Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
What your day looks like
This tour features a trip to Xunantunich, "Maiden of the Rock". This Mayan site was home to a city known for making strides in development. Even as other Mayan cities began to decline, Xunantunich still continued to thrive. Many small villages can be seen along the way and the nation's capital, Belmopan and the town of San Ignacio. Traveling West takes you a mile away from the Guatemalan border after which we will cross the Mopan River in a hand cranked ferry. The tour of Xunantunich, or the Stone Maiden begins! Xunantunich is home to the second highest man made structure in the country of Belize. Preserved for over 1400 years, El Castillo has been only partially excavated and explored. Climbing to the top allows you to view the West Friese, an example of the skill Mayan artisans had at this site. After hiking to the top of the structures at this site, you'll be able to get great panoramic views of the site that contains a set of six plazas surrounded by more than twenty-five temples and palaces. The site also includes an ancient Mayan ball court. Both the climb to the top and the descent must be done cautiously, but the experience atop these tall Mayan structures are well worth the effort.
The experience, in brief
- Scenic three hour drive down the highway towards Xunantunich
- See beautiful Mayan ruins and a large selection of classic period structures
- The site also has El Castillo, the second tallest structure in Belize
Your day, step by step
Benque Viejo del Carmen
Archaeological Exploration at Xunantunich.
What to know before booking
Included
Personal guide for the entire tour Entrance fees to the Mayan Sites Archaeological Reserve included
Meeting & Pickup
Cruise ship passengers: Meet on the docks at Terminal 1 with a tour guide holding up a sign with the client's name on it. We will drop you back off here. If you are not arriving via a cruise, inquire about pickup. Non-Cruise Passengers: We do hotel pick ups and also return the guest to the hotel after the tour.
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business