
Xunantunich and Cahal Pech from San Ignacio
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 35 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Xunantunich and Cahal Pech from San Ignacio worth booking?
Xunantunich and Cahal Pech from San Ignacio is a 5-hour experience in San Ignacio, Belize, from $165 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 35 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (35)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $165 per person
7:30am - 8am pickup from hotels in SAN IGNACIO Town for 2 great Maya sites: Cahal Pech & Xunantunich, unique places to get yourselves familiar with Maya history. Climb, explore and fascinate yourselves with extraordinary structures built by mysterious Mayan people who continue to captivate our full attention and never ending questions as to who, where and what happened to them. Let yourself be pampered by the cool jungle settings, towering structures, let the Maya land whisper to you many of its secrets through your knowledgeable local guide, let time come to a standstill, while you admire breathtaking views of the forest-covered neighboring sites of Actuncan and San Lorenzo Valley before enjoying lunch at a local Restaurant. TOUR STARTS from SAN IGNACIO town UNLESS arrangements are made with local provider PRIOR to tour date. SPECIAL DIETS or ALLERGIES must be informed at time of booking. EXTRA FEE (payable cash at pickup time) for any pickups & drop offs OUTSIDE SAN IGNACIO TOWN.
What you get
About this experience
7:30am - 8am pickup from hotels in SAN IGNACIO Town for 2 great Maya sites: Cahal Pech & Xunantunich, unique places to get yourselves familiar with Maya history. Climb, explore and fascinate yourselves with extraordinary structures built by mysterious Mayan people who continue to captivate our full attention and never ending questions as to who, where and what happened to them. Let yourself be pampered by the cool jungle settings, towering structures, let the Maya land whisper to you many of its secrets through your knowledgeable local guide, let time come to a standstill, while you admire breathtaking views of the forest-covered neighboring sites of Actuncan and San Lorenzo Valley before enjoying lunch at a local Restaurant. TOUR STARTS from SAN IGNACIO town UNLESS arrangements are made with local provider PRIOR to tour date. SPECIAL DIETS or ALLERGIES must be informed at time of booking. EXTRA FEE (payable cash at pickup time) for any pickups & drop offs OUTSIDE SAN IGNACIO TOWN.
What's included
Included
- Professional local guide
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Transport by private vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels only)
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Entrance fees and meals for infants
- pickups & drop offs to hotels/resorts OUTSIDE of San Ignacio Town
What you'll see and do
Cahal Pech
Enjoy this tranquil & unique maya site: 1 - 2 hrs almost to yourself. Cahal Pech gives you a perfect start to maya history before heading to a bigger site - Xunantunich. Cahal Pech and Xunantunich both share an interesting history during the same time periods yet so different in setting.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Xunantunich
You will explore the majestic Xunantunich maya site ( 1-2 hrs) hike, climb maya structures, enjoy amazing views of the countryside.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. (Lunch may change venue/location only if necessary)
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
San Ignacio
The Welcome Center OR your hotel/resort in San Ignacio Town. PICKUPs/DROPOFFs to ANY location more than 20 minutes driving from San Ignacio Town may NOT be provided by St Leonard's, and you will be contacted after your name and address of your hotel is confirmed by local provider.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
The Welcome Center OR your hotel/resort in San Ignacio Town. PICKUPs/DROPOFFs to ANY location more than 20 minutes driving from San Ignacio Town may NOT be provided by St Leonard's, and you will be contacted after your name and address of your hotel is confirmed by local provider.
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
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- REQUIRED: min of 2 people, Children must be accompanied with one paying adult
- LOCAL PROVIDER must be informed of any vegetarran, vegan, gluten free or any other FOOF ALLERGY
- Wheelchair accessible; please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
- Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately as per local weather on day of tour
- REQUEST FOR car seat must be done at least 24 hours before tour date
- TOUR NOT AVAILABLE for CRUISE SHIP passengers due to duration of tour plus driving distance to & from cruise ship terminals
- PICKUP time starts 7am OR EARLIER for any hotel outside of San Ignacio town as per arrangement with local provider - before tour date
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 35 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
35 verified traveler reviews for Xunantunich and Cahal Pech from San Ignacio. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Step into the Mayan culture!
