What to do and see in Belize District, Belize: The Best Archaeology Tours

July 2, 2021 Venice Greaves

The Belize District is a district of the nation of Belize, with its district capital being the nation's largest city, Belize City.
Restaurants in Belize District

1. Xunantunich Mayan Ruin And Cave Tubing from Belize city

Belize City, Belize City, Belize District Private Belize Adventure
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

This 6-hour tour to the ancient Mayan center of Xunantunich sits on an impressive hilltop just near the border of Belize and Guatemala. Xunantunich was a major ceremonial center during the classic period.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Gratuities

Reviewed By caros

We absolutely loved our tour with Paul! Pick up from Belize Express started off our adventure to Altun Ha... We amazingly had the place to ourselves! And Paul took the time to explain the ruins and the surrounding areas to us, climbed the steps and took some great pictures for/of us. We then had any amazing lunch at the Teaky Tavern followed by exploring the forests and caves... Perfect weather, great company! We would definitely recommend booking your private tour with Paul, you will not regret it!

2. Xunantunich and Cave Tubing Combo Tour from San Ignacio

St Leonard's Tours
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5.0 based on 87 reviews

A full day tour starts when your guide meets you at your hotel in San Ignacio Town followed by a short drive to Xunantunich. After exploring & climbing El Castilloand rest of the Maya site you will then be driving (approx 1.5hrs) to 'Jaguar Paw' where you will enjoy lunch before getting your cave tubing gear before hiking (approx 20 - 30 mins depending on your pace) to the starting point of the cave tubing tour. Go cave tubing, through the crystalline water of this underground system and enjoy a relaxing tubing adventure.  (This tour may be affected by seasonal rains - flash floods, so your tour may be susceptible to changes only during extremely wet days) (lunch for this tour is packed lunch especially for special dietary needs - at times you may have lunch at a local restaurant at 'Jaguar Paw')

Inclusions: all entrance fees, cave tubing equipment, water, light snack, lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off (within San Ignacio), small group tours

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, gratuities, Excess luggage charges (where applicable), pickups & drop offs OUTSIDE of San Ignacio Town (contact us to confirm availability)

Reviewed By B5156FParielc

Loved our tour day! Elio was such a great tour guide!!! My husband and I had a blast with him. An absolute great way to see so many things in one day!

3. Zip Lining and Cave Tubing Caves Branch

Midas Belize, Branch Mouth Road, San Ignacio, Belize Tukan Shuttles & Adventures
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Nohoch Che’en caves located at Caves Branch is definitely one of the ten top things to do in Belize. Our country holds the largest cave system in Central America and the Caves Branch forms part of this natural wonder. In 2010 Nohoch Che’en or Caves Branch was declared a 15.5 acre archaeological reserve by the Belize government. Many caves are located in this area including Petroglyph, Pothunters, Satabe, Footprints, St. Margret’s Cave, Pottery Cave, and Caves Branch Rock Shelter among others. You will also experience Belize’s Subtropical jungle when you Zip lining over the rainforest canopy and fly over the spectacular view of the Caves Branch River. The rainforest is home to a rich diversity of insects, birds and animals such as the spider monkeys and kinkajous which are spotted during the zip lining tour. You are fastened to a harness which is attached to a cable. The experienced guides will instruct you on how to push off from the platform and soar into the forest canopy.

Inclusions: Helmets, head lamp, life jackets and tube, Belizean cuisine, fruit bowl and refreshments

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Reviewed By emmahD7115WW

This tour was highlight of our trip to San Ignacio. Rudy shared his knowledge about Myan culture, plants, and many birds and animals we saw at Xunantunich. Rudy was patient as he guided us the steps to top of Xunantunich so I could see everything below. Listening to all the birds, howler monkeys, Rudy explained so much, answered all questions. Shuttle service was perfect, on time, never felt rushed! Thank you Celine for all the updated info about covid, arranging our tours and transportation! You are spot on!! Thank You Rudy for your kindness!! HIGHLY recommend !!!

