Xunantunich Maya Temple & Cave Tubing from San Ignacio

You cross the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry to reach the ruins.

This full-day tour from San Ignacio combines Xunantunich Maya Temple and Nohoch Che'en Cave Tubing in a small group, with hotel pickup, lunch and all equipment included. You cross the historic hand-cranked ferry to the ruins, explore the ancient site with a guide, then hike to Jaguar Paw Cave and float through an underground river system lit by headlamp, with your guide describing the cave's natural formations and archaeological significance along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Maya ruins and cave tubing

• Drive to San Jose Succotz village
• Cross Mopan River by hand-cranked ferry
• Explore Xunantunich Maya Temple with guide
• Have authentic local lunch in village
• Hike 30 minutes along river to cave entrance
• Float through Jaguar Paw Cave tubing adventure

The experience

San Jose Succotz sits about ten minutes west of San Ignacio, and the day starts there. You'll board the hand-cranked ferry that crosses the Mopan River to reach Xunantunich. The ferry itself is part of the experience, a working piece of history that has moved visitors to the site for generations. Once across, the ruins rise from jungle thick with howler monkeys, spider monkeys, birds and iguanas. Your guide walks you through the ceremonial plazas and stone structures while explaining the history of the Maya civilization that built them. The site sits in pristine jungle surroundings, so you're not moving through crowds. Small group sizes mean individual attention and an unhurried pace.

Lunch happens at a restaurant in the village before you head to the cave tubing site. A thirty-minute hike along the river's edge brings you to the entrance of Jaguar Paw Cave, part of the largest cave system in Central America. The cave was carved by the river running through it, and archaeological research shows the ancient Maya came here to conduct important rituals. You strap on a headlamp and life vest, then float through the first cave on gentle currents while your guide talks about the stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone formations. The second section moves faster as the water picks up speed. You kick back and let the river carry you. The whole cave tubing stretch is the kind of thing you'll replay in your head for months.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels within ten kilometers of San Ignacio Town, and you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle. The tour runs seven to eight hours total. All equipment for the cave tubing (headlamp, life vest, towels) comes with the booking, along with bottled water, park entrance fees and lunch. Your guide speaks English and leads the whole day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within ten kilometers of San Ignacio Town.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• park entrance fees.
• lunch at a local restaurant with refreshments.
• cave tubing equipment including headlamp, life vest and towels.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to11h before

AgesAdult (18 to 85 years) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 8 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

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 2 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?Your guide speaks English throughout the day, so you follow the history and the natural formations without translation. Small group sizes mean you're not competing for the guide's attention or moving through the ruins and cave in a crowd.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 17 years); Child (5 to 8 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

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.

How do I get to Xunantunich from San Ignacio?

You drive to San Jose Succotz, about ten minutes west of town, then board the hand-cranked ferry that crosses the Mopan River to reach the ruins. The ferry is a historic crossing that has served visitors for generations.

What is Jaguar Paw Cave part of?

Jaguar Paw Cave is part of the largest cave system in Central America, carved by the river that still runs through it. Archaeological research shows the ancient Maya visited the site to conduct important rituals.

What happens during the cave tubing portion?

You hike thirty minutes along the river's edge to the cave entrance, then put on a headlamp and life vest. Your guide leads you through two sections: the first moves at a gentle pace on calm currents, and the second flows faster as the water picks up speed. Your guide explains the natural formations (stalactites, stalagmites and limestone shapes) as you float through.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes, lunch is included at a restaurant in San Jose Succotz village between the ruins and the cave tubing site. Let the operator know about any dietary restrictions or preferences when you book.

What equipment and gear do I need to bring?

You don't need to bring anything for the cave tubing: headlamp, life vest and towels are all provided. The tour includes bottled water throughout the day, and you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off.