Ziplining in San Ignacio: Barton Creek Cave & jungle canopy

Canoe into a Maya cave, then zip through the jungle or hike to a waterfall

A four-hour combination tour from San Ignacio that starts with a canoe paddle into Barton Creek Cave (a navigable stretch of the Maya Underworld), then branches into your choice of a 2-hour jungle zipline run with nine lines and 15 platforms, a visit to a butterfly farm with over 120 plant species, or a hike to Big Rock Falls. Transport, lunch with a drink, and all park fees are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Barton Creek Cave and optional activities

• Travel through farmland to Barton Creek
• Board canoes at cave entrance
• Paddle into Barton Creek Cave
• Learn about cave geology and Maya history
• See crystal formations inside cave
• Return by canoe and swim
• Choose optional zipline, butterfly farm, or waterfall
• Enjoy lunch included in tour

The experience

The day opens at Barton Creek Cave, where you board an open canoe and paddle into a cave system that stretches for miles. Headlights illuminate crystal formations millions of years old as the guide explains the geology and Maya history of the passages. You'll float roughly 4.5 miles of navigable waterway, then paddle back out and finish the cave portion with a refreshing swim. This half-day core is the same regardless of which add-on you choose.

After the cave, you pick your second activity. The jungle zipline option runs 2,700 feet across nine lines and 15 platforms suspended over and through the canopy, combining Explorer and Intermedio difficulty levels and ending with a 500-foot return run on the jungle lift platform. The butterfly farm visit lets you walk among flocks of exotic species (iridescent blue, orange, yellow, gray), and explore a botanical garden of over 120 plant species including orchids. The Big Rock Falls option is a hike down the escarpment into Mountain Pine Ridge to a 150-foot waterfall cascading over granite boulders into a crystal pool.

Transport by private vehicle is included from your hotel, along with lunch and a drink. The tour runs four hours total. A guide leads throughout in English or Spanish, and the operator notes that vegetarian meals are available if you request one at booking.

What’s included

• Private vehicle transport from your hotel.
• canoe and headlights for the cave exploration.
• zipline equipment and harness (if you choose the zipline option).
• entry to Barton Creek Cave and the national park.
• lunch with a drink.
• all taxes and handling fees.

Options for this experience

4 options

Guide in English or Spanish09:00

Guide in English or SpanishAvailable from 12 Dec · 09:00 and 13:00

Guide in English or Spanish09:00

Guide in English or Spanish09:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

Book up to11h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 32 pickup points.Operator's directions: “Tours depart our office in San Ignacio. free Pick up can be arranged if location is on route to tour site.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MayaWalk Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if your group splits between thrill-seekers and explorers. You'll canoe into the cave together, then choose zipline, butterfly farm, or waterfall separately, reconvening for lunch, all in one booking.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 2): free.

Can I do the zipline if I've never zipped before?

The jungle zipline combines Explorer and Intermedio levels, so it is designed for people new to ziplining as well as those with some experience. The nine runs progress through the difficulty range, and the final 500-foot return uses the jungle lift platform.

What exactly is Barton Creek Cave?

Barton Creek Cave is the entrance to the Maya Underworld and can only be reached by canoe. The navigable section stretches 4.5 miles through passages where you'll see crystal formations and learn about the archaeology and history of the site from your guide.

How long is the canoe part of the tour?

The canoe exploration of Barton Creek Cave makes up the first half of the day. After paddling in, exploring the cave passages, and paddling back out, you finish with a swim before moving on to your chosen second activity.

What's included in the price?

Transport by private vehicle, all equipment for your chosen activity, entry to the national park, lunch with a drink, and all taxes and fees are included. Gratuities are not included.

Is there a choice of what to do after the cave?

Yes. After Barton Creek Cave you choose between a 2-hour jungle zipline run, a visit to the butterfly farm and botanical garden, or a hike to Big Rock Falls waterfall. You pick one when you book.