Great tour with and an excellent guide. Peter was knowledgeable in the rich history of the Mayan culture. The ruins are well preserved. We went in a week day and it wasn’t busy at all. Lunch was a tradition belizean meal at a local restaurant and probably one of our best meals on the trip. Highly recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing about your time with your time with St Leonard's and Peter. We are so glad you were able to enjoy the site largely on your own and learn about the world of the ancient Maya. We are so happy you also enjoyed your grub to cap off a wonderful day.
via Viator
Rod was very...
Rod was very knowledgeable. We started at 8am and with the early start there was almost no one there at Cahal Pech which made it very intimate and unlike Chichen Itza which felt more like a tourist trap in Mexico. This felt off the beaten path and hard to believe that it was just us there. Rod was an excellent host and I would recommend this tour. He also took us to a nice local restaurant after.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for choosing St Leonard’s for your adventure. There’s something truly special about exploring Cahal Pech in the quiet of the early morning, and we’re so glad Rod was able to create that intimate, meaningful atmosphere for you. Avoiding the crowds and feeling like you’ve discovered something hidden and authentic is exactly the kind of memory we hope our guests take home. Rod takes great pride in making history feel personal and unhurried, and we love that you felt so well cared for throughout the day. We’re honored to have been part of your Belize experience and hope we can welcome you back for another unforgettable journey
via Viator
Rod is the best!
Rod (Rudolph) was an amazing guide, perfectly combining his experience as an educator and his passion for sharing the Mayan culture and his beautiful hometown. So knowledgeable and kind, I highly recommend Rod and his staff for any and all tours you want to do in the San Ignacio are
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! At St. Leonard's, we are proud to have passionate guides like Rod, who bring history and culture to life with their knowledge and dedication. If you too are looking for an enriching and memorable tour experience in San Ignacio, we would love to share our beautiful home with you!
via Tripadvisor
xunantunich and cahal Pech tour form San Igancio
We had a wonderful guide (2/1/2025), who was able to give us interesting background, respond to all our questions, and make the trip just what we wanted. Cannot recommend this company and trip enough
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words! At St. Leonard’s, we believe that every tour should be more than just a journey—it should be an unforgettable experience filled with history, connection, and adventure. Rod’s passion and amazing insights about all things Maya and love for sharing Belize’s rich culture and landscapes truly makes each trip special, and we’re thrilled he made your experience exactly what you wanted. To all future guests, if you’re looking for a guide who brings history to life and a tour that feels personal and meaningful, we can’t wait to welcome you!
via Tripadvisor
Incredible Mayan sites
Both sites were quite different in a good way Peche Cahal more compact but had some interesting passageways. Xuanantich was larger and had a larger central pyramid. Our guide, Jose, was incredibly knowledgeable and had a great personality. I would go on any tour he was guiding.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking time to write a 5 Star review. We really appreciate it!! We are so glad you had a great experience with St Leonard's and Jose.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 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
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- 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 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Xunantunich and Cahal Pech from San Ignacio: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Ignacio.
How much does Xunantunich and Cahal Pech from San Ignacio cost?
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Prices start at $165 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 Xunantunich and Cahal Pech from San Ignacio take?
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Plan for about 5 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 Xunantunich and Cahal Pech from San Ignacio worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 35 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 Xunantunich and Cahal Pech 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 Xunantunich and Cahal Pech from San Ignacio suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Xunantunich and Cahal Pech from San Ignacio?
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Around 12 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Xunantunich and Cahal Pech 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 Xunantunich and Cahal Pech from San Ignacio?
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Included: Professional local guide; Bottled water; Lunch; Transport by private vehicle; and Hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels only). Not included: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase); Entrance fees and meals for infants; and pickups & drop offs to hotels/resorts OUTSIDE of San Ignacio Town. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Xunantunich and Cahal Pech from San Ignacio include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 11 listed pickup locations in and around San Ignacio. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Xunantunich and Cahal Pech 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 Xunantunich and Cahal Pech 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 Xunantunich and Cahal Pech from San Ignacio wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and Wheelchair accessible; please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is requir. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Xunantunich and Cahal Pech 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 Xunantunich and Cahal Pech from San Ignacio?
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Across 35 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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