What to do and see in San Ignacio, Cayo: The Best Private Tours

July 9, 2021 Franklyn Hardiman

It’s true: parts of Belize are getting touristy. But San Ignacio remains rustic, making it a great base for budget-friendly tropical adventure travel. Canoe on the Macal River, or walk to Mayan ruins at Cahal Pec (just be warned: it's uphill).
Restaurants in San Ignacio

1. Private Crystal Cave and Blue Hole National Park Day Trip from San Ignacio

6 Far W St, San Ignacio, Belize Belize Family Adventure
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

If an active adventure in Belize is what you’re looking for, head underground to the Crystal Cave, located in Blue Hole National Park. An expert guide will take you spelunking (cave exploring) after a hike through the lush tropical forest amid a rugged limestone landscape. Inside, you will spot caverns adorned with crystalline formations, you’ll find artifacts—including pottery, beads and obsidian blades—from the ancient Maya, who considered the cave a sacred passageway to the underworld (known as Xibalba). Your day trip from San Ignacio includes lunch, a swim in the cooling waters of the inland Blue Hole and round-trip hotel transport.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Lunch, Use of necessary equipment, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off within San Ignacio town limits

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pick up and drop off outside of San Ignacio town

Reviewed By RetireBlz

I would highly recommend for tours or transfers. My husband and I were lucky enough to have Francisco "Cisco" as our guide for the transfers and the cave tubing. He is extremely knowledgeable about the trees, plant, birds, etc. We learned a lot from him. When we transferred to Placencia, our lodging was hard to find, but Cisco stayed with us until we found the place and made sure we were able to get into the room before leaving! He even carried our bag with all our snorkel gear in it!!. He was amazing! Rick & Donna H

2. Mountain Bike Adventure to Xunantunich Maya Site

San Ignacio, San Ignacio, Cayo Belize Family Adventure
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

This half-day Mountain biking tour will allow you to experience the Village of San Jose Succotz which is a Maya descendent. This ride is really fun and not very technical mostly on dirt road, and rugged single- and double-track ride but some potholes and roots to make it interesting . A long slow climb, then downhill into farmland next to the Mopan river where you Tour guide will be sharing his knowledge of the flora and fauna. He will be doing stops on the way for you to enjoy the scene and birds. Then the ride will take you across the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry and pedal uphill to Xunantunich Maya Site. you will see the country’s second tallest Mayan temple, El Castillo (the Castle). Explore the archeological site with your professional guide before. A two hours guided tour will be enough to visit the site. After the tour you will be riding down where the tour guide will be stopping at the river bank for you to enjoy or snack or have a refreshing swim at the Mopan river.

Inclusions: Local guide, Use of necessary equipment, Hotel pickup and drop-off within San Ignacio Town limits

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pick up and drop off outside San Ignacio Town

Reviewed By RetireBlz

I would highly recommend for tours or transfers. My husband and I were lucky enough to have Francisco "Cisco" as our guide for the transfers and the cave tubing. He is extremely knowledgeable about the trees, plant, birds, etc. We learned a lot from him. When we transferred to Placencia, our lodging was hard to find, but Cisco stayed with us until we found the place and made sure we were able to get into the room before leaving! He even carried our bag with all our snorkel gear in it!!. He was amazing! Rick & Donna H

3. Farm Ride plus Xunantunich tour

St Leonard's Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

PERFECT for novice/first time riders who want to enjoy a relaxed ride on a FAMILY FARM away from the crowds. PERFECT SOCIAL DISTANCING. Ride for all level riders: novice - professional 1.5 - 2 hrs ride along riverside & jungle trails plus a short drive to Xunantunich maya site for your guided tour WEIGHT: 250 lbs per rider Along the way you are likely to see many birds such as parrots, Kiskadees, herons as well experience the sights and smells of the many trees that adorn the fields. Once you have enjoyed your farm ride you will bid farewell to your lovely steed and join us for a short drive to Xunantunich Maya site for you guided tour. (PRIVATE TOUR OCT/20 - MARCH/21)

Inclusions: Driver/guide, bottled water, energy bar, entrance fee, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting point, and hotels in San Ignacio Town, Transport by comfortable private air conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

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!

