Belize Caving Expeditions is a local, Belizean owned Tour operator focused on providing the finest quality experience to our visitors. We are experts in Belize travel and adventure tours; also venturing into neighboring Guatemala to visit the famous Tikal Maya site. Our team of friendly, local Belizean guides have been leading tours into the Belizean rainforest for years and are proficient in archeology, caving expedition, jungle trekking, and canoeing. We offer a wide range of tour activities to popular sites such as Caracol, Barton Creek, Crystal Cave, and our specialty tour - the world-renowned Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave.
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Departs From: San Ignacio Town
This tour will take you from the Maya temple to the entrance of the Mayan underworld. The adventure starts at the popular Mayan site of Xunantunich; just getting there is an adventure ... moreof its own. After touring the temples, we drive to No’och Che’ en Cave, where you will start off on an easy hike through the jungle to your starting point. As you sit back and enjoy tubing downstream, you will be floating through a series of remarkable limestone caves, each filled with fascinating discoveries of the Mayan underworld. There is also an opportunity to leave your tubes behind and go exploring cave chambers, where you will see ceramic pieces and beautiful geological formations. The adventure ends floating downstream through the jungles of Belize; back at the starting point.
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Welcome to the gateway of the Mayan Underworld. Actun Tunichil Muknal (cave of the stone sepulchre) is commonly referred to as ATM Cave. Located near San Ignacio, Cayo District, it ... moreis one of the most impressive Maya ceremonial caves containing rare bloodletting altars used in sacrifices by Maya royalty, and where calcified skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware have been found. The best known as “The Crystal Maiden”, the intact skeleton of a teenage girl, whose bones have been calcified over the years to a sparkling crystallized appearance
The hike to the cave entrance through the lush Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve requires visitors to swim to the mouth of the cave and then wade through ankle to chest high water and once inside the magnificent cave, the exploration begins. The tour requires climbing and swimming as well as crawling through small spaces. The cave is extensively decorated with cave formations in the upper passages, a labyrinth of dry chambers which lead to the cathedral-like main hall, a towering chamber 350 meters in length and 50 meters wide, and filled with artifacts and sacrificial remains. Visitors remove shoes and explore the cave in socks only, to protect the artifacts on the cave floor. After this, another climb takes you to the stone sepulchre (after which the cave is named) where the Crystal Maiden lies. Photography is now disallowed inside the cave unless special permits are obtained.
This is an extraordinary Belize adventure and a rare opportunity to see ancient Maya ceremonial sites and altars as they were and virtually untouched for centuries. A visit to this site is truly profound and unforgettable. After this memorable adventure, we hike back to our vehicles and sit to enjoy a local lunch before heading back to San Ignacio.
Tours | Activities | Shuttles
Located in the village of San Jose Succotz, Xunantunich "maiden of the rock", is one of the most popular sites in Belize. We start off at the Mopan River where we cross the river via ... morea hand-cranked ferry and ride uphill for a mile on a paved road. This was a major ceremonial center during the Classic Period. The center is composed of six major plazas surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces. The site is a late classic period 600 AD to 900 AD which also was the borderline influence of El Naranjo- a large ceremonial site over in Guatemala. The large pyramid, “El Castillo”, is well known for the frieze or band of stucco decoration which at one time extended around the entire temple. El Castillo rises l30 feet above the main plaza; is the second tallest structure in Belize and offers an impressive panoramic view of the Mopan River valley, the border town of Benque Viejo (Belize), and neighboring Melchor de Mencos (Guatemala). Just being here and appreciating this view makes it totally worth the effort!
Type of Tour/Activity: Mayan Ruins and Archaeological Sites
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
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Recommended
This tour starts with us driving through the small Mennonite community of Upper Barton Creek where you will have a glimpse of their traditional daily life. Once at the site, we start ... moreoff by paddling through and exploring the mystical Barton Creek cave, an ancient site used by the Mayans for burial and ceremonial purposes. The jade-colored water runs for 4 miles inside the caves surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. A tour of Barton Creek involves gently paddling a two-man canoe across the cave's still water, guided only by headlamps that light up the intricate stalactites and stalagmites that make up the limestone walls. You will also discover rock flows and cathedral chambers while observing Mayan pottery shards and the bone remains of more than 28 humans dating back to 200 CE. This is an amazing experience everyone will remember.
