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Maya Ruin Tours
Belize Maya Ruin Tours
For more than 2,000 years, the ancient Maya were the dominant civilization in Central America. The heartland of the Maya world lies in what is now Belize, and modern-day visitors can explore more than two dozen ancient sites that have been clawed back from the jungle. The Maya created an enduring civilization of incredible complexity and architectural prowess. Many of their finest temples, pyramids, and buildings have lasted virtually unchanged for thousands of years.
The warm climate, fertile soil, and extensive network of rivers and offshore islands made Belize one of the most heavily populated centers of the ancient Maya world. Enormous cities with colossal pyramids and palaces were built all across modern-day Belize. Sites such as Xunantunich and Caracol vied with dynasties in Tikal, just down the Belize River in what is now modern-day Guatemala, for control of the area.
Caves Branch adventure tours allow you to walk in the steps of the ancient Maya and immerse yourself in the history and remnants of this great civilization.
The adventures below are best experienced as part of our all-inclusive packages but can also be booked individually. Individual tours (without a package) must be booked ahead of time. If you book a package, one of our friendly guides will meet with you when you arrive and answer your questions and help you decide which tours are best for you. You can also contact us for more details at any time.
Xunantunich & Cahal Pech
INTENSITY LEVEL:
Easy
Embark on a fabulous adventure to see some of the finest Maya Ruins in Belize. The drive through the western villages of Belize is a cultural experience with views of colorful homes, schools, and market-places.
Your first stop is the Xunantunich Mayan temples (Mayan for “Maiden of the Rock”). Ride across the Mopan River on one of the country’s last of two hand-cranked river ferries. Across the river, the tallest of the ruins stand at approximately 130 feet high, the second tallest Mayan ruin in Belize-offering a panoramic view of San Ignacio and nearby towns in Guatemala and the River below.
Experience an authentic Belizean lunch before heading off to the second stop on this Maya history tour – the ruins of Cahal Pech, meaning “Place of the Ticks”.
Cahal Pech Maya Ruin is located just minutes from downtown San Ignacio. The information that this site provides allows us to create a mental picture of the early settlement and living habitats of the people who created these ruins.
Although the Cahal Pech ruins are smaller in size than any of the other popular ruins in Belize, their religious significance is vital to the story of the ancient Maya. Among the fascinating objects discovered, archaeologists found carvings made from Conch shells, molded female figurines, pottery made with jade and obsidian thought to be imported from Guatemala, and other items used for sacrificial purposes. Also of interest are the two Ball Courts at Cahal Pech- which according to the writings of the Popol Vuh (sacred “bible” of the Maya), the game is believed to have been a ritual where victims to be sacrificed were first “defeated” by their captors.
Intensity Level:
(2 of 5 sweat drops) Easy – light hiking and climbing
Age Recommendation:
All Ages
Includes:
Guide & transportation to and from each location (lunch not included)
Mandatory Items to Bring:
Comfortable light weight long pants or shorts and a light shirt that allow for easy movement. Well-treaded sneakers, or high quality walking shoe, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a hat.
Tikal in Guatemala
INTENSITY LEVEL:
Easy
Get ready for a full-day adventure into neighboring Guatemala at the world-famous Tikal Maya Ruins. This expedition showcases the amazing architecture, irrigation water systems, and grand plazas of the ancient Maya. It is one of the largest archaeological centers of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization and is located in the archaeological region of northern Peten, Guatemala. Located in the area known as Peten, Guatemala.
Your scenic ride to Tikal will pass the beautiful Lake Peten Itza – one of Guatemala’s most popular spots, with views of the island of Flores in the distance. The highway into Tikal Park is filled with wildlife.
Your tour leaves the lodge at 5:30 AM and returns between 5:30-6:00 PM.
The adventure trip includes:
- Round trip transportation
- Guatemalan border and park fees
- Four hours of guided tours at the site and enough time to walk around on your own
- Optional stops on the way back for photographs and shopping
- Breakfast is included
Intensity Level:
(2 of 5 sweat drops) Easy – light hiking and climbing
Age Recommendation:
Ages 4 and up
Includes:
Guide, transportation to & from Tikal & park entrance fees to Tikal park. Lunch & Belize departure tax are not included & are to be paid by visitor directly.
Mandatory Items to Bring:
Valid passport is required. Comfortable light weight long pants or shorts and a light shirt that allow for easy movement. Well treaded sneakers, or high quality walking shoe, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, sun hat.
Passports and Visas:
Visitors with US passports or the new bar-coded EU passport do not require a visa to enter into Guatemala. All other visitors should check with their embassy about getting a multiple entry visa for Belize and a Guatemalan visa if they plan to visit Tikal.
For guests who do require a VISA to enter Belize-if you were given a single entry visa on arrival in Belize, you will not be able to travel to TIKAL as you will not be allowed to re-enter Belize a second time. All travelers to Tikal must have a “multi-entry visa” to visit these amazing ruins.
Maya Ancient Ceremonial Caving and Tubing
Many of the ancient Maya’s ceremonial caves have been re-discovered, untouched for thousands of years and containing altars, ritual objects, and even the remains of sacrificial victims. Caves Branch’s unforgettable cave tours take you on a journey of underground rivers, waterfalls, giant sink holes and adventures you wont soon forget.
Our tours are best experienced as part of an all-inclusive package
but can also be booked individually.
“For the final trip we headed Tikal to see the Mayan ruins in Guatemala, a great but long day, left at 5:30 am and returned at 6:30 pm. I highly recommend it. Great history, lots of monkeys and a look at two countries landscapes and people.”
– Floridaman125: A TripAdvisor User –