
Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio worth booking?
Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio is a 9-hour experience in San Ignacio, Belize, from $140 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (12)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $140 per person
This full-day tour includes an authentic Belizean lunch, Rio Frio Cave and Rio on pools. Get ready to explore this once very powerful site where great Mayan royals ruled, lived, died and now lay buried. Let the surrounding jungle whisper its secrets of past and present civilizations. Walk and explore places where only royals were allowed. Peak into their living quarters and let your imagination take you back in time and marvel at what was left behind. (October - February be prepared for some rainy days and off road driving- muddy)
What you get
About this experience
This full-day tour includes an authentic Belizean lunch, Rio Frio Cave and Rio on pools. Get ready to explore this once very powerful site where great Mayan royals ruled, lived, died and now lay buried. Let the surrounding jungle whisper its secrets of past and present civilizations. Walk and explore places where only royals were allowed. Peak into their living quarters and let your imagination take you back in time and marvel at what was left behind. (October - February be prepared for some rainy days and off road driving- muddy)
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Rio Frio Cave and Rio on Pools
- Lunch
- Local, professional driver/guide
- Transport by private, air conditioned vehicle
Not included
- The listed price does not include a departure tax per person, payable at the time of tour check-in. The departure tax is required by our local supplier and/or the local transit or governing authority and is not within our control
- Gratuities
- Any hotel outside San Ignacio Town, Cayo District may incur a small additional fee
What you'll see and do
St. Leonard's Tours
Our guide will meet you at your hotel and drive to the great maya city of Caracol. Bring along comfortable footwear and clothing to comfort you in the full day's adventure ahead of you. Climb the great Caana, be marveled by such a powerful city in the middle of the jungle, how they conquered and built such an enigmatic society. Let the jungle give you a look at the hundreds of ancient structures as you walk the trails in search of answers to quench your curiosity.
Pass by without stopping
The Maya Ruins of Caracol
This mysterious and mighty maya city of Caracol has some of the most fascinating history and architectural work that never stops to amazing visitors. Its location and great power to subdue its enemy is still captivating. Come explore and be marvelled with such ancient structures.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Rio Frio Cave
Explore this unique cave surrounded by jungle in the Mountain Pine Ridge area.(this cave may be affected by bad weather/heavy rains)
30 minutes here
Rio On Pools
After a day for driving and exploring the big mayan city of Caracol you will be more than happy to leave your vehicle for a refreshing dip in the waters of the Rio on Pools.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- St Leonard's Tours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- A minimum of 4 people per booking is required
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A trip highlight - a great family adventure
Our trip to Caracol was a true highlight of our visit to Belize. Elio was the kindest, most knowledgable guide you could ever wish for. He was amazing with our 9 year-old, knew so much about local history, plants, and animals, and went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. Caracol was amazing. There were so few people there, it felt like we had the place to ourselves. Climbing and exploring was fun for everyone. We learned so much history and saw such a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. We highly recommend this trip - the road is definitely rough, but the rewards are worth it. If you are lucky enough to be able to go with Elio, you will be in such good hands.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking time to write a review. What an incredible adventure you had at Caracol! It's great to hear that Elio made your trip so special with his kindness, knowledge, and attention to detail, especially in making sure your 9-year-old had an amazing time. Caracol's serene atmosphere and the chance to explore with so much freedom must have been truly magical. The rich history, diverse wildlife, and the sense of exclusivity at the site sound like an experience of a lifetime. Thank you for recommending this trip and highlighting the rugged road as a small trade-off for such remarkable rewards. It's fantastic to hear that Elio's guidance made the journey even more extraordinary!
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic tour of Caracol
We had a lovely tour with Elio at Caracol. The ride to the park was long and bumpy as the road is under construction, but the benefit was that we had nearly the whole park to ourselves. The views and history are remarkable, the food was delicious, and elio is full of knowledge about Mayan and Belizean history and culture
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking time to write a review. At St Leonard's we are very happy you had a wonderful day enjoying the amazing Caracol with Elio. You were indeed fortunate to have the site almost to yourself as this is not always the case!!! Hopefully not even the odd mosquito disturbed the serenity of the location.
via Viator
Don't miss this tour!
