Xunantunich Tour
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Duration
Half Day
Departure
Belize City
Transportation
Air-conditioned vehicle
Group Size
Small groups
Special Offer
Limited-time 15% off! Book now to save US$26 on this amazing tour!
About This Tour
Journey to one of Belize's most magnificent Maya archaeological sites on this half-day adventure to Xunantunich, the "Maiden of the Rock." Rising 130 feet above the lush Belizean jungle, El Castillo pyramid stands as a testament to the architectural genius of ancient Maya civilization. Your adventure begins with a charming hand-cranked ferry ride across the Mopan River, followed by an exploration of this impressive ceremonial center that once thrived as a major political and economic hub in the Maya world.
Xunantunich, meaning "Maiden of the Rock" in Maya, is one of Belize's most accessible and impressive archaeological sites. Dating back to 600-890 AD during the Classic Period, this ancient city served as a major ceremonial and administrative center in the Maya lowlands.
Your tour begins with convenient pickup from your Belize City hotel, followed by a scenic 90-minute drive through the beautiful Belizean countryside to the western Cayo District. Upon arrival, you'll cross the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry - a unique and memorable experience that adds to the adventure.
Once across, a short uphill walk brings you to the entrance of Xunantunich. Your expert guide will lead you through the ancient plazas, explaining the site's history, architecture, and significance in Maya civilization. The highlight is climbing El Castillo, the second tallest structure in Belize, which offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and even into neighboring Guatemala.
Tour Highlights
- Climb El Castillo pyramid - 130 feet tall with stunning jungle views
- Cross the Mopan River on a charming hand-cranked ferry
- Explore ancient Maya plazas and ceremonial structures
- See intricate stone friezes depicting Maya deities
- 360-degree panoramic views from pyramid summit
- Learn about Maya civilization from expert guides
- Visit one of Belize's most accessible Maya sites
- Perfect half-day tour from Belize City
What's Included
What's Not Included
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup in Belize City
Comfortable pickup from your hotel, Airbnb, water taxi terminal, or Municipal Airstrip in air-conditioned vehicle.
Scenic Drive to Xunantunich
Enjoy beautiful views of Belizean countryside as we travel west to the Cayo District.
Hand-Cranked Ferry Crossing
Cross the Mopan River on the unique hand-cranked ferry - a memorable experience in itself.
Arrive at Xunantunich
Begin guided exploration of the ancient Maya site with your expert guide.
Climb El Castillo Pyramid
Ascend the 130-foot El Castillo for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of jungle and Guatemala.
Explore Plazas and Structures
Walk through ancient plazas, examine stone friezes, and learn about Maya civilization and architecture.
Return Journey to Belize City
Comfortable drive back to your pickup location, arriving approximately 2:00 PM.
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Information on Belize
→ Official Belize Travel Information (travelbelize.org)Customer Reviews
Felix Taylor
Chicago, Illinois
Impressive Maya ruins
Xunantunich is spectacular. El Castillo dominates the site - huge pyramid with incredible frieze panels. The climb to the top is worth it for the 360-degree jungle views. You can see into Guatemala on clear days. Guide was knowledgeable about Maya history and architecture. Hand-crank ferry to cross the river was fun. Great half-day tour from San Ignacio or Belize City.
November 12, 2024
Ada Martinez
Portland, Oregon
Beautiful archaeological site
Loved Xunantunich! El Castillo is one of the tallest structures in Belize - the ascent is steep but manageable and the view from the top is breathtaking. The stucco frieze is remarkably well-preserved. Guide was excellent, explained the site's history and significance. Ferry crossing adds to the adventure. Highly recommend!
October 28, 2024
Gerard Wilson
Seattle, Washington
Outstanding ruins
Xunantunich is fantastic. El Castillo is massive and impressive - climbing to the summit gives you amazing panoramic views over the jungle. The frieze on the temple is fascinating. Guide was very knowledgeable about Maya civilization. Taking the hand-crank ferry across the Mopan River is unique. Excellent tour!
October 15, 2024
Geraldine Garcia
Calgary, Alberta
Wonderful Maya site
Xunantunich exceeded expectations. El Castillo is spectacular - the height and preservation are impressive. Views from the top stretch for miles across the jungle. The stucco frieze depicts Maya rulers and cosmology beautifully. Guide was excellent, made the history come alive. Ferry ride was fun. Great tour from San Ignacio!
September 30, 2024
Lester Rodriguez
Phoenix, Arizona
Impressive pyramid
Xunantunich is excellent. El Castillo is huge - 130 feet tall with amazing views from the summit. The frieze is well-preserved and beautiful. Guide was knowledgeable about the site's role in Maya history. Hand-crank ferry crossing is unique and fun. Well worth visiting, great half-day tour!
September 18, 2024
Inez Taylor
Vancouver, British Columbia
Beautiful ruins
Loved Xunantunich! El Castillo is spectacular - massive pyramid with incredible jungle views from the top. The stucco frieze is remarkably preserved. Guide was excellent, very knowledgeable about Maya culture and history. Ferry ride across the river was charming. Great archaeological site, highly recommend!
September 5, 2024
Archie Martinez
San Diego, California
Great Maya ruins
Xunantunich is wonderful. El Castillo is the centerpiece - enormous pyramid offering panoramic views. The ascent is steep but totally worth it. The frieze is beautiful and well-preserved. Guide was knowledgeable and engaging. Hand-crank ferry adds adventure. Excellent tour, highly recommend!
August 22, 2024
Leona Wilson
Austin, Texas
Excellent archaeological tour
Xunantunich is impressive. El Castillo is massive - 130+ feet tall with spectacular views from the summit. Can see into Guatemala from the top. The frieze is fascinating. Guide was excellent, explained Maya history and architecture well. Ferry crossing was fun. Great half-day tour!
August 10, 2024
Edgar Garcia
San Francisco, California
Spectacular site
Xunantunich is fantastic! El Castillo is one of the tallest Maya structures in Belize - the climb to the top is rewarded with incredible jungle views. The stucco frieze is remarkably well-preserved. Guide was very knowledgeable. Hand-crank ferry ride is unique. Excellent tour, highly recommend!
July 28, 2024
💰 Save US$26 per person
per person
Was US$171 (15% off)
Exclusive vehicle and guide for your group only - move at your own pace
+$30/person (+$60 total)
Only a small deposit of 30% to book your Xunantunich Adventure
Balance payable in cash at pickup
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Questions before you book? Email us at reservations@belizefuntours.com