Off-Site Tours
Things To DoOff-Site Tours and Excursions
Beyond the reserve, this corner of Belize sits within reach of some of the region's best-known Maya sites and natural landmarks, from underground rivers to ancient temples on both sides of the border. These full-day excursions leave the lodge by vehicle and are a good way to build in a change of scenery partway through your stay.
The ATM Cave
The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is one of the more physically involved excursions on offer, and one of the most rewarding for guests up for it. It suits travelers who are moderately fit, comfortable with dark and close spaces, confident swimmers, and ready for a hike that runs largely through water with some light climbing along the way. The reward is a look at Maya artifacts left undisturbed inside the cave's dry chamber.
Good to Know
Timing: Depart the lodge at 6:00 AM, return between 4:00 and 5:00 PM.
Bring: A swimsuit, t-shirt, shorts, closed-toe water shoes or old sneakers, and a dry pair of socks for the cave's dry chamber. Wear socks you won't mind parting with, since they sometimes don't make it back out.
For the ride home: A dry change of clothes and comfortable sandals or flip-flops.
Included: Your licensed guide, all necessary equipment, park entrance fees, and lunch. Your guide returns you to your driver for the trip back to the lodge.
Please note: Cameras are not permitted inside the cave.
Caracol
For guests who want to see Maya ruins and don't mind a fuller day, Caracol is the excursion we point most people toward. You'll leave the lodge at 6:00 AM, meet your guide around 8:00 AM, and travel roughly another 1.5 hours to reach the site. After touring the ruins and having lunch, you'll depart around 2:00 PM. On the way back, most guests stop at either Rio On Pools, a series of small pools and waterfalls along a creek that's a good place to cool off after a day at the ruins, or Big Rock Falls, an 80-foot waterfall reached by a somewhat steep 15 to 20-minute hike down, where you can swim right up to the falls. You'll return to the lodge between 5:00 and 6:00 PM.
Good to Know
Timing: Depart the lodge 6:00 AM, meet your guide about 8:00 AM, depart the site around 2:00 PM, return to the lodge 5:00 to 6:00 PM.
On the way back: A stop at Rio On Pools or Big Rock Falls for a swim.
Bring: Plenty of water, sunblock, and insect repellent.
Xunantunich and Cahal Pech
For guests who'd rather skip the longer drive and the waterfall hike, the two smaller ruin sites of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, in and near San Ignacio town, make for a shorter day. Climbing to the top of El Castillo at Xunantunich puts you only about 20 feet lower than the main temple at Caracol, Caana. Cahal Pech sits lower and shadier, with more tree cover, and offers a more hands-on, interactive visit: you'll climb through hallways, down stairwells, and into rooms where the Maya once lived, alongside a well-done on-site museum.
Tikal
Tikal, across the border in Guatemala, is a longer day but a worthwhile one for guests who don't mind an early start. You'll depart the lodge at 4:00 AM and return between 6:00 and 7:00 PM, depending on the border crossing.
Good to Know
Timing: Depart the lodge 4:00 AM, return 6:00 to 7:00 PM depending on the border crossing.
Bring: Your passport, a small amount of cash for tipping or souvenirs, comfortable walking shoes, and cool clothing. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and extra drinking water are worth packing too.
Passports other than US, British, or Canadian: You may need an additional visa. Please check with the Guatemalan consulate in your area ahead of your trip.
More Combination Tours
A few additional combination tours are also available. Ask your Chan Chich contact for current availability and details.
Barton Creek & Xunantunich
Xunantunich & Cave Tubing
Mountain Pine Ridge (Rio Frio Cave, Rio On Pools, and Big Rock Falls)
Xunantunich & Chocolate Presentation