Caracol Maya Ruin Tour
Description
The Caracol Mayan Ruin Tour is a moderate tour for kids 12 years and older. The entire tour takes approximately 8 hours (full day tour) and departs at 7:30am from San Ignacio it includes transportation, guide, park entrance fees and lunch. On the way back a stop is made in the Mountain Pine Ridge (Rio Frio Cave and the Rio On Pools) to cool off and enjoy a picnic lunch. Two places that will be explored are the Rio Frio Cave and Rio On Pools. MINIMUM 2 person
Tour Options
Itinerary
Caracol is located within the Chiquibul reserve just on the border with Guatemala and is a major site in the Mayan History. This tour walks you through history, it was founded before the Common Era around 1200 years between 600 and 900 AD known as the classic period. Caracol was one of the largest Mayan Cities ever built, with more than 65 square miles and home to at least 150,000 people. Caracol has about 30,000 structures and is home to three large plazas that contain two ball courts and scattering of smaller building and an acropolis. Photographs, diagrams and recovered artifacts from the site can be seen at the visitor center. What to bring: hiking scandals/trainers, snacks, reusable water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, camera and swim wear Minimum 2 persons Opening Hrs of Caracol Mayan Site : 7am- 4pm Estimated time of tour: Approx. 7hrs Cost of this package: 115USD per person Tour Package includes: Complete Tour of the Caracol ● Admission fee ● Bottled water ● Bottle Juice ● Snacks /Lunch ● Towel Meetings/Pick ups ● Hotel
The Rio Frio Cave is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. It was used as a sacred burial site for the ancient Maya. It measures more than 65 feet high and is a popular natural attraction known for its enormous front entry. It is a quarter mile filled with natural wonders, inside the cave are giant stalactite, enormous coloured boulders, stone chandeliers, water pools and waterfalls. This popular destination can be toured by individuals of different ages especially on a hot day.
The Rio on Pools is located 15 miles off the Western Highway from the Santa Elena Town in the Mountain Pine Ridge and is surrounded by 300 square miles of Caribbean Pine and forest reserve. It is famous for its fresh-water pools and appealing waterfalls which makes it the perfect picnic location with a beautiful view of the area from the riverbank. This natural beauty is easily accessible and can be enjoyed by anyone, for the different sizes and depths of the pools. This tour is a day filled with sunbathing, water massages, relaxation and swimming at a natural spa.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We do pick ups from hotels in San Ignacio, Cayo.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum 2 person
- Please disclose honestly all pre-existing relevant medical conditions accurately and fully when booking a tour or service, which may impact your ability to participate or travel to remote areas without access to medical facilities or may adversely affect the experience of others on your tour. We will maintain your information in accordance to the company privacy policy.
Reviews(13)
This Mayan site sounded really interesting when we researched it. The Caracol Mayans had a really good history. However, we were a little disappointed. The drive to the site from San Ignacio was not pleasant. The Belizean government is constructing a new road to the site and caused our driver to drive over unfinished limestone, which was very rough. I'm sure once the road is finished, it will be a nice ride. At the site, the ruins were OK, but only about 15% of the site is visible. The only thing that make the tour good was our guide, Rudy. He was very nice and knowledgeable about the Mayan history. Probably would not recommend the tour to Caracol.
Rudy was a phenomenal guide— So knowledgeable, helpful, encouraging, and entertaining. We had a very memorable experience with Rudy at the caracol ruins today. It was worth every penny! Lunch was provided (a delicious traditional belizean chicken, beans, and rice) It was a really great day.
Had an amazing time visiting the Caracol Ruins and our guide Neil was so knowledgeable about the history of the Mayan culture and the Spanish Inquisition! Additionally, he brought authentic food for our lunch which was delicious. After seeing the ruins, we spent some time at the Rio pools. Absolutely recommend this tour and we look forward to bringing our kids here in the future!
An unforgettable experience in the jungles of Belize. The arrival to the ruins is magical. You'll find yourself in lush Maya jungles amidst ruins that transport you to ancient times
Highly recommended. They accommodated a last minute booking too. Our guide Rudy was extremely knowledgeable and we learned a lot. Caracol is very peaceful, has no crowds, and has lots of interesting history. It’s worth doing both Caracol and Tikal.
We had a day trip to Caracol Maya ruins with Elias from Yule travel being our guide and he was outstanding as his knowledge and enthusiasm came across is well. WE would definitely recommend Elias as the guide as, despite having visited another Maya site in Guatemala, we found out so much ore due to the guide. I should clasp mention that the lunch was first class.
Amazing tour with a knowledgeable tour guide. Non stop facts and stories of the Mayans and of the entire country of Belize. A nice lunch after the ruins before trekking back and taking a dip in the Rio on pools. Great way to end the day. 100% recommend this tour company
The Caracol tour was very good and I highly recommend a visit to this remarkable historic site. Our tour guide Rudy was excellent and his encyclopedic knowledge of Mayan history and culture along with the flora, fauna and wildlife of the area made the visit so much better. If you have to choose between Caracol and Tikal it will be tough choice. Caracol is not has developed and does not have as imposing physical sites (although still amazing) but is situated in wilderness and had really no other visitors, it was like having it to yourself. This gave almost spiritual element to the visit. This may change when the new road is completed making it a much easier visit. Tikal was much more of a tourist destination (mainly local Guatemalans), this is understandable since it is an amazing site. Out guide to Tikal (thru MayaWalk) was OK but not close to Rudy in helping you understand the history etc. Caracol tour also had stops at the Rio Cave and Rio pools, these were both great visits and might weigh the choice in favor of Caracol. Recommend if you can to visit both sites.
This was an amazing tour. Tukan Tours surpassed my expectations & Rudy was the best guide ever. Celine at the office was super helpful with information and details. The tour itself will take you through Pine forests & Mayan ruins that are breathtaking. You will see howler monkeys, may be crocodiles (we saw one!) and butterflies. Stopping at Rio Frío Cave & later being able to take a dip in the water was also refreshing. Don’t miss this one!!!
So glad we chose to book a tour for this. Rudy was an amazing guide overflowing with information. He never rushed us and was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Hello Jessica, Thank you for your review, Rudy loves to share his knowledge and have his guest(s) enjoy the full experience of the tour. We hope you got some great photos. Regards, Celine
