Xunantunich Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure — From San Ignacio to Ancient Maya Ruins and Canopy Zips
Float through limestone caves and launch across jungle canopy on a combined cave-tubing and zipline day trip from San Ignacio to Xunantunich. This full-day adventure mixes Maya ruins, subterranean rivers, and high-elevation zips for a varied, active outing.
The Experience
Before You Go
Hydrate before and during the trip
Start the day with water and carry a refillable bottle; humidity and activity make frequent sipping important.
Wear sturdy water shoes
Closed-toe, quick-dry shoes protect feet on slippery riverbanks and during short hikes to zipline platforms.
Bring cash for fees and snacks
Park entrance, small local vendors, and tips are often cash-only—carry small Belize dollars or USD.
Protect electronics in a dry bag
Phone cameras and wallets should stay dry during tubing; a small waterproof pouch keeps essentials safe.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Climb the top of El Castillo at Xunantunich for wide valley views with fewer visitors late afternoon
- •Stop at the San Ignacio Market on return for local snacks like freshly made tortillas and cassava cakes
Wildlife
- •Howler monkeys (often heard early or late in the day)
- •Keel-billed toucan and assorted parrots in the canopy
Conservation Note
Park fees support archaeological preservation and local conservation; visitors should stay on trails, avoid removing artifacts, and use biodegradable products to protect cave ecosystems.
Xunantunich was a significant Maya civic center during the Late Classic period (ca. 600–900 CE) with monumental plazas and the 40-meter El Castillo pyramid overlooking the Mopan valley.
What to Bring
Quick-dry clothingEssential
Dries fast after tubing and keeps you comfortable under a harness for ziplines.
Sturdy water shoesEssential
Protects feet on wet limestone and provides grip during short hikes and river entry.
Small dry bag or waterproof phone caseEssential
Keeps electronics and documents dry while tubing and on transfer vehicles.
Insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin
Useful for mornings and late afternoons when mosquitoes are active in the forest and near water.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and what does it include?
The excursion is a full-day experience (about 8 hours) from San Ignacio; it typically includes hotel pickup/drop-off, guides, national park fees, tubing and zipline equipment, and transport between sites.
Are there health or age restrictions?
Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious back or heart conditions; participants should have moderate fitness and be able to manage moving water while tubing.
Do I need prior experience for ziplining or cave tubing?
No technical experience is required; guides provide safety briefings and harness instruction. Basic comfort with heights and the ability to follow safety directions is necessary.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring quick-dry clothing, a towel, water bottle, waterproof phone case or dry bag, sunscreen applied before entering caves and biodegradable where possible, and cash for snacks or souvenirs.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
8 hours (full-day)
Location
San Ignacio, Cayo
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderately fit: you’ll walk uneven trails, negotiate steps and ladders, and float through moving water; good balance helps.
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