Xunantunich to Jaguar Paw: Cave Tubing and Ziplining Adventure from Caye Caulker
Combine Maya ruins with underground rivers and canopy zips on a full‑day trip from Caye Caulker. Expect an 8‑hour outing that pairs Xunantunich’s El Castillo views with cave tubing and ziplining at Jaguar Paw.
The Experience
Before You Go
Wear secure water shoes
Trails include rocky stream crossings and slippery cave surfaces—closed‑toe water shoes with good tread are essential.
Bring a dry bag
Store phone, extra clothes and sunscreen in a small dry bag to keep them dry during tubing and river wades.
Hydrate and eat beforehand
This is an 8‑hour day with moderate exertion; start hydrated and bring a refillable bottle—sodas and juices may be provided but carry extra water.
Know medical exclusions
Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or serious heart conditions—inform guides of any mobility issues before departure.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Hand‑cranked river ferry near Xunantunich—brief, rustic crossing with great photo vantage points
- •Lesser‑visited viewpoints off El Castillo’s plaza that frame the savanna and distant hills at eye level
Wildlife
- •Howler monkeys
- •Keel‑billed toucans
Conservation Note
Cave systems here are karst features sensitive to pollution—use reef‑safe products, pack out trash, and follow guide instructions to protect fragile formations.
Xunantunich was a major Maya center occupying a limestone ridge; El Castillo offers archaeological features and carved stelae dating to the Classic period.
What to Bring
Closed‑toe water shoesEssential
Grip and toe protection for rocky stream crossings, cave flows and wet platforms.
Dry bag (5–10L)Essential
Keeps electronics, extra clothes and documents dry during tubing and river sections.
Quick‑dry clothingEssential
Lightweight, fast‑dry shirts and shorts reduce chafing and dry quickly after wading.
Reef‑safe sunscreen & hatEssential
Protects from strong tropical sun between shaded river and open archaeological sites.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and what is the schedule?
The tour runs about 8 hours; typical itineraries include pickup, a visit to Xunantunich, then Jaguar Paw for a tubing and ziplining session with breaks and return transport.
Is prior tubing experience required?
No—guides provide tubes, life vests and headlamps and a safety briefing; basic comfort in moving water and the ability to climb in/out of a tube are sufficient.
Are children allowed on the tour?
Children are often welcome but operators set minimum ages for safety—check with the provider for age limits and child life‑vest availability.
What are the medical restrictions?
This activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers or people with spinal injuries or serious heart conditions; disclose any health concerns at booking.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
8 hours
Location
San Ignacio, Cayo District
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate fitness: able to hike 30 minutes over uneven terrain, wade through knee‑deep water, and manage short climbs into tubes and ziplines.
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