Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 159 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio worth booking?
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio is a 3-hour experience in San Ignacio, Belize, from $85 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 159 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (159)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $85 per person
Small groups for a personalized experience. Convenient pick up and drop off at your hotel within 10km of San Ignacio town. Xunantunich Maya Temple means “Maiden of the Rock," and it is located only 30 minutes south-west
What you get
About this experience
Small groups for a personalized experience. Convenient pick up and drop off at your hotel within 10km of San Ignacio town. Xunantunich Maya Temple means “Maiden of the Rock," and it is located only 30 minutes south-west of San Ignacio Town, in the beautiful village of San Jose Succotz. This makes this site one of the most accessible Maya Temples in the area. To gain access to this magnificent site one must cross the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry. This is also a great place to pick up souvenirs and popular gift items like hand-made hammocks, slate carvings, jewelry, etc.
What's included
Included
- Professional local guide
- Bottled water
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Food and drinks
- Lunch
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Xunantunich
Xunantunichi, pronounced 'Shoo - Nan - Tu - Nich', gets its name from a legendary folktale about the ghost of a woman who as locals have it inhabited the sacred grounds as far back as the late 1800’s. A classic period (300 – 900AD) ceremonial center located just a stone’s throw away from San Ignacio in the beautiful Maya village of San Jose Succotz, making this one of the most accessible Maya Temples in the area. Xunantunich boasts Belize’s second largest Maya structures named El Castillo (The Castle) standing 130 feet and offering an astonishing panoramic view of the Maya Mountains.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Located just a stone’s throw away from San Ignacio in the beautiful Maya village of San Jose Succotz, making this one of the most accessible Maya Temples in the area. Xunantunich boasts Belize’s second largest Maya structures named El Castillo (The Castle) standing 130 feet and offering an astonishing panoramic view of the Maya Mountains. To get to the site one must cross the Mopan River by a hand cranked ferry, which then gives us access to the one mile ascent into one of Belize’s most popular sites. Here you will find yourself immersed in pristine jungle surroundings, home of howler monkeys, spider monkeys, birds and iguanas. While exploring along with your guide, you will learn about the history of this site and the Maya civilization that once inhabited it.
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
San Ignacio
The Cayo Welcome Center. Your driver/guide will have a sign with your name for easy recognition. He will meet you outside of the Cayo Welcome Center's office
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
The Cayo Welcome Center. Your driver/guide will have a sign with your name for easy recognition. He will meet you outside of the Cayo Welcome Center's office
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cayo Inland Expeditions
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- Things to bring along: Cool and comfortable clothing, hiking/tennis shoes, camera, bug spray, sun block lotion
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 159 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
159 verified traveler reviews for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Good tour
Very good experience. It was just the two of us, so it ended up being a private tour. The guide, who was also the driver, was friendly and knowledgeable. He took the time to answer all our questions and took pictures of us as well. The place is definitely worth the visit, although it is less impressive than Tikal (in Flores, Guatemala).
via Viator
Amazing adventure
From start to finish the Maya Walk Tour staff made this experience one of a kind. The staff members were knowledgeable and passionate about not only the environment but the history. Maya Walk provided hotel pick up and drop off which made this excursion especially convenient. Francis was an amazing tour guide who looked after the group while sharing his knowledge and making us laugh. Another highlight was the meal provided by a local family — delicious and a true taste of Belize.
via Tripadvisor
Great day in Belize!
The Xunantunich ruins were beautiful. Our guide, Pedro, was quite knowledgeable, sharing Mayan history for each building and area. It was just the right amount! We decided to extend the adventure to include cave tubing. There was plenty of time for both and the tubing was fun and relaxing!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed exploring the magnificent Xunantunich Maya Ruins with Pedro. He has a true passion for sharing Belize's rich Maya history, and we're glad his insights made the experience both engaging and enjoyable. We're also happy you decided to extend your adventure with cave tubing—it’s the perfect combination of history, nature, and relaxation. Thank you for choosing Cayo Inland Expeditions. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable Belize adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Ruins and cave tubing tour
Our visit to Xunantunich was unforgettable, and a huge part of that was our amazing tour guide, Bern. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the Mayan civilization and shared fascinating stories and cultural insights that made the ruins come alive. You could tell he has a real passion and a background for preserving and teaching Mayan culture. As we climbed the ruins, Bern made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable, giving clear guidance and watching out for the group every step of the way. His professionalism and attention to safety allowed us to fully enjoy the incredible views and experience. We were also lucky enough to have Bern as our guide for cave tubing, and once again, he was outstanding. He kept us safe throughout the adventure, pointing out wildlife like crocodiles and snakes while making sure we knew what to expect. He even guided us to an exciting cliff-jumping spot, making the experience both thrilling and safe. If you're visiting Belize and have the chance to tour with Bern, don't hesitate. His knowledge, professionalism, focus on safety, and friendly personality made both the Xunantunich ruins and cave tubing adventures experiences we'll never forget. We highly recommend him! If you'd like, I can also make it shorter for Google Reviews or more enthusiastic for Facebook or TripAdvisor.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your incredible 5-star review! We're thrilled to hear that your Xunantunich & Cave Tubing adventure was such a memorable experience. We'll be sure to share your wonderful comments with Bern—he'll be honored to know his passion for Maya history, culture, and Belize's natural beauty made such a lasting impression. At Cayo Inland Expeditions, we believe the best tours combine education, adventure, and safety, and we're delighted that Bern's knowledge, storytelling, and dedication helped bring the ancient Maya world to life while ensuring everyone felt comfortable and confident throughout the day. Thank you for your kind recommendation. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back to Belize for another unforgettable adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Interesting and enjoyable
This tour was very interesting. I liked learning about the history even more than I thought I would. Pedro was very knowledgeable about more than just the Mayan history. I thoroughly enjoyed talking with him and learning from him. We also got to see spider monkeys, and even one with a baby on its back!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We're delighted to hear that your visit to Xunantunich exceeded your expectations and that you enjoyed learning about the fascinating history of the Maya civilization with Pedro. He loves sharing not only Belize's rich history but also its incredible wildlife and culture, so we're thrilled you had the chance to spot spider monkeys—including a mother carrying her baby! Those unexpected wildlife encounters make every tour even more memorable. Thank you for choosing Cayo Inland Expeditions!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 56
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Ignacio.
How much does Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio cost?
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Prices start at $85 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 Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio take?
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Plan for about 3 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 Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 159 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 Mayan Ruins 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 Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio?
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Around 56 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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Xunantunich Mayan Ruins 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.
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