Xunantunich and In land Blue Hole from Placencia

Xunantunich and In land Blue Hole from Placencia

Duration

8 Hours

Tour Type

Mayan Ruins

Group Size

15 persons

Location

Belize Tours from Placencia

Overview

Xunantunich Ruins & Inland Blue Hole | From Placencia

The Perfect "Sweat & Swim" Combo. This is the most balanced day trip in Belize. You get the history and the hiking in the morning, followed by a refreshing dip in a sapphire jungle cenote in the afternoon. Departing from Placencia, we traverse the famous Hummingbird Highway to reach the ancient heights of the Xunantunich Maya Temples and the cool waters of St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park.


At A Glance

  • Departs From: Placencia Peninsula (Village, Seine Bight, Maya Beach)
  • Destinations: San Jose Succotz (Cayo) & Belmopan Area
  • Duration: Full Day (Approx. 9 Hours)
  • Activity Level: Moderate (Climb ruins, then relax/swim)

The Experience

Part 1: The Climb (Xunantunich)

Your journey begins with a hand-cranked ferry crossing over the Mopan River. From there, we enter the ancient city of the "Stone Woman." The highlight is climbing El Castillo—a 130-foot tall pyramid. From the summit, you’ll have a panoramic view of the Belize river valley and the Guatemalan border.

Part 2: The Cool Down (Inland Blue Hole)

After working up a sweat at the ruins and enjoying a hearty local lunch, we head to St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park. Unlike the "Great Blue Hole" at sea, this is a freshwater sinkhole nestled in the jungle. The water is a stunning sapphire blue, fed by an underground cave system, and stays a refreshing 75°F year-round. It is the perfect refreshing reward after a morning of hiking.

The "Private" Advantage

We time this tour for your comfort. By leaving Placencia early, we tackle the ruins while the morning air is still cool. By the time the midday sun hits, you’ll be finished with the hike and on your way to the swimming hole. Plus, our private vehicle means you can nap in the A/C on the beautiful drive back.

Itinerary Snapshot

  • 7:30 AM: Pickup in Placencia.
  • 10:00 AM: Arrival at Xunantunich (Ferry Crossing).
  • 10:15 AM: Guided Tour & Climb of El Castillo.
  • 12:30 PM: Authentic Belizean Lunch in San Ignacio/Succotz.
  • 2:00 PM: Swim at the Inland Blue Hole.
  • 3:30 PM: Return drive via Hummingbird Highway.
  • 5:30 PM: Drop-off in Placencia.

Trip Essentials

What's Included What's Excluded
✅ Private Roundtrip Transport
✅ Licensed Tour Guide
✅ Entrance Fees (Ruins & Park)
✅ Ferry Fees
✅ Lunch & Refreshments
❌ Breakfast
❌ Towels (Please bring your own)
❌ Gratuities

What to Bring: Walking shoes (for the ruins), swimsuit, towel, change of dry clothes, bug spray, and your camera.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this the same as the "Great Blue Hole"?
No! This is the Inland Blue Hole. The Great Blue Hole is in the ocean and requires a boat or plane. This one is a freshwater jungle swimming hole located right off the Hummingbird Highway.

2. Is the water cold?
It is "refreshing!" The water comes from an underground cave system, so it is cooler than the ocean, which feels amazing after hiking in the hot sun.

3. How long is the hike at the Blue Hole?
It is very short. The swimming area is only a 5-minute easy walk from the parking lot, making it accessible for almost everyone.

4. Can we jump in?
There are specific areas where you can jump, but the water depth varies. Your guide will show you the safe spots to enter the water.

5. Can we visit St. Herman's Cave too?
Yes, the cave is in the same park. If you are a fast hiker and we have time, we can take a short walk to the cave entrance (approx. 15 mins) to peek inside before we swim.

Travel Styles

Nature & Adventure
Independent

FAQs

What should I wear for the tour?
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing suitable for walking and exploring. Bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes for the Inland Blue Hole segment. Sturdy walking shoes are essential for the Xunantunich exploration.
How long is the tour?
The combined tour typically lasts a full day, with several hours dedicated to exploring Xunantunich and a few hours at the Inland Blue Hole.
Is lunch provided?
Lunch is not included in the standard package, but a traditional Mayan lunch can be added as optional.
How physically demanding is the tour?
he Xunantunich segment involves walking and exploring, so a moderate level of fitness is required. The Inland Blue Hole is more relaxed, with swimming being the primary activity.
Do I need any prior knowledge of Mayan history for the tour?
Not at all! The tour is designed to be informative for both newcomers and those familiar with Mayan history. Your guide will provide all the necessary information.
How can I contact Private Belize Adventure for further questions?
You can reach out to Private Belize Adventure via email or their official contact number provided upon booking. Remember, it's always a good idea to reach out to the tour operator, Private Belize Adventure, directly for any specific concerns or special requests. They are committed to ensuring you have an unforgettable Belizean experience!

Tour Location

Xunantunich and In land Blue Hole from Placencia
from $232

Extra prices:

({{ type.price_type }})
{{ type.price_html }}

Discounts:

{{ type.from }} - {{ type.to }} guests from {{ type.from }} guests
- {{ formatMoney(type.total) }}
({{ type.price_type }})
{{ type.price }}%
{{ formatMoney(type.price) }}
  • {{ total_price_html }}
  • {{ pay_now_price_html }}
Monday 07:00 - 00:00
Tuesday 07:00 - 00:00
Wednesday 07:00 - 00:00
Thursday 07:00 - 00:00
Friday 07:00 - 00:00
Saturday 07:00 - 00:00
Sunday 07:00 - 00:00
from
$232