Cave Tubing & Zipline @ Calico Jack’s (Intermedio)

per person

Ziplining
Cave Tubing

Ziplining

Since we haven’t figured out a way to grow feathers yet, a trip through the jungle on a zipline is a terrific way to get that fix.

Here you will find Maya artifacts just the way they were left by the Mayas hundreds of years ago. The cave is ranked as one of the Top Ten Caves Of The World by the National Geographic Society. National Geographic and the Discovery Channels and History have done documentaries on this spectacular cave. Allow us to unveil the secrets of “Xibalba” the Mayan underworld to you.

Starts: 7:30AM Ends: 3:30PM – 4:00PM

Itinerary

Getting There: Your adventure begins at 7:30 AM with a 45 minutes’ drive on the George Price Highway towards the junction at Teakettle village where, for another 30 minutes’, we drive on a dirt road until reaching the site’s parking lot.From the parking lot, we then venture into a 45 minutes’ jungle hike toward the cave entrance, crossing a knees-deep river 3 times along the way- enjoy the scenery.

At the cave entrance: Upon reaching the mouth of the ATM cave, your guide briefs you on the cave’s historical facts while we gear up with helmets and head lamps. The hike inside the cave entails a very short swims of about 30 feet across at the very entrance of the cave. For non-swimmers, there is a by-pass around the corner of the cave’s entrance through which you are assisted by the guide. This should not pose an issue since none-swimmers are equipped with life jackets. For the rest of the cave length, it’s mostly wading through the water no deeper than chest-height (at average height) at most. Admire the myriad cave formations along the way until reaching the hidden dry chamber where amazement awaits you.

In the main chamber: To get to the dry chamber, we must climb over some rocks providing a staircase to the chamber. Once in the chamber, you’ll be asked by your guide to take off your shoes, and walk with only your socks on your feet. Here your guide explains the Maya rituals while you awe at the magnificence of this ancient tomb and its grandeur.You’ll be amazed by all the Mayan artifacts and remains freely scattered throughout the cave as your guide explains how they got their and what lead to this shocking massacre in such a remote location. Walking farther into the cave, we’ll reach a higher but smaller chamber accessible only through the use of a man-made ladder. This is where the prized, intact, crystalized skeletal remains of the Crystal Maiden lay. Take your time, to sink in the reality of what lies before you.

Departure: After being saturated to capacity with astonishment, we make our way back out of the chambers and the cave. (the way back out always seems so much shorter than the way in). We then hike back onto the parking lot, where the guide will provide you with your lunch as you discuss the reality of what you’ve just witnessed inside. You may choose to change into your dry clothes before or after lunch (your choice). After lunch, we board our vehicle and head back to San Ignacio arriving around 3:30- 4:00 PM.

Difficulty level: Active

What to Bring: Sneakers with good traction or hiking boots or water shoes, a thick pair of socks (you’ll be needing to walk in it), lightweight pants, lightweight shirt (long sleeves & trousers are recommended to minimize mosquito bites), a change of clothes, insect repellent, (Tour guides advise against open-toe sandals or bathing suites),

What not to bring: Cameras are not allowed inside the cave (you may use them along the trail leading the to cave), don’t bring along any jewelry or cell phones, if you wear glasses, please wear it using a strap.

Provided: Helmets, headlamps, towels, and life vests are provided. You have the option of not wearing life vests for comfort If you are a confident swimmer. The guide will carry a dry bag where you can keep all your belongings dry and safe.

Note: This tour is not for persons with disabilities, heart conditions, back or leg problems, or claustrophobia. All guests must be in good physical conditions & able to walk in a jungle setting and in water. The ability to hike for 4+ hours and be comfortable with small spaces is important.

Cave Tubing

If you’re visiting with children or non-swimmers please let us know this ahead of time so as to verify Minimum height requirements of “40 inches” is met and kid-size life jackets are provided.

Starts: 1:00PM Ends: 5:00PM

Itinerary

Getting There: The Cave Tubing site is not at the same place as this zipline course. After an hour and 15 minutes’ drive north on the George Price Highway, you will reach the Cave tubing site. At the parking lot, there you’ll have a quick lunch on the picnic tables there. After changing into your swimwear, you’ll walk over to the equipment booth to grab a tube & helmet with headlamps. You’re ready to start!

At the site: Once you’re all geared up, you then embark on a 45 minutes’ hike across the clear turquoise Caves Branch River. At this crossing there’s a rope across the river to assist you crossing. The water is knees-deep, typically. After the river crossing, we start off along a jungle trail heading upstream alongside the river. Your guide will point out interesting aspects of the local flora &fauna as we trek through – perfect time to take out your cameras (preferably water proof).

Upon arrival at the designated starting point, your guide will brief you on the proper safety techniques for boarding & floating on your tube. If you’re adventurous, you’ll want to dive or splash into the water from a rock at the starting point. From here, your guide will set you afloat through a series of cavers which periodically open up to the sunshine & jungle. When the water current is strong, you’ll be tied up into a cluster (like a train) with ropes so as to avoid anyone straying away. Your guide will (depending on time availability) will lead you to the river bank inside the cave where you’ll unboard your tube and hike up to a hidden cavern where Ancient Maya Artifacts and beautiful natural formations can be seen.

After a bit of cave exploration through tight spaces, you’ll hop back onto your tube and continue the journey down the river through the rest of the caves with occasional beautiful scenic openings on the side. The journey continues until you make it back to the first river crossing and then back onto the parking lot. Here you can use the expansive restroom complex to change back into your dry clothes and shoes.

Departing: Once dried up, you’ll board our vehicle and head back onto San Ignacio via the George Price Highway, arriving around 5:00PM.

Duration: Approx. 5hours (at Jaguar Paw Cave Tubing)

Difficulty level:Moderate

What to Bring: Water Shoes (no flip-flops or open toe sandals), lightweight Shorts, Lightweight shirt, change of clothes, Sunscreen, Insect Repellant, Water, Camera (must be water proof).

Provided: we provide you with helmet, head lamp, life jackets, and towels.

Pax Rates