Explore the underground river of Barton Creek Cave and the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, based from Western Belize’s beautiful San Ignacio Town
Trip Highlights
The Cayo Caves & Temples Extension takes you on an adventure inland to discover the underground river of Barton Creek Cave and visit the Mayan Ruins of Xunantunich. Enjoy a two-night stay at Cahal Pech Village Resort and immerse yourself in the Mestizo town of San Ignacio in the Cayo District. This extension combines perfectly with other Island Expeditions trips and offers a fantastic opportunity to explore Belize's western district and ancient Mayan heritage.
Package includes:
- 2 nights accommodation standard cabana
- Meals (as per itinerary)
- Guided tours and adventures (as per itinerary)
- Land transfer arrival/ departure
- Park fees and taxes
Trip Itinerary
Meals: Dinner
Our driver will meet you in Belize City or Dangriga and will transport you to Cahal Pech Village Resort. A picturesque lodge with a grand vista overlooking the town of San Ignacio and the rolling hills of Western Belize. Cahal Pech is the ideal starting point for the adventure that awaits. We highly recommend exploring the famous San Ignacio market and strolling the pedestrian-only Burns Avenue.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A full day of adventure and exploration awaits. Our first mission is to explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich. We cross the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry carrying both passengers and vehicles. We climb up to the main plaza of “El Castillo” and other structures, exploring the ancient world of kings, temples, plazas and ball courts.
After lunch, we venture to the underground Barton Creek cave system. We canoe into the spectacular cave entrance and explore the shimmering stalactites and stalagmites, paddling through the crystal formations and learning about it's rich Mayan history. On your second night, we encourage you to visit San Ignacio town and check out the local restaurants and bars for an authentic Belizean experience.
Meals: Breakfast
Wake up to a cup of coffee, grab your binoculars, and walk to the Maya Ruins of Cahal Pech, a stone's throw from the lodge. Birds and wildlife abound; mornings are the most active. Spend an hour touring the ruins and looking for wildlife. After check-out, a driver will take you to your next destination - Belize City or Dangriga.
If you are adding this trip extension to an existing IE trip, transportation must be arranged to one of the rendezvous points in Belize City or Dangriga. If you arrive late or leave early, we'll make arrangements to accommodate the activities in this itinerary.
Travel Notes: If you fly home on Day 3, consider that the transfer time from San Ignacio to the Belize International Airport is about 2 hours. International travel requires at least checking in 2 hours before the flight departure. You can coordinate transportation with the front desk to connect with your international flight.
Contact our Trip Planners for hotel reservations in Belize City, Flight & Hotel Packages or to extend your Belize itinerary by combining this trip with another Island Expeditions adventure or extension.
The Places We Stay
For two nights we stay at Cahal Pech in the heart of the Mayan world, this award-winning hillside resort has stunning views over the town of San Ignacio and the surrounding countryside. Amenities at the resort include a casual restaurant and bar, as well as a day spa and 3 outdoor pools.