Xunantunich and Cahal Pech Maya Ruins Tour
Why Travelers Choose Belize Fun Tours
Your Safety & Experience Matter
Duration
6-7 Hours
Departure
Belize City
Transportation
Air-conditioned vehicle
Group Size
Small group tour
Special Offer
Limited-time 15% off! Book now to save US$35 on this amazing tour!
About This Tour
Explore two of Belize's most magnificent Maya archaeological sites on this immersive full-day tour. At Xunantunich, climb the 130-foot El Castillo pyramid for breathtaking 360-degree views across the jungle into Guatemala. At Cahal Pech, walk through 34 interconnected structures including temples, ball courts, and royal palace rooms dating back to 1200 BC. Your expert guide brings thousands of years of Maya history to life.
- • Climb El Castillo at Xunantunich — second-tallest structure in Belize
- • 360-degree panoramic views across Cayo District and into Guatemala
- • Admire well-preserved stucco frieze with sun god masks and astronomical symbols
- • Cross Mopan River on traditional hand-cranked ferry
- • Explore Cahal Pech royal acropolis dating back to 1200 BC
- • Visit on-site museum with pottery, jade carvings, and obsidian tools
- • Authentic Belizean lunch at local restaurant included
- • Air-conditioned transportation from Belize City
Tour Highlights
- Climb El Castillo at Xunantunich - 130 feet tall, second-tallest structure in Belize
- 360-degree panoramic views across Cayo District and into Guatemala
- Admire well-preserved stucco frieze with sun god masks and astronomical symbols
- Cross Mopan River on traditional hand-cranked ferry
- Explore Cahal Pech - royal acropolis-palace dating back to 1200 BC
- Walk through 34 interconnected structures including temples and ball courts
- Visit on-site museum with pottery, jade carvings, and obsidian tools
- Authentic Belizean lunch at local restaurant
What's Included
What's Not Included
Itinerary
Pickup from Belize City
Pickup from hotel, water taxi terminal, or cruise ship Gate #1. Begin scenic drive through changing landscapes to Cayo District.
Cross Mopan River
Traditional hand-cranked ferry crossing - charming transition from modern world to ancient.
Explore Xunantunich
Guided tour of the 'Stone Maiden' ceremonial center. Explore plazas, temples, and ball courts from 600-900 AD.
Climb El Castillo Pyramid
Ascend 130-foot pyramid for breathtaking 360° views. Study stucco frieze depicting sun god and Maya cosmology.
Authentic Belizean Lunch
Savor true flavors of the region at local restaurant in San Ignacio area.
Tour Cahal Pech
Explore royal palace complex with 34 structures. Walk through vaulted archways, courtyards, and temple passageways.
Visit On-Site Museum
View artifacts including intricate pottery, jade carvings, and obsidian tools from excavations.
Return to Belize City
Comfortable drive back to your original pickup location with time to reflect on Maya history.
Explore More Tours
Information on Belize
→ Official Belize Travel Information (travelbelize.org)Customer Reviews
Roger Collins
Miami, Florida
Two great sites, one excellent tour
Really enjoyed seeing both Cahal Pech and Xunantunich in one day. Cahal Pech is smaller, more intimate - interesting as a royal residence. Xunantunich is grander with El Castillo dominating everything. The contrast between them is educational. Guide explained the differences in their functions and importance. Ferry ride to Xunantunich was fun. Good value getting both sites in one tour.
November 5, 2024
Cynthia Ward
Phoenix, Arizona
Excellent combination
Loved this tour. Cahal Pech sits on a hill with great views over San Ignacio - fascinating learning it was a royal palace complex. Xunantunich is more ceremonial, with massive El Castillo as the centerpiece. Climbing to the top gives you incredible panoramic views. Guide was great, knew his stuff about Maya history and architecture. Well-organized, good pacing. Highly recommend!
October 20, 2024
Albert Morris
Calgary, Alberta
Two unique perspectives on Maya culture
This tour provides nice breadth. Cahal Pech shows residential/administrative architecture, Xunantunich showcases ceremonial structures. Both are well-preserved and interesting in different ways. El Castillo at Xunantunich is spectacular - worth the climb for the views alone. Guide was knowledgeable without being dry. Ferry crossing was a pleasant interlude. Good tour for archaeology enthusiasts.
October 8, 2024
Betty Richardson
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Lovely day exploring Maya ruins
We thoroughly enjoyed visiting both sites. Cahal Pech is compact but beautifully situated with lovely views. Xunantunich is larger and more impressive - El Castillo is enormous and the frieze is remarkably well preserved. Our guide was excellent, made the history accessible and interesting. Enough time at each site to properly explore. The hand-crank ferry to Xunantunich was charming. Excellent tour.
September 25, 2024
Eugene Bailey
Atlanta, Georgia
Great archaeological overview
This tour gives you good perspective on Maya civilization through two different site types. Cahal Pech as an elite residential area, Xunantunich as a ceremonial center. Both well worth visiting. El Castillo is impressive and the climb to the top is rewarded with fantastic views. Guide did a great job explaining the historical context and architectural features. Well-organized tour, good value.
September 10, 2024
Judith Foster
San Jose, California
Wonderful combination tour
Really glad we booked this combo tour rather than visiting just one site. Cahal Pech is interesting and has beautiful views over the valley. Xunantunich is more dramatic with the huge El Castillo pyramid. The guide was excellent - knowledgeable, personable, and clearly passionate about Maya history. The ferry crossing to reach Xunantunich added a fun element. Great tour, highly recommend.
August 28, 2024
Harold Woods
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Fascinating archaeology
Excellent tour for anyone interested in Maya civilization. Cahal Pech offers insight into elite domestic life, while Xunantunich demonstrates ceremonial and political power. Both sites are well-maintained and interpreted. Our guide was very knowledgeable about Maya culture, architecture, and history. El Castillo at Xunantunich is magnificent - the view from the summit is spectacular. Well worth doing.
August 15, 2024
Donna Russell
Charlotte, North Carolina
Two for one value
Great tour visiting two important Maya sites. Cahal Pech has beautiful setting and interesting structures. Xunantunich is more impressive in scale - El Castillo is huge! Views from the top are amazing, you can see the jungle stretching forever. Guide was very good, explained the significance of both sites clearly. Ferry ride was fun. Good amount of time at each location. Highly recommend this tour.
July 25, 2024
Arthur Griffin
Ottawa, Ontario
Well-executed tour
Excellent tour covering two distinct Maya sites. Cahal Pech is smaller and more intimate, Xunantunich is grander and more ceremonial. The contrast is educational and interesting. Our guide was knowledgeable and engaging throughout. Both sites are well worth visiting. El Castillo at Xunantunich is spectacular and the panoramic views from the top are incredible. Ferry crossing was a nice touch. Great tour.
July 10, 2024
💰 Save US$35 per person
per person
Was US$230 (15% off)
Only a small deposit of 30% to book your Xunantunich Adventure
Balance payable in cash at pickup
2 guests are currently looking at this tour
Questions before you book? Email us at reservations@belizefuntours.com