Type of Tour/Activity: Jungle and Rainforest Adventures
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This is an amazing tour that combines single track, double track, and the Maya site of Xunantunich. The challenge starts at the outskirts of San Jose Succotz Village; this portion ... moreis on a single track and is the most rugged part of the ride. We pedal on this hilly terrain dodging tree branches and jumping tree roots. This part of the ride is a bit more technical and rugged; especially when going downhill-staying on the bike is a challenge. After this, we move to a feeder road; a double-track ride in a more open area where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains around the area. The ride continues through the open pasture and through a semi-deciduous forest. to the beautiful river bank where a picturesque single track leads us to the village of San Jose Succotz. Here we cross the Mopan River on a ferry and ride uphill for a mile on a paved road to the Maya Site of Xunantunich, which has the second tallest structure in Belize “El Castillo”. The view from atop is magnificent and worth the effort!
Type of Tour/Activity: Mayan Ruins and Archaeological Sites
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
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Journey to the ancient Maya ruins of Buena Vista on a horse for a closer experience with nature and to appreciate the wonders of our rainforest, flora, and fauna. This experience begins ... morein the Savana area enjoying the views riding along the banks of the Mopan River, you'd be lucky enough to spot the Howler Monkeys jumping from limb to limb and witness their powerful howl. You get to ride on Jungle trails heading to the different Plazas. where you will learn of its importance in Maya history. Depending on the water level you get to ride in the river. After the ride, we will drive 10 minutes to the site of Xunantunich. At the top of the highest temple, you'll behold a spectacular view, and miles of rainforest as well you will spot the border town of Benque Viejo (Belize) and neighboring Melchor de Mencos (Guatemala).
Type of Tour/Activity: Jungle and Rainforest Adventures
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
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Recommended
For an exciting combination of Xunantunich and water sports, try our kayaking and Xunantunich tour! This adventure starts at the impressive site of Xunantunich, which means “maiden ... moreof the rock” in Maya. This site takes you back to the time of a once great and flourishing civilization. View stellae, ball court, elite residential palaces, a sacred altar for blood-letting rituals, and a ceremonial courtyard. Climb to the top of El Castillo which is 130 ft and enjoy a panoramic view of the picturesque landscape below. After learning about the magnificent Maya history, it's time for the adrenalin rush-gliding down the rapids of the Mopan River on your sit-on-top kayaks. The challenge is to stay on top of the kayak as you ride down while at the same time enjoying nature in this particular area.
Type of Tour/Activity: Water Sports
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
This adventure takes place along the Mopan River in San Jose Succotz Village, which was once considered a Mayan village, established in the eighteen hundreds. Crossing the Mopan River ... moreon a hand crank ferry followed by a mile drive to Xunantunich archeological site where you will learn how this was once a great and flourishing civilization. Thereafter, the fun and excitement begin by floating on your tube on one of the only rivers that have retained its name since the time of the Mayas the “Mopan River”. This floating adventure takes at least three hours downstream, part of the float is mellow but the rapids make the adventure more exciting. The rapids are point five-just enough to kick in some adrenaline.
Type of Tour/Activity: Mayan Ruins and Archaeological Sites
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
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This tour will take you from the Maya temple to the entrance of the Mayan underworld. The adventure starts at the popular Mayan site of Xunantunich; just getting there is an adventure ... moreof its own. After touring the temples, we drive to No’och Che’ en Cave, where you will start off on an easy hike through the jungle to your starting point. As you sit back and enjoy tubing downstream, you will be floating through a series of remarkable limestone caves, each filled with fascinating discoveries of the Mayan underworld. There is also an opportunity to leave your tubes behind and go exploring cave chambers, where you will see ceramic pieces and beautiful geological formations. The adventure ends floating downstream through the jungles of Belize; back at the starting point.
