group, a professional guide, and hotel pickup included. You cross the Mopan River by hand-cranked ferry to reach El Castillo, explore the ruins with a guide, enjoy a sit-down local lunch, then drive 45 minutes into Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve to hike and swim at Big Rock Falls. The tour runs 7 to 8 hours and is paced for all ages, though it requires moderate fitness and is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve45m
2. Big Rock Falls3h

Explore Xunantunich and Big Rock Falls

• Hotel pickup in San Ignacio
• Drive to San Jose Succotz village
• Cross Mopan River on hand-cranked ferry
• Explore Xunantunich Maya Temple
• Climb El Castillo for jungle views
• Enjoy authentic local lunch
• Drive through Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
• Hike and swim at Big Rock Falls
• Relax under 150-foot waterfall

The experience

San Ignacio sits at the edge of two very different Belize experiences, and this tour stacks them into one day. You start with the ruins: a drive to San Jose Succotz, then a crossing of the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry that has worked this route for decades. On the far side stands Xunantunich, where El Castillo rises 130 feet above the jungle canopy. Your guide walks you through the site, explaining the Maya civilization that built it while howler monkeys call from the trees and iguanas move through the brush. The pyramid itself is the draw. The climb is steep but manageable, and the view from the top reaches across the Maya Mountains.

After exploring the temple, you refuel with an authentic sit-down lunch before heading deeper into the landscape. A 45-minute drive takes you into Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, passing through Maya villages and pine forest on the way to Big Rock Falls. Access here runs through San Miguel Camp Grounds, a private entrance that gives you well-maintained restrooms and picnic areas most visitors never see. The waterfall itself drops 150 feet into emerald pools. You hike down into the canyon, swim in the massive basin, and rest in the spray: the kind of moment that feels like the opposite of the temple, raw and immediate instead of ancient and studied.

The whole day moves slowly by design. Your driver and guide are Belizean and know both sites inside out. They handle the route while you watch the landscape change from town to river to ruins to forest. Transportation, park fees, lunch, bottled water, sodas, towels and equipment all come with the booking. Hotel pickup applies to hotels within town limits (5 km radius). Pickups outside that zone may carry an extra charge, so confirm when you book.

What’s included

Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off within town limits, a professional guide fluent in English, park entrance fees for both Xunantunich and Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, lunch at a local restaurant, bottled water and sodas throughout the day, towels, and any equipment needed for the hikes and swimming.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to11h before

AgesAdult (18 to 69 years) · Senior (70 to 85 years) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 8 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 45

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: “The Cayo Welcome Center. Your driver/guide will have a sign with your name for easy recognition. He will meet you outside of the Cayo Welcome Center's office”

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?Small groups keep the pace manageable and the guide's attention personal. This tour suits families and mixed-fitness groups because the itinerary is slow-paced and designed for all ages, though you do need moderate fitness for the pyramid climb and the hike down to the waterfall pools.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 17 years); Child (3 to 8 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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 at Xunantunich?

El Castillo is Belize's second-largest Maya structure, standing 130 feet tall at the Xunantunich temple site. You climb to the top for panoramic views across the jungle and the Maya Mountains.

How do you get across the Mopan River to reach Xunantunich?

You cross on a hand-cranked ferry in the village of San Jose Succotz. Your guide operates it, and the crossing is part of the tour experience.

Can you swim at Big Rock Falls?

Yes. Big Rock Falls drops 150 feet into large emerald pools where you can swim and cool off. The waterfall is the main stop in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve after lunch.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes transportation, a professional English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off (for hotels within town limits), park entrance fees, lunch, bottled water, sodas, towels and any equipment needed.

How long is the drive to Big Rock Falls from Xunantunich?

After lunch, it's a 45-minute scenic drive through Maya villages and pine forest to reach Big Rock Falls in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.