Your private day begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned drive to Xunantunich — meaning “Stone Maiden” in Yucatec Maya: a ceremonial city perched dramatically above the Mopan River near the Guatemalan border that was at its peak during the Classic Period around 600–900 AD. A short hand-cranked ferry crossing adds a charming touch before your expert local guide walks you through the plazas, temples, and the imposing El Castillo pyramid, which at 130 feet was once the second tallest structure in Belize. From there, the adventure shifts underground as you make your way to Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, a site the ancient Maya believed to be the entrance to Xibalba, the underworld, where Maya pottery dating back over 1,400 years remains undisturbed in the cave chambers to this day. After gearing up and a guided jungle hike to the water’s edge, you’ll float through ancient cave passages and out onto the open river, with optional rock jumps and a narrow swim passage for those seeking an extra rush before the relaxing drive home.
This exclusive private tour combines two of Belize’s most iconic adventures into a single unforgettable day: the ancient Maya city of Xunantunich and the sacred cave tubing system of Nohoch Che’en. Walk the plazas of a lost city that once dominated the Belize River Valley, then float through the underground caves the Maya believed to be the literal entrance to the afterlife, where pottery left behind over 1,400 years ago still lines the chamber walls. It’s history, jungle, and adventure all in one day, and it’s entirely yours.
1) 1 hour drive Air-conditioned transport to Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve
Scenic transfer to Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve
Change clothes, safety briefing, and equipment fitting
Guided rainforest trail to the cave entrance; flora, fauna, and history along the way
Drift through ancient cave chambers past 1,400-year-old Maya pottery, then downstream on the open river
Rock jump and narrow swim passage (supervised; optional for all ages)
Short walk back, equipment return, change clothes
Relaxing drive back to drop-off location
We understand plans can change. Our cancellation fees are structured as follows:
We reserve the right to cancel tours due to severe weather, safety concerns, or factors beyond our control.
In these cases you may choose: A full refund, or A reschedule to another available date.
No additional fees will apply for cancellations initiated by the operator.
Our payment gateway Rezdy accepts a variety of major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Diners Club, Discover) and digital wallets including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Alipay
We provide a delicious and locally made lunch with most of our excursions! If a tour you want to go on does not offer food, please contact us and can absolutely accommodate you with beautiful and delicious local cuisine! Feel free to reach out!