I have traveled extensively and taken tours around the world (including 6 other Mayan sites) and this was one of the best tours and companies I have used! Caracol is a little out of the way for most tourist but as the largest Mayan site in Belize, it’s a must see. It's a 2 and half hour drive from San Ignacio down mostly ruff dirt/muddy roads. You technically can drive it yourself if you have a 4-wheel drive but don't unless you are used to driving in adverse conditions. While there are few turn offs, there are even fewer directional signs. For this reason, we booked this tour. We decided to leave the driving to an expert. Don't let the road scare you away from this once in a lifetime trip, it's worth every moment. Before the trip, I did my research and read the reviews. St Leonard's had the best review I could find. I emailed and Carla quickly responded, answering all my questions. As the trip got closer, I emailed with other travel/Covid concerns and Carla again eased my mind and was very helpful. Once in country, I called Carla and hammered out the details. Early the next morning, Elio picked us up at the hotel and off we went into the jungle. He was a fantastic and knowledgeable guide. He not only knew his Mayan history but also knew the flora and fauna. He truly made our day exciting and educational. We made many wonderful memories that day that will last a lifetime. After a wonderful homemade picnic lunch, we started the long trek back. Along the way we stopped at Rio Frio Cave and Rio On Pools. Both spots were impossibly gorgeous and a great side trip. Just FYI, there are changing facilities at the Rio On Pools so you don't have to ride back in your wet bathing suit. You spend a lot of money getting the San Ignacio and have traveled many miles, so don't miss out on this amazing world wonder. Book a guide to make the most out of your travels. I can honestly say that St Leonard's Tours has been one of my best travel experiences. I WILL l travel with them again. At this point, I would take any trip they offered. They treated us friends and not another tourist. We took 2 tours with St Leonard’s - Caracol and the combined tour of Xunantunich & Cahal Pech (see separate review). I highly recommend both.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your great review. We are very happy you enjoyed your tours with us and that our guide gave you a great experience. As a small company we try our best to share with all our guests what we love: horse riding, maya sites & caves and to make every experience unique to your interests. Thank you for choosing us. We'd love to have you again.
via Tripadvisor
A must do!!
Such a fun activity!! We rode horses around the property and along the river for 1.5 hours and heard all kinds of history and information from our guide (Kendall was with us). The horses had quite the personality but I never felt intimated or unsafe on top of the horse. Beautiful views, great conversation, and a relaxing ride - this should be on your list of things to do while visiting. Also - Carol, who owns the business, is so full of energy, passion, and love for what she does.
Response from the operator: Thank you for riding with us. It's great to hear you had a fun and enjoyable experience with us. Your safety and comfort are our priority, your unforgettable experience is our bonus and what makes us - St Leonard's and it's team, GREAT. Thank you.
via Tripadvisor
Definitely do you tour with St. Leonard's
I would recommend St. Leonard's to anyone, particularly for Caracol. Corresponding with them was easy and our guide was excellent. I definitely recommend including Rio Frio Cave and Rio On Pools as part of your trip.
Response from the operator: Thank you for choosing us. We are proud to have a hard working team - guides and behind the scene personnel who take time in planning and executing small group personalized tours. Your feedback keeps us growing as guides and as a company. Thank you.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by St Leonard's Tours, who run 12 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.9 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything St Leonard's Tours runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Ignacio.
How much does Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio cost?
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Prices start at $140 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Ignacio usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Ignacio is not rushed.
Is Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Ignacio, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Ignacio can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Ignacio and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Ignacio within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in San Ignacio?
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On Outty we rank every San Ignacio experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic, Xunantunich and Cave Tubing Combo Tour from San Ignacio, Tikal SUNSET, Archeological focus and Wildlife Spotting Tour (South and East). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit San Ignacio?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in San Ignacio?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Bottled water; Rio Frio Cave and Rio on Pools; Lunch; and Local, professional driver/guide. Not included: The listed price does not include a departure tax per person, payable at the time of tour; Gratuities; and Any hotel outside San Ignacio Town, Cayo District may incur a small additional fee. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 8 listed pickup locations in and around San Ignacio. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in San Ignacio. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Small group Caracol Tour from San Ignacio?
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Across 12 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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