4. Private Xunantunich Day Trip from San Ignacio

6 Far W St, San Ignacio, Belize Belize Family Adventure
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Travel back in time and experience what life was like in the city of Xunantunich, one of Belize’s most popular Mayan sites. This tour from San Ignacio takes you to San Jose Succotz, a Maya-Mestizo village located close to the Western Border and delivers you on an old-fashioned, hand-cranked ferryboat to the magnificent ruins deep in the Belizean rainforest. Admire astronomical carvings at El Castillo (The Castle) and sweeping views of the Belize River Valley and neighboring Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala once you’ve climbed the steep pyramid steps to the top! Hotel pickup and drop-off within San Ignacio Town are included.

Inclusions: Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off from within San Ignacio Town limits

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pick up and Drop off outside San Ignacio Town limits

Reviewed By RetireBlz

I would highly recommend for tours or transfers. My husband and I were lucky enough to have Francisco "Cisco" as our guide for the transfers and the cave tubing. He is extremely knowledgeable about the trees, plant, birds, etc. We learned a lot from him. When we transferred to Placencia, our lodging was hard to find, but Cisco stayed with us until we found the place and made sure we were able to get into the room before leaving! He even carried our bag with all our snorkel gear in it!!. He was amazing! Rick & Donna H

5. Private Tikal Mayan City Tour with Lunch

San Ignacio, San Ignacio, Cayo Cayo Inland Expeditions
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Tikal or “Place of Voices” was the largest city of the Maya Classic Period with a population estimated to have been over 90,000 at its peak. An early departure is required for this full-day adventure beginning with pickup at hotel followed by a 20 minute drive to the Western Border of Belize and Guatemala. After crossing the border enjoy a very scenic 1.5 hours’ drive to Tikal. After a fun day of hiking, exploring and learning about the Maya history and culture, the day’s adventure will conclude with a well-deserved delicious lunch.

Inclusions: Lunch, Local English-speaking guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned van

Exclusions: Gratuities, Border crossing fee/departure tax (US$20.00 per person)

Reviewed By Samurai196

Our group of late 20's couples did two tours with Cayo Inland (ATM Caves and Xun/River Tubing), as well as utilizing their shuttle service back to the airport once we were done in San Ignacio. Everything was absolutely incredible. Every little detail was taken care of perfectly and the guides were incredibly knowledgeable and professional throughout. Terry and JP were a great with setting everything up and communicating everything to us clearly so that our entire stay in San Ignacio went smoothly. We also stayed at their rental home in San Ignacio, and I have left a separate review of that property on Airbnb, but if you are looking for a great place to stay while in San Ignacio, it has everything you need and is in a great, private, quiet location with an awesome view. For the tours themselves, we did the Xun/River tubing one day, and the ATM caves the following day, and both were incredible. The guides were excellent, both friendly, as well as incredibly knowledgeable and it was easy to tell they enjoyed what they did. I wasn't sure at first if it would be worth it to do both river trips in succession, but I'm incredibly glad we did. The ATM caves were the highlight of our time in Belize (our second trip to Belize.) I can't recommend Cayo Inland enough, it really was a great experience in San Ignacio.

6. Xunantunich and Cave Tubing Combo Tour from San Ignacio

St Leonard's Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

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!

7. Xunantunich Maya Temple and Big Rock Falls combo

Cayo Welcome Center & Tourist Information Center, San Ignacio, Belize Cayo Inland Expeditions
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

This combination tour consists of a morning tour of Xunantunich Maya Temple which is located 20 minutes driving distance from San Ignacio Town in the Maya Village of San Jose Succotz. 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 enjoy sightings of pristine jungle surroundings, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, birds and iguanas. After lunch we head to Big Rock Water Falls located in the Mt. Pine Ridge Forest Reserve for swimming and site seeing. This combo tour begins at 8:30am and concludes around 4:30pm.