Type of Tour/Activity: Mayan Ruins and Archaeological Sites
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
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Fun and excitement for everyone guaranteed! To enhance your cave tubing adventure, add the thrill of gliding through the Belizean rainforest canopy in this exciting and exhilarating ... moretour. Take in the views of the Belizean jungle as you cross over the lush rainforest and glistening river. After the adrenalin rush cools off in the crystal clear refreshing waters of the Caves Branch River. This part of the tour is easy and relaxing. A short hike through the jungle leads you to a beautiful swimming pool located at the entrance of two caves. Here you can swim at leisure before starting the float down the river while viewing spectacular cave systems which the Mayas regarded as a sacred underworld where rituals and ceremonies took place to their many powerful gods who called this home. An exciting adventure everyone can enjoy!
Type of Tour/Activity: Mayan Ruins and Archaeological Sites
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
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A great tour combination for the adventurous traveler would be the Barton Creek and Big Rock tours. After enjoying the mystical tour of the underworld in a canoe; we prepare for an ... morehour-and-a-half drive on the Mountain Pine Ridge road to Big Rock Falls. This impressive waterfall is the most beautiful in the area, it is 100 ft high boasting a deep emerald pool filled with spring water perfect for swimming, or for the more adventurous; cliff jumping. The tremendous view of water rushing over giant granite rock and plummeting into the perfectly round pool at its base provides a rush of excitement. outcroppings. The footpath to the falls is a 20-minute hike and involves some moderately challenging climbing down to the valley below.
Type of Tour/Activity: Jungle and Rainforest Adventures
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
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When in the area, visiting Tikal is a “must-do” because of its importance, beauty, and transcendence. Once a powerful seat of the Mayan empire, Tikal is now the most famous cultural ... moreand natural preserve and archeological site in Guatemala and one of the most-visited sets of Mayan ruins in all of Latin America. It is the largest excavated site on the American continent containing some of the most fascinating archeological remains of the ancient Maya civilization. Here, you will be amazed to see how the Maya civilization built inspiring temples and cities that formed a complex of religious, social, and political power; revealing a culture of an ancient civilization that is still practiced amongst the Mayas in Guatemala today, with the exception of bloodletting rituals or human sacrifices. Tikal is estimated to have over 3,000 structures including palaces, temples, ceremonial platforms, ball courts, terraces, plazas, causeways, and reservoirs. The great plaza comprises several temples; Temple I is 150 ft. high, temple II is 120 ft. high, and the double-headed serpent (temple IV) is the tallest structure in Tikal at 212 ft. high. Due to the importance and magnificent combination of natural and archaeological remains, it was declared a heritage of humanity by UNESCO. Experience the wildlife and jungle surrounding the temples, and witness the howler monkeys and their powerful howl while they keep watch over their home. This personal encounter with the lost world shall be a truly unforgettable experience.
Type of Tour/Activity: Mayan Ruins and Archaeological Sites
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Similar Service Providers
Cayo Adventure Tours is a local Belize Tour Operator and Destination Management Company, guided by Christian principles, and focused on providing excellent service. Our main office ... moreis located on Bella Vista Street, in San Ignacio, Cayo. Our management team is headed by owners Michael and Maria Simmons who were born and raised right here in good old San Ignacio and have been involved in the Belize travel industry for more than twenty years.
As one of Cayo’s leading Tour and Travel Company, our specialty is arranging and providing travelers with the most exciting and enjoyable inland adventure tours Belize has to offer. Our area of expertise is mainly in jungle and river based adventures encompassing all of the ancient Maya civilizations in the region, the exciting caves of Cayo, the national parks/nature reserves of Belize, and our invigorating rivers and waterfalls.
Our team of naturalist guides have been leading tours into the Belizean rainforest for years and are proficient in Mayan archaeology, caving expeditions, jungle trekking, canoeing, and birding. We also partner with the best in the business to provide diving, snorkeling and other adventure water sports in our beautiful turquoise waters along the Great Barrier Reef, the longest barrier reef in the Americas. We like to think of ourselves as more of a family than a company. Our friendly and personable services, our promptness and reliability in the reservations process, our clean and comfortable vehicles, and our proficiency in the field are what make us stand out.
Account Type: Tour Operator
Service Types: Tours | Activities, Shuttles, Private Guides
Business Address:
Burns Avenue, San Ignacio
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