Xunantunich and In land Blue Hole from Placencia
8 Hours
Mayan Ruins
15 persons
Belize Tours 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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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.
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.