Inclusions: Transportation, Equipment, Bottled water, Lunch, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Samurai196

Our group of late 20's couples did two tours with Cayo Inland (ATM Caves and Xun/River Tubing), as well as utilizing their shuttle service back to the airport once we were done in San Ignacio. Everything was absolutely incredible. Every little detail was taken care of perfectly and the guides were incredibly knowledgeable and professional throughout. Terry and JP were a great with setting everything up and communicating everything to us clearly so that our entire stay in San Ignacio went smoothly. We also stayed at their rental home in San Ignacio, and I have left a separate review of that property on Airbnb, but if you are looking for a great place to stay while in San Ignacio, it has everything you need and is in a great, private, quiet location with an awesome view. For the tours themselves, we did the Xun/River tubing one day, and the ATM caves the following day, and both were incredible. The guides were excellent, both friendly, as well as incredibly knowledgeable and it was easy to tell they enjoyed what they did. I wasn't sure at first if it would be worth it to do both river trips in succession, but I'm incredibly glad we did. The ATM caves were the highlight of our time in Belize (our second trip to Belize.) I can't recommend Cayo Inland enough, it really was a great experience in San Ignacio.

8. Tikal Sunset, Sunrise and Day tour in One Package

Edwin's Belize Adventure Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Tikal is a world heritage site and its a must do when in the area. The best was to full enjoy this mysterious place is the spend as much time as possible at the site. We offer that possibility in short period by using the time wisely.

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Water

Reviewed By Tumbleweed996

Edwin was awesome! He gave us a tour through Caracol, then to Big Rock Falls. Finished off at the resort nearby for drinks and snacks! Great day! Highly recommended!

9. Private Actun Tunichil Muknal from San Ignacio

6 Far W St, San Ignacio, Belize Belize Family Adventure
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Experience more than a cave! Imagine a world alive and imbued with sacred power divided into three domains: the starry arch of heaven; the stony middle world of earth made to flower and bear fruits; and, the dark waters of the underworld below, Xibalba. A short swim through the crystal blue water will lead you into this amazing realm.  Then working your way through a breakdown leads you in to the main water passage, were you get to enjoy amazing geological formation like sparkling stalactites, stalagmites, and flow stones.  This hidden chamber promises to reveal ancient secrets and geological processes that have helped to shape the Mayan Underworld known as Xibalba.   We are referring back in time when our ancestors believed that only priests could have ventured in and communicate with their Gods or ancestors through ritual and ceremonies. 

Inclusions: Bottled water, Beverages, Lunch, Snacks, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Use of helmet, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, head lamps, personal floating device, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By RetireBlz

I would highly recommend for tours or transfers. My husband and I were lucky enough to have Francisco "Cisco" as our guide for the transfers and the cave tubing. He is extremely knowledgeable about the trees, plant, birds, etc. We learned a lot from him. When we transferred to Placencia, our lodging was hard to find, but Cisco stayed with us until we found the place and made sure we were able to get into the room before leaving! He even carried our bag with all our snorkel gear in it!!. He was amazing! Rick & Donna H

10. Belize: See & Do it ALL in 10 Days, 1st Class Traveling

CharlieTheTraveler
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not find another tour out there that offers it all "FIRST CLASS," yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year-and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price and substance. Below are just some examples of what you will see and do on this tour: ► Great Blue Hole Flight-Seeing Tour (optional) ► Swimming with Sharks & Sting Rays ► Snorkeling in the World’s Second Largest Barrier Reef ► Visiting Impressive Archaeological Sites ► Coming in Contact with Black Howler Monkeys ► Seeing a Wildlife Sanctuary ► Tubing & Canoeing Inside Caves ► And Much Much More...

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Air-Conditioned Vehicle, All Entry Fees, Private Transportation, Tour Guides, Lodging X 1 Night

Exclusions: Alcohol, Travel Visa (only applicable to citizens of certain countries)

Reviewed By DonnaAlverez

CharlieTheTraveler offered a great value for the trip to Turkey. There were so many amenities included, such as all of the activities and tours and the wonderful tour guide that was provided to help us navigate it all. Overall, this was a well-organized trip.

TAGS

Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on LinkedInPin on PinterestShare on Google+Email this to someoneShare on VkontakteBookmark

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.