Xunantunich & Cave Tubing

per person

Xunantunich
Cave Tubing

Xunantunich

Mayan for “Maiden of the Rock”. Xunantunich flourished during the Classic Period which managed to survive the Maya “Collapse” and retained prominence until around 1000 A.D.

Xunantunich was the first excavated Mayan site in Belize that was opened for the public. Though it is smaller compared to the other Mayan sites, it consists of one of the tallest structures. The huge statue of the Sun God, El Castillo, and the 130-foot tall pyramid are a couple of structures that attract visitors. Xunantunich means “stone Woman” or “Maiden of the rock” in the Yucatec dialect. These names are derived from the image of a woman depicted in one of the paintings.

These ruins represent the period of AD 650- 1000 of Mayan civilization when the people had mastered the art of construction. Residential structures spread over 22 acres were found in this site. It seems Xunantunich was abandoned in AD 900 and was again occupied in post classic period. Castillo, a 40m tall building, is one of the tallest Mayan buildings in Belize. The causeways, ball courts and platform mounds excavated here prove that they were far ahead of their generation.

The three most remarkable segments of Xunantunich are the elite residential structures, the middle class residential structures and the ceremonial center. The six plazas of the city were surrounded by 25 palaces and several temples. Very brutal games were played in the ball court complex where the losers and winners were awarded in a most awkward manner.

Starts: 8:00AM Ends: 12:00PM

Starts: 1:00PM Ends: 4:00PM

Itinerary

Getting There: The adventure begins at 8:00AM (unless done as a combo in the afternoon) on a mere 10 – 15 minutes’ drive onto the village of San Jose Succotz. Here we will cross the Mopan River via an old-fashioned hand-cranked ferry. All passengers must alight the vehicle while crossing. Having crossed the river, we have a 3 minutes’ drive up to the park’s parking lot where we unboard the vehicle, register at the park’s office, then begin our exploration. A short walk up to the site will cover your guide’s briefing on safety procedures and what to expect.

At Xunantunich: Upon arrival at the site, you’ll be amazed at how impressive the Temple of El Castillo (the main temple) actually is at a remarkable 120 feet in height. Pay close attention to the history of this once royal center of ancient civilization as your guide walks you through the site. Feel free to climb to the top of El Castillo if you’re not afraid of heights. There you’ll have a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the surroundings which encompasses part of Guatemala, Benque Viejo Town, and San Jose Succotz among other areas.

Be careful coming down from the pyramid as you make your way over to the ancient ball court. Imagine the excitement happening in real time as your guide paints a vivid picture of how the popular Mayan game of Pokatok was played. On site you may get to see spider monkeys and, depending on the time of the year, even howler monkeys. An on-site museum will give you an overall idea of this ancient city’s actual size.

Departing the site: After your tour at Xunantunch, we make back down to the river crossing, once again exiting the vehicle and boarding the hand cranked ferry. If you are doing this tour as a combo, we make our way onto Rumors Resort where we’ll have lunch. After lunch, we move on in search of our next adventure.

Duration: Approx. 3 to 4 hours (at Xunantunich)

Difficulty level: Moderate

What to Bring: Sunscreen, bug repellent, sun glasses, hat, solid hiking shoes, camera, water an adventurous attitude.

Provided: Bottled Water.

Note: Light physical activity will be required for those who wish to explore the Mayan ruins on foot. Please wear appropriate walking & climbing shoes. This tour is suitable for all ages.

Cave Tubing

Take a real life journey through the Maya Underworld “Xibalba”

This tour is normally done in combination with any other half day tour (in this case, with Xunantunich Ruins) If you’re visiting with children or non-swimmers please let us know this ahead.

Starts: 1:00PM (or any time after your other morning tour)

Ends: 6:00PM (duration depends on your own pace)

Itinerary

Getting There: The adventure begins soon after you’ve had lunch after your morning tour (in this case Xunantunich). We embark from Rumors Resort (lunch venue) passing through San Ignacio. This is about an hour and 15 minutes’ drive on the George Price Highway (paved road) until arriving at the junction of the Jaguar Paw Cave Tubing outpost. The drive into the site’s parking lot is another 10 minutes or so on paved road.

At the site: Upon arriving at the parking lot, you guide checks you in with the ranger. Here you can use the expansive restroom complex to change into your swimwear if you haven’t as yet done so. Your guide then walks you over to the tube racks where you’ll pick a tube of your choice. We provide you with life jackets, helmets, and headlamps.

Once we’re all geared up, we then embark on a 45 minutes’ hike across the clear blue Caves Branch River. At this crossing there’s a rope across the river to assist you crossing. The water is waist-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 occasionally point out various Maya artifacts within the crevices of the caves. Depending on time availability, he may allow you to unboard your tube & walk up for a closer look if you wish.

Departing: Since you’ll be ending back at the river crossing downstream, you’ll only be needing to get out of the river and head back on a short trek to the parking lot. Here we’ll deposit our tubes and then we’re free to change into our dry clothes. Once everyone is all dried up, we board the vehicle and head back onto the George Price Highway and onto San Ignacio, arriving around 5:30 or 6:00PM depending on individual pace.

Duration: Approx. 5 hours (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.