Mayan Ruin & Cave tubing Tour Description
Beyond an incredible day, this is what is included:
​
-
Amazing Personal Service: From the moment we pick you up, our focus is on you. Expect a day tailored to your preferences, where every detail is designed to enhance your experience. Our team is dedicated to making sure you feel special and cared for throughout the entire journey
-
Exclusive Access to Unique Parts of the Cave: This isn't your average cave tour. We take you to hidden sections of the cave that most visitors never see. These exclusive areas offer a deeper insight into the mysteries of the cave, making your adventure truly one-of-a-kind.
-
Climbing Ancient Mayan Ruins: Experience the thrill of scaling ancient Mayan temples and structures. As you stand atop these ruins, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views and a profound connection to the past. This is not just a tour; it’s a chance to walk in the footsteps of the Maya.
-
Super Friendly and Knowledgeable Guides: Our guides are not only experts in the history and culture of the area but are also passionate about sharing their knowledge with you. They’re here to ensure your day is fun, informative, and filled with unforgettable moments. Their enthusiasm and warmth will make you feel like you’re exploring with a friend
-
All Equipment and Lunch Provided: We’ve taken care of all the details so you don’t have to. All necessary equipment, including safety gear for the caves and climbing, is provided. Plus, enjoy a delicious and satisfying lunch that will keep you energized for the adventures ahead. Just bring your sense of adventure—we’ll handle the rest!
Itinerary for Private Xunantunich & Cave Tubing Adventure
Pickup Time at 7 AM
Your adventure kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in San Ignacio at 7 am, followed by a quick 15-minute drive to the San Jose Succotz river ferry. As we approach the mystical Xunantunich Mayan ruins, your guide will brief you on the thrilling day ahead. At the ferry, we’ll step out for a brief but exciting river crossing. Once across, it’s a short 3-minute drive to the Xunantunich car park.
Explore the Legendary Xunantunich Ruins at 8-10 AM
Embark on a journey back in time as we explore the iconic Xunantunich ruins. After parking, take a moment to gear up—use the facilities, apply sunscreen, and grab your water. Then, we dive into the ancient world of the Maya. Once you've soaked in the history, we’ll set off on a scenic drive to the Jaguar Paw caves.
Prepare for Adventure at Jaguar Paw at 10-12:30 PM
Arrive at Jaguar Paw, where the real adventure kicks in! Change into your swimwear, refuel with a hearty lunch, and gear up for cave tubing with a helmet, headlamp, and life vest. A 30-minute trek through the jungle takes us to the cave entrance, where the excitement awaits.
Float Through Mysterious Cave Systems at 1-4 PM
Get ready to float through the mysterious cave systems, guided by the soft glow of your headlamp. After a thrilling 45-minute journey through the cave, we’ll venture into the hidden chambers for an extra dose of exploration. This part of the tour requires some agility, but your guide will ensure you navigate it like a pro.
Wrap Up Your Epic Adventure at 4:15-5:30 PM
After an epic day, we’ll return to the car park to freshen up before the final leg of our journey. We’ll then drive back to San Ignacio and drop you off at your hotel, capping off an unforgettable day of adventure.
Important Note on Exclusions
Children must be 40 inches tall to go cave tubing. All children can go to Xunantunich and climb the Mayan ruins, however they must be accompanied by an adult and must remain on the designated paths. Additionally, all children must remain with their parent/s while on the Mayan structures.
​
Older adults or people with a physical ailment are also welcome to climb the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich. People with a fear of heights (acrophobia) should notify the guide prior to climbing the structures. Keep in mind that while guests with a physical challenge may take longer to climb the building/s, this is okay as everyone must go at their own pace.
​
The walk from the cave tubing car park to the cave entrance is approximately 30 minutes on a flat jungle trail. This should be kept in mind if you have any significant physical limitations. People with serious heart conditions are also advised against going to the cave.
Questions about Tour
The following are commonly asked questions by our guests. How long does the tour last? This is a comprehensive full-day experience, typically spanning 10 to 11 hours. The duration may vary based on your interests and pace, but most guests find it takes at least 10 hours. The tour begins with a 7:30 am pick-up, and drop-off is usually between 5:00 and 6:00 pm. What is included in the tour price? The tour price covers lunch, water, round-trip transportation from San Ignacio, all necessary equipment, a personal guide, entrance tickets, and transportation to both sites. Will we have a guide during the tour? Yes, all tours are conducted by friendly and knowledgeable guides. They will provide safety instructions and share detailed information about the sites you visit. Can I take photos during the tour, especially in the caves? Certainly! Just keep in mind that the cave is wet, so it’s important to use a waterproof case that you’ve tested beforehand. The cave features many beautiful sights that you’ll want to capture. We recommend using waterproof action cameras like GoPros or any similar waterproof brand. What is the best time of the year to visit Xunantunich? Any time is a great time to visit, but if you prefer hot, sunny weather, the dry season from January to May is ideal, with warm and sunny days. From June to December, it’s still hot, but with more frequent rainfall. Heavy downpours during this period may cause the cave to close due to flooding. What are the safety guidelines for cave tubing? All participants must wear life jackets, helmets, and headlamps. Your guide will also give you a briefing before entering the water and demonstrate how to use the equipment.