• San Ignacio - Departing from San Ignacio Town at 8:00 am, enjoy a scenic one-hour drive to the Actun Tunichil Muknal National Park. Originally named El Cayo by the Spanish, San Ignacio was officially declared a town by the British Honduras government on October 19, 1904. Historically, a creek flowed between the Macal and Mopan rivers, about a mile outside San Ignacio, towards Benque Viejo.

Relish the beautiful journey as you pass through various local communities, observing the vibrant multicultural life. Witness Mennonite people traveling by horse and buggy and admire the diverse architectural styles of the houses.

• Teakettle - Teakettle Village, located in Belize’s Cayo District, was established by British settlers in the 1800s, likely named after the local teak wood. It is a cultural blend of Creole, Mestizo, and Mayan influences. Situated near the Belize River, the village is notable for its proximity to Maya archaeological sites, including the renowned Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave. While agriculture forms the backbone of its economy, recent enhancements in tourism infrastructure, such as the ATM Facilitation Center, highlight a growing focus on tourism development.

• Actun Tunichil Muknal - Archaeotours at Actun Tunichil Muknal were conceptualized by Dr. Rafael Guerra to enrich the visitor experience beyond standard tour information. Dr. Guerra, the only tour guide who is also a professional archaeologist, recognized that some tourists seek more than just the typical tour narrative. These tours offer visitors the opportunity to delve deeper into the archaeological processes and knowledge-building within the cave. The adventure begins with a 35-minute hike through the forest, crossing the Roaring River three times to reach the cave entrance. During the jungle hike, Dr. Rafael Guerra shares insights into local plant uses and the general history of the Mayas. Before entering the cave, Dr. Rafael provides a safety briefing and instructions on using the equipment.

• Local guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off within San Ignacio Town limits
• Use of necessary equipment

• Gratuities
• Hotel pick up and drop off outside San Ignacio Town

Archaeotours, conceptualized by Dr. Rafael Guerra, aim to enrich visitors’ experiences beyond typical tour information. Dr. Guerra stands out as the sole tour guide who is also a professional archaeologist. This tour provides an opportunity to interact with a local archaeologist who possesses extensive research and exploration expertise at Belizean archaeological sites, offering insights into the processes of archaeological knowledge development. Dr. Guerra began his archaeological journey at Actun Tunichil Muknal in 1998 with the Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance Project led by Jaime Awe. In 2001, he became part of the Belize Tourism Development Project (TDP), which was developing several key sites in Belize. By late 2005, he joined the Belize Institute of Archaeology, where he contributed to creating a comprehensive database for Belize’s archaeological sites. In 2021, he earned his Ph.D. in Anthropology, specializing in the Maya of Belize at the University of New Mexico.

• It is recommended you wear comfortable close teo shoes & Socks
• Note: difficulty level of this trip is moderate
• Minimum height to Paticipate is 40 inches for Children
• Please note: a minimum of 2 passengers is required in order for this tour to operate. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
• Need to Wear either Short pants or Long Pants, T-Shirt or long Sleeve Shirt

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.