4. Altun Ha Mayan Site tour from Belize City

A Plus Adventures Belize
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

The guided tour of Altun Ha allow you to climb the temple to the Sun God of the Mayan Civilization

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, National park entrance fee

Exclusions: Food and drinks, This half day tour does not include lunch you will be allow to purchace snacks or lunch at a local restuarant along the way after your tour

Reviewed By Loren928

Everyone should travel to Belize. The tourism industry is back! We came to Belize for a scuba diving trip and went on several land excursions too. Yesterday we had the best tour of Lamanai (the Mayan ruins in northwest Belize). At 8am, Albert Alvarez (from “A Plus Adventures Belize”) picked us up from the Radisson in Belize City and we drove about an hour to pick up Amir Reyes (local tour guide for Lamanai) from Tower Hill Village). From there we drove through the Mennonite community and farmland. Albert and Amir taught us about the variety of cultures found in Belize. Then we passed the small village of Indian Church (population of 236 people). When we arrived in Lamanai, we had the whole place almost to ourselves. Amir gave an excellent cultural and historical tour as we walked through Lamanai. It was great taking pictures of all the Mayan ruins without any other tourists getting in our pictures. Really an amazing experience. After that, we had a delicious lunch at Las Orquideas Restaurant in Indian Church. And on the way back to the hotel we made a quick detour to see trucks filled with sugarcane pulling into the sugar processing plant. Albert and Amir were both very friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge of Belize with us. Overall, it was a great tour and a great day. Everyone should come visit Belize and book a tour through A Plus Adventures. We’ll be returning soon.

5. A trip to Altun Ha Maya Ruins and Cave Tubing the underworld

Baron Bliss lighthouse, 4 Fort St, Belize City, Belize Cave Tubing & Zip Line with Explore Belize Caves
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

We will take you back in time and share the history of the Mayan people and way of life and we are also allowed to climb all the temples. When cave tubing we are still sharing and having fun in relation to the Mayan culture as the cave system represents their underworld (Hell) This is a fun trip for family and friends. It’s going to be a twice the fun in one day experience.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water

Exclusions: Certificate

Reviewed By candiceo142

Dennis was a fabulous guide very informative. We had a blast the ride was clean and comfortable and he showed us to some great local cuisine.

6. Lamanai Temple

UpClose Belize
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Lamanai is arguably Belize’s must-do temple tour. This impressive Maya temple is accessible as a full-day tour from Caye Caulker - explore the temples shrouded in the jungle along the banks of the New River Lagoon. Explore the Mask Temple, High Temple, Jaguar temple as well as the on-site museum. A breath-taking, panoramic view awaits you from atop the High Temple. Your tour is fully inclusive: water taxi transfers, tour transfers, park entrance fees, lunch with beverage, and guided tour.

Inclusions: Licensed Professional Guided Tour, Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, Pick up at your hotel location (Bze City / Ladyville Areas), Gold Standard Approved Operator

Exclusions: Water Taxi or Air Transfers btwn Caye Caulker or San Pedro & Belize City, Park Entry Fee @ US$5pp, payable in cash at the site

Reviewed By KEB47360

During our recent travels to Belize, we were fortunate to discover Up Close Belize through the hotel we stayed at on our first night. We had a positively wonderful time on the Cave Tubing, Zipline, and Altun Ha Temple tour with our guide, Joel. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the areas we traveled to as part of the tour as well as the many other Belize-related questions we asked him. He was a delight to spend the day with and learn from. Because we had such a positive experience with Joel, we booked our snorkeling trip (to Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan on Ambergris Caye) as well as the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave) with Up Close Belize also. Our guide for the ATM Cave, Auner) was also fantastic. Overall, we were very pleased with the quality of the tours, tour guides, and communication with the company. We would highly recommend exploring Belize with the exceptional guides of Up Close Belize!

7. Private Altun Ha and Belize City Tour

Private Belize Adventure
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

Enjoy this 4-hour tour of Altun Ha and the city of Belize with your own group of friends or family or in a standard group tour. Admire the Altun Ha Jewelry pieces which are on display at the site, many of which were found in the temple of the “Green Tomb”.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Local guide, Private tour, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By saiofrelief

Our tour guide Paul notified us in advance to his arrival. Our Airbnb address was incorrect but he was still able to locate our lodging . Our guide Paul was extremely personable, relatable, knowledgeable about historical and contemporary facts about Belize and provided us with exemplary service and an unforgettable experience. During the drive he pointed out local landmarks, historical sites, answered our endless assortment of questions and brought us up to speed on contemporary matters pertaining to the country. When we arrived at Xuantunich Paul took us to each of structure offering insight as to its significance and purpose. He also assisted us with taking photos and answering any questions that we had on the archaeological site. Cave tubing was extremely fun and Paul ensured that we were safe, having a good time as well as gave us a history lesson on caves in Belize and how they related to the ancient Mayan civilization. After tubing my sister and I enjoyed a beverage we purchased from a local vendor who placed rum, coconut milk, fresh juice and melon into a half pineapple. Paul was kind enough to let us stop at a grocery store within close proximity to our AirBnb. He also provided us with restaurant recommendations and familiarized us with the general area that we stayed in. Private Belize Adventure provided an excellent tour and an overall amazing experience. Please request Paul as he will certainly show you a great time along with educating you.

8. Altun Ha and Cave Tubing Tour from Belize City

8 Fort St, Belize City, Belize Private Belize Adventure
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4.9 based on 36 reviews

This 6-hour tour will take you to Altun Ha, the ruins of an ancient Mayan city in Belize. You will also have the opportunity to go cave tubing along the Branch Rivera Caves.

Inclusions: Fuel surcharge, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Local taxes, All activities, Driver/guide, Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By saiofrelief

Our tour guide Paul notified us in advance to his arrival. Our Airbnb address was incorrect but he was still able to locate our lodging . Our guide Paul was extremely personable, relatable, knowledgeable about historical and contemporary facts about Belize and provided us with exemplary service and an unforgettable experience. During the drive he pointed out local landmarks, historical sites, answered our endless assortment of questions and brought us up to speed on contemporary matters pertaining to the country. When we arrived at Xuantunich Paul took us to each of structure offering insight as to its significance and purpose. He also assisted us with taking photos and answering any questions that we had on the archaeological site. Cave tubing was extremely fun and Paul ensured that we were safe, having a good time as well as gave us a history lesson on caves in Belize and how they related to the ancient Mayan civilization. After tubing my sister and I enjoyed a beverage we purchased from a local vendor who placed rum, coconut milk, fresh juice and melon into a half pineapple. Paul was kind enough to let us stop at a grocery store within close proximity to our AirBnb. He also provided us with restaurant recommendations and familiarized us with the general area that we stayed in. Private Belize Adventure provided an excellent tour and an overall amazing experience. Please request Paul as he will certainly show you a great time along with educating you.

9. Belize Maya Ruins

Belize City, Belize City, Belize District Cave Tubing & Zip Line with Explore Belize Caves
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4.9 based on 14 reviews

Altun ha maya ruins and Belize City tour, as we leave Belize City we drive thru several streets pointing out the historical points of interests such as the light house where one of Belize’s greatest benefactor was laid to rest underneath the light house. With this we start our city tour. On the way out to our destination Altun ha maya Ruins, Altun ha maya Ruins is one of the most popular and nearest archeological Mayan city to Belize City located some 31 miles north of Belize City or cruise port. At Altun ha we give and provide a full guided tour of the site and also allowed to climb the temples. We spend about an hour 15 minutes touring on the site. There are state of the art restrooms faculties on site too. We provide transportation, water, and a fully guided tour all the way. We will take you back in time and will make your experience a memorable one never to forget. Drive time each way is about 50 minutes.

Inclusions: Transportation, drinking water

Exclusions: bug spray, lunch, sun block, rain jackets

Reviewed By candiceo142

Dennis was a fabulous guide very informative. We had a blast the ride was clean and comfortable and he showed us to some great local cuisine.

10. Altun Ha Temple Zip Line Cave Tube

UpClose Belize
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4.8 based on 6 reviews

With a triple combo tour - you maximize your tour dollars, saving time and money! Plus you have more time to enjoy other great Belize activities - or just more time to do nothing at all!

Inclusions: Lunch, Bottled water, Cave Tube Gear, Zip Line Gear, Licensed Professional Guided Tour, An Awesome Experience!

Exclusions: Altun Ha Park Fee @ US$5pp, Cave Tubing Park Fee @ US$5pp

Reviewed By Mooshygobstopper

Me and my friend did a scuba reef trip from Belize city - we went to princess palace reef and J&R wall reef- it was amazing. Enough said- basically an entire tour to ourselves and Karin was able to remind us the basic scuba dive language (neither of us have dived in 5+ years). Let me tell you the sites were unreal! And we also used UpClose for a lamanai tour - this was amazing in itself because it included nearly an hour of boat ride to get to the ruins, which were the most well preserved ruins I’ve ever seen. The boat cruise included manatees, crocodiles, abundance of birds, and a thorough history of mennonites. Loved every bit of it :)

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