St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park

The Xunantunich Mayan Ruins are some of the finest Maya Ruins in Belize. The drive from Hopkins to the Blue Hole and Xunantunich Mayan site in western Belize takes you through the scenic Hummingbird Highway and the western villages of Belize. This is a cultural experience, sightseeing tours with first hand views of the countryside, Mayan Mountains, farms, colorful homes and San Ignacio farmers market. Experience an authentic Belizean lunch in the immediate area of the ruins. Along the way back, we will make a stop at the cenote at Blue Hole National Park on the Hummingbird Highway, this is a great place to swim or just take pictures an enjoy the nature. The Blue Hole cenote was formed by the collapse of an underground limestone cave. In this case, the river running through the original cavern still flows through the cave system, and forms a sapphire-colored pool at the bottom of the sinkhole. The depression measures about 100 feet deep and 300 feet in diameter, with the actual blue hole at the depression’s base having a depth of about 25 feet.

Get an early start and depart from San Ignacio at 7:30 AM. Drive out to St Herman's Blue Hole National Park, known for its lush rainforest and intricate system of interconnected caves and azure freshwater pools. Begin your adventure through the park with a rainforest hike that will end at the entrance to the Crystal Cave system. Embark on a spelunking expedition through the series of limestone caverns that the Mayans treated as a natural pantheon. Admire the beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, flow stones, rock columns, crystalline formations, and Mayan artifacts adorning the interior of the caves. Let your guide show you the evidence of ritual ceremonies that took place thousands of years ago, including pottery, fire pits, charcoal ash, and human remains. Step into Wonderland, an aptly-named chamber deep in the earth with walls covered in shimmering crystals. Spend anywhere from 3–5 hours exploring the cave depending on your energy. Let your guide know if you want to eat the packed lunch and get some rum punch inside the cave or back at the parking lot and fill up after a long day's trek. Finish off with a refreshing dip in the Blue Hole pool the park is named for. Arrive back in San Ignacio around 5:30 PM.

This private cave tubing experience is done at St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park, away from the popular visiting cruise passengers to Belize. Visit this impressive cave system adorned with spectacular formations. Spend some of your time exploring St. Herman's cave and tube your way into this pitch-black atmosphere with just your light to light your way. Finish with a refreshing swim at the Inland Blue Hole. For this activity we meet at St.Herman's Blue Hole National Park visitor center or transportation can be arranged at no cost from resorts near the park ( caves branch lodge and Jaguar Creek).

Discover the wonders of Belize's Cayo District on a full-day tour from Placencia. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive along the majestic Hummingbird Highway, passing through lush landscapes of karst limestone formations and orange groves. Arrive at the Xunantunich archaeological site, where you'll cross the Mopan River on a vintage ferry to reach the hilltop ruins. Stand atop the massive El Castillo temple, rising 130 feet above the plaza, and peer into Guatemala. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the six major plazas and over twenty-five temples and palaces, revealing secrets of ancient Mayan life. Marvel at the preserved frieze on the east side of El Castillo, featuring a fiberglass replica of the central mask representing the sun god. After exploring Xunantunich, head to Blue Hole National Park for a refreshing swim. Take a short hike through the tropical forest to reach the cenote known as the Blue Hole. Cool off in the natural swimming pool before heading back to Placencia.