US$219US$258

    per person

    A Tale of Three Cities

    5.0(8 reviews)
    Duration:9 hours
    Departure:Belize City / San Ignacio
    Transport:Air-conditioned vehicle
    Group:Small-Group Experience
    Instant booking
    Licensed tour operator
    Top-rated local guides
    A Tale of Three Cities

    About This Tour

    Explore three of Belize's most impressive Maya archaeological sites in a single epic day. This pioneering triple-ruins tour takes you from the coastal trading center of Altun Ha to the towering El Castillo at Xunantunich, then to the royal palace complex of Cahal Pech. Traverse the entire country of Belize while your expert guide reveals the stories of Maya kings, their wars, and their connection to the cosmos.

    • Visit Altun Ha where the famous Jade Head was discovered • Climb El Castillo at Xunantunich for panoramic jungle views • Explore 34 interconnected structures at Cahal Pech royal palace • One hour at each archaeological site for thorough exploration • Traditional Belizean lunch included • Air-conditioned transportation across the country • Available from Belize City, San Pedro, and Caye Caulker

    Tour Highlights

    • First triple tour to three of Belize's most sought after Maya Ruins
    • Visit Altun Ha - ancient Maya ceremonial center
    • Explore Xunantunich - climb El Castillo temple
    • Discover Cahal Pech - royal acropolis-palace complex
    • Epic quest into history traversing entire country of Belize
    • 1 hour at each ancient Maya site
    • Wonderful local Belizean lunch included
    • Available from multiple departure locations

    What's Included

    Air Conditioned Transfer
    Licensed Tour Guide
    All Entrance Fees to three Maya sites
    Complementary Lunch
    Water throughout the tour

    What's Not Included

    Souvenirs/Gifts
    Alcoholic Beverages
    Tips for guide and driver

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the three cities in the Tale of Three Cities tour?
    The three cities are Belmopan (the capital of Belize), San Ignacio (the gateway to the Cayo District), and the ancient Maya city of Xunantunich. The tour shows you modern, colonial, and ancient Belize in one day.
    Can you climb the pyramid at Xunantunich?
    Yes. Visitors can climb El Castillo, the main pyramid at Xunantunich standing 130 feet tall, for 360 degree panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and into Guatemala.
    What do you see in Belmopan?
    In Belmopan you visit the National Assembly building and learn about the history of Belize's capital, which was established in 1970 after Hurricane Hattie devastated Belize City. The city's layout was inspired by ancient Maya architecture.
    How long is this tour?
    This is a full-day tour lasting approximately 9 hours from pickup to return. The length allows sufficient time at each of the three destinations plus travel between them.
    Is lunch included?
    Yes. A traditional Belizean lunch is included during the tour.
    Is this tour suitable for families?
    Yes. This educational tour is excellent for families. Children enjoy the variety of visiting a modern capital, a riverside town, and climbing ancient Maya pyramids.
    How do you cross to Xunantunich?
    You cross the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry to reach Xunantunich. This unique river crossing is a memorable part of the experience.
    Is this tour physically demanding?
    The tour involves moderate walking and optional climbing of the El Castillo pyramid. Most stops are accessible for all fitness levels, with the pyramid climb being the most strenuous activity.

    Itinerary

    1
    7:00 AM

    Pickup from Belize City

    Tour departs at 7am for guests staying in Belize City. Guests from San Pedro and Caye Caulker depart at 8am.

    2
    9:00 AM

    Altun Ha Maya Ruins

    First stop at the ancient ceremonial center of Altun Ha. Spend 1 hour exploring the impressive temples and learning about Maya history.

    3
    11:00 AM

    Journey to Western Belize

    Travel west across the country toward the Cayo District and the ancient city of Xunantunich.

    4
    1:00 PM

    Xunantunich Maya Ruins

    Explore the magnificent Xunantunich site. Climb El Castillo temple for panoramic views. Spend 1 hour at this iconic Maya city.

    5
    2:30 PM

    Belizean Lunch

    Enjoy a wonderful local Belizean lunch at a traditional restaurant.

    6
    3:30 PM

    Cahal Pech Maya Ruins

    Final stop at Cahal Pech royal acropolis-palace complex. Explore 34 interconnected structures for 1 hour.

    7
    4:30 PM

    Return Journey

    Begin comfortable return journey to Belize City with memories of three ancient Maya cities.

    Customer Reviews

    Chester Martinez

    Denver, Colorado

    Three great sites in one day

    This tour covers a lot of ground! We visited Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and San Ignacio town. El Castillo at Xunantunich is massive - incredible views from the top. Cahal Pech has a beautiful hilltop setting. Exploring San Ignacio's market and shops was fun. Guide was knowledgeable about all three locations. Long day but well worth it. Great value seeing so much!

    November 8, 2024

    Beatrice Wilson

    Portland, Oregon

    Excellent combination tour

    Loved this tour! Xunantunich ruins are spectacular with El Castillo dominating the site. Cahal Pech offers different perspective as a residential complex. San Ignacio town exploration added cultural element - market, shops, local life. Guide was excellent throughout. Ferry ride to Xunantunich was fun. Full day but well-paced. Highly recommend!

    October 22, 2024

    Willis Rodriguez

    Seattle, Washington

    Great historical tour

    Three Cities tour was fantastic. Xunantunich is impressive - El Castillo is huge and the frieze is beautiful. Cahal Pech is interesting with nice views over San Ignacio. Exploring the town was enjoyable - saw the market and local shops. Guide was knowledgeable about both Maya history and modern Belizean culture. Long day but covered a lot. Great tour!

    October 10, 2024

    Violet Taylor

    Calgary, Alberta

    Wonderful variety

    Really enjoyed this combination tour. Xunantunich is spectacular - climbing El Castillo and seeing the jungle views was amazing. Cahal Pech is more intimate with beautiful hilltop setting. San Ignacio town tour added cultural element - market was colorful and interesting. Guide was excellent. Well-organized tour covering a lot. Highly recommend!

    September 25, 2024

    Clifford Garcia

    Phoenix, Arizona

    Great full-day tour

    Three Cities tour delivers great value. Xunantunich ruins are impressive - El Castillo is the highlight with panoramic views. Cahal Pech offers different architectural perspective. San Ignacio town exploration was interesting - local market and shops. Guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Full day but well-paced. Good variety of experiences. Highly recommend!

    September 12, 2024

    Blanche Anderson

    Vancouver, British Columbia

    Excellent tour

    Loved the Three Cities tour! Xunantunich is spectacular - El Castillo is massive and beautifully preserved. Cahal Pech is interesting as a royal residence. San Ignacio town tour was fun - market was vibrant and colorful. Guide was excellent, very knowledgeable about history and culture. Long day but covered a lot of ground. Great tour!

    August 28, 2024

    Leo Martinez

    San Diego, California

    Great combination

    Three Cities tour was excellent. Xunantunich is impressive - the main pyramid offers incredible views. Cahal Pech is beautiful with hilltop setting overlooking San Ignacio. Town exploration added cultural dimension - market and shops were interesting. Guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Well-organized full-day tour. Highly recommend!

    August 15, 2024

    Lucille Wilson

    Austin, Texas

    Wonderful day

    Really enjoyed the Three Cities tour! Xunantunich ruins are spectacular - El Castillo is huge and the frieze is fascinating. Cahal Pech offers different perspective as elite residence. San Ignacio town tour was fun - market was colorful and lively. Guide was excellent throughout. Full day but well worth it. Great variety!

    July 30, 2024

    US$219US$258

    per person

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    Deposit today (30%)US$131
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