Xunantunich

Small groups for a personalized experience. Convenient pick up and drop off at your hotel within 20km of San Ignacio town. Xunantunich Maya Temple means “Maiden of the Rock," and it is located only 30 minutes south-west of San Ignacio Town, in the beautiful village of San Jose Succotz. This makes this site one of the most accessible Maya Temples in the area. To gain access to this magnificent site one must cross the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry. This is also a great place to pick up souvenirs and popular gift items like hand-made hammocks, slate carvings, jewelry, etc.

Experience a special combo of amazing horseback riding and Mayan ruins. Relax on your horse, away from the crowds while enjoying a ride on well-trained Appaloosa, Criollo and Quarter horses in the company of local professional guides. Ride at a gentle pace on ancient Maya land, open savannah, riverside & jungle trails where you may encounter exotic wildlife and enjoy the beautiful scenery along part of the Mopan River to the Majestic Xunantunich Maya site. Let this Maya site ignite your imagination of who built these impressive stone structures as you explore ancient pathways like the ancients of yesteryear. After an hour tour of the site, you will be more than happy for your ride back to St Leonard's Stable. (RECOMMENDED for persons with some outdoor riding experience) Horses & Maya site, the perfect tour of the countryside. please call for availability of groups of 11-12pp

Xunantunich is one of the largest ancient Maya cities ever built, the rulers of Xunantunich clashes with other powerful rivals in the area, including Tikal. In 2016, the largest Maya royal tomb ever discovered was excavated in Xunantunich, and the site remains an impressive display of pyramids, palaces, and other grandiose buildings.

A pleasant half day ride through the Belize rainforest on the banks of the Mopan River and through a private organic farm to the Xunantunich Archaeological site. This is a fabulous way to tour the Maya ruins and also enjoy watching wildlife along the riverbanks and in the jungle. You also pass through the little village of San Jose Succotz.

Visit the Majestic Mayan Temples of Xunantunich! Come and discover the famous "Maiden of the Rock", climb atop the one of Belize's tallest Mayan Temples- El Castillo (the castle)! From standing atop the 13 layers of heaven, you will then venture into the mystical, Mayan mountains and board a Jungle pontoon boat to visit the mystic jungle and hidden waterfalls on the Macal River!

Spend the day exploring two of Belize’s most unique spots. Start at Xunantunich, a quiet Maya ruin where you can climb to the top of El Castillo and take in sweeping views of the jungle and nearby Guatemala. Afterward, head to St. Herman’s Cave for a relaxed tubing trip through cool underground rivers and wide limestone caverns. It’s a laid-back, active day that blends history, nature, and a bit of adventure, it's perfect if you want to see a different side of Belize without rushing. Great for curious travelers who enjoy being outdoors and learning something along the way.

Xunantunich is an absolute bucket list experience for Belize. And this triple combo gives it all… arguably the best triple combo experience for memorable Belize trip!

This half-day Mountain biking tour will allow you to experience the Village of San Jose Succotz which is a Maya descendent. This ride is really fun and not very technical mostly on dirt road, and rugged single- and double-track ride but some potholes and roots to make it interesting . A long slow climb, then downhill into farmland next to the Mopan river where you Tour guide will be sharing his knowledge of the flora and fauna. He will be doing stops on the way for you to enjoy the scene and birds. Then the ride will take you across the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry and pedal uphill to Xunantunich Maya Site. you will see the country’s second tallest Mayan temple, El Castillo (the Castle). Explore the archeological site with your professional guide before. A two hours guided tour will be enough to visit the site. After the tour you will be riding down where the tour guide will be stopping at the river bank for you to enjoy or snack or have a refreshing swim at the Mopan river.

As we embark on the Xunantunich tour, what sets it apart is the journey across the Mopan River, where we'll navigate using a hand-cranked ferry to reach the temples, a unique and adventurous start to our exploration. Before immersing ourselves in the grandeur of the main temples, we'll visit a museum showcasing skeletal and pottery remains, providing a fascinating glimpse into the ancient civilization. Scaling the towering El Castillo, the second highest Maya temple in Belize, promises an awe-inspiring experience, with its remarkable architecture offering panoramic vistas of the lush jungle and serene Mopan River below. This archaeological site not only boasts unparalleled historical significance but also serves as a vibrant tapestry of culture and wildlife, enriching our journey with every step. After this amazing experience, visitors will hike back to the parking lot along with their tour guides.

Belize is rich in Mayan history and well known for its incredible caves system as well as the magnificent site of Xunantunich hosting the tallest building in Belize “El Castillo” once used by the ancient Maya, these are two of Belize's most popular attractions combined in one package, enjoy a full day exploring the Mayan world and underworld Xibalba, hiking, floating and being immersed in Mayan history!

t is located in the village of San Jose Succotz, where a hand-cranked ferry is used to cross the Mopan River to get to the site. Xunantunich, “maiden of the rock,” was known to be a major ceