Day trip

San Ignacio: Caracol Maya Ruins & Waterfall Tour with Lunch

4.9 / 5

12 reviews

Activity provider: Belize Caving Expeditions
Day trip

San Ignacio: Caracol Maya Ruins & Waterfall Tour with Lunch

Activity provider: Belize Caving Expeditions
Likely to sell out

From US$ 120 per person

Likely to sell out

Discover the Caracol Ruins and learn about this ancient metropolis on a guided tour. Hike through the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve to explore Rio Frio Cave and relax in the waters of the Rio on Pools or Big Rock Waterfalls.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 10 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, Spanish
Pickup included
Hotel pickup from hotels in San Ignacio town limits; please provide your hotel’s name and address.
Small group
Limited to 10 participants

Experience

Highlights
  • Discover the ruins of Caracol, the largest metropolis of the Maya lowlands
  • Learn about the archaeological discoveries at the Caracol site
  • Explore Rio Frio Cave and swim in the refreshing waters of the Rio on Pools or Big Rock Waterfalls
Full description
Start with pickup at 7:30 AM from San Ignacio and travel 1.5 hours to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Upon arrival walk for 10 minutes until you reach the Rio Frio Cave. After exploring this small cave, drive to the Chiquibul Forest Reserve located nearby.  Explore the ruins of Caracol, which was the largest metropolis in the Maya lowlands located deep within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. While travelling to this location, enjoy a stunning scenery of the flora and fauna. Walk along the trails and paths that were once traversed by nobles and citizens of the Mayan empire.  Explore the largest Mayan archaeological site in Belize on a 3-hour guided tour. Learn about the size of the former city, as well as the various religious rituals performed in the temples. Climb some of the structures and learn about the important archaeological discoveries of the site. Enjoy a local lunch followed by a visit to the Rio on Pools or Big Rock Waterfalls. Swim in the refreshing waters to cool off after a day of exploring, and be returned to San Ignacio at approximately 5:00 PM.
Includes
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from San Ignacio
  • English and Spanish-speaking tour guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Local lunch
  • Snacks
  • Water
  • Entry tickets and fees
    Not suitable for
    • Pregnant women
    • People with back problems
    • People with mobility impairments
    • Wheelchair users

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Important information

    What to bring

    • Comfortable shoes
    • Swimwear
    • Change of clothes
    • Towel
    • Hiking shoes
    • Sunscreen
    • Comfortable clothes

    Know before you go

    • Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness
    • This tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 participants
    • This experience requires a minimum number of participants; in the unlikely event that the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    4.9 /5

    based on 12 reviews

    Review summary

    • Guide
      4.8/5
    • Transportation
      4.5/5
    • Service
      5/5
    • Organization
      5/5

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    Star rating:

    this was such a fantastic tour. it's a trek to get out to Caracol (2 hr drive down bumpy roads) but SO worth it. the site is absolutely gorgeous and there are very few tourists there which makes for a special experience. but what made our tour the most was our guide, Leo. he is friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. he was happy to answer all our questions about the site, as well as about Belize. spending a day with Leo was a highlight of our whole trip across Belize.

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    March 26, 2023

    Francisco showed us a great time in San Ignacio. He picked us up from our hotel and drove us out to Caracol pointing out interesting sights along the way. We stopped at a cave, climbed many Mayan ruins, dove off some cliffs by a waterfall, and enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch. A busy day that exceeded everyone’s expectations. I particularly appreciated our guide Francisco’s knowledge of both ancient Mayan history and the general area. Next time we are in San Ignacio we will be using the same tour company “Belize Caving Expeditions” and requesting Francisco.

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    March 26, 2023

    Like the ATM Cave, visiting Caracol is a must do experience while in Belize! It is such a privilege and opportunity to see Mayan Ruins like this and to learn about their culture. It is a long, bumpy drive but it was worth it. We also got to see the beautiful Rio Frio Cave, Rio on Pools, and Big Rock Falls on the way back but it was drizzling and we decided not to swim. Our guide, Leo, was so kind and knowledgeable - I'd want to go on any tour with him! My husband and I had a great time and we were sad to see the day end. My husband said this was actually his favorite day on our trip to Belize.

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    March 26, 2023

    Product ID: 321773