The Ruins of Xunantunich

4.9 / 5 | 18 Reviews Review This Tour

Price: $89.00

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Summary

Shore Excursion Size

Standard

Shore Excursion Type Cultural, Scenic

Shore Excursion Duration 6 Hours

Activity Level

Easy

Shore Excursion Leaves From

An approximately 2 minute walk from the cruise ship tender pier.

Food/Beverage Provided A traditional Belizean lunch and soft drinks are included.

Recommended Dress We recommend wearing comfortable seasonal clothing, walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and sunglasses.

Restrictions Guests must be able to step in and out of the vehicle. The El Castillo climb is recommended only to those who can safely navigate the 130 foot structure. Children ages 4 and under may attend the tour free of charge with advanced notice at the time of booking. This tour is NOT wheelchair accessible.

The Ruins of Xunantunich

Slip on your walking shoes and step back in time with these marvelous Mayan ruins for this tour in Belize. The Xunantunich Ruins are a wonderful example of the Classic Mayan period. The ruins were abandoned around 900 A.D., presumably due to a large earthquake in the area.

Your Xunantunich Mayan Ruins tour will begin in Belize with a scenic 90 minute ride from Belize City. Hop on a hand-cranked ferry to cross the Mopan River, then step into the ancient archeological site of Xunantunich. Located on a natural limestone ridge, this site was the first Mayan ruin opened to the public. Wind through 6 plazas and dozens of temples as your knowledgeable guide shares interesting facts about ancient Mayan life.

Xunantunich is the modern name of the area and is Mayan for "Stone Woman". Legend has it that the ghost of a woman routinely appears in front of the El Castillo pyramid structure, ascends the steps and literally disappears into a stone wall.

Rising about 130 feet tall, El Castillo is the second highest structure in Belize and dominates the site. Follow in the Stone Woman's steps by taking a short, steep climb to the top and be rewarded with an impressive panoramic view of the Mopan, Macal and Belize River valleys and the nearby Peten District of Guatamala. While at El Castillo take a moment to admire the stucco friezes depicting various gods and the Tree of Life. Finish your time in Xunantunich relaxing at a local restaurant while you enjoy a traditional Belizean lunch before heading back to Belize City.

Reserve your spot now and get ready to discover the amazing ruins at Xunantunich.

4.9 / 5 | 18 ReviewsReview This Tour

Great Excursion

November 11, 2022

The ruins are really amazing to see right in front of you and the guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. The food was also very tasty. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Reviewer: Brad

Very interesting

November 02, 2022

Our tour guide Garreth was very informative and knew a lot about the Mayan history, and the lunch we got was really good and it was cool to have an authentic Belizean meal. We cut it a little bit close to when we needed to be back to the ship but overall I think this is a tour Id consider doing again.

Reviewer: Vanessa C

Beautiful Location

August 16, 2022

Beautiful and impressive ruin site, we enjoyed the day with our knowledgeable guide and the lunch was good in a nice Belizean cafe. The hill from the parking lot to the site is steep but very short, took 5 minutes to walk so not bad. The drive is at least 90 minutes and the guide drove a bit on the crazy side for us, escaped a few dangerous situations on the road, otherwise nice experience.

Reviewer: David

Guide was the best.

July 26, 2022

The trip was filled with interesting history and local information.

Reviewer: Marian Matturro

Stunning!

February 15, 2020

Just really can not say enough about this experience! A small group (11) which is ideal. The van driver was also our guide. Very interesting, informative and responsive to any and all questions. There is a very steep hill to walk up to get to the complex which could be limiting for some. This particular complex of ruins is truly spectacular! The climb up the largest in the complex could be challenging, but there are different levels at which any climber can call it quits. Not terribly difficult to get all the way to the top for spectacular views. Yes, you CAN see Guatemala and, if you are lucky, can hear howler monkeys in the surrounding forest. Would definitely recommend this to anyone.

Reviewer: C. Shelton

Amazing

February 01, 2020

Our guide was very knowledgeable and very informative. The ruins were amazing.

Reviewer: John D Flores

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