Jaguar Paw, a young hunter from a peaceful Mayan village, lives happily with his pregnant wife and son. One morning, warriors from a more powerful Mayan city raid his village, capturing the survivors for human sacrifice. Jaguar Paw manages to hide his family in a deep pit before being taken.
He and the other captives are brought to a grand Mayan city, where they witness the cruelty of the ruling elite. Many are sacrificed to the gods, but Jaguar Paw is spared when a solar eclipse occurs. Instead, he is used for sport, given a chance to run while being hunted by the warriors.
Using his knowledge of the jungle, Jaguar Paw turns the hunt around, setting traps and eliminating his pursuers one by one. He endures injuries but fights fiercely to return to his wife and child. His determination and survival instincts make him a formidable opponent.
Just as he defeats his last pursuer, Spanish ships appear on the shore, signaling the arrival of European colonizers. Jaguar Paw chooses not to engage with them and instead returns to his family. He leads them deeper into the jungle, seeking a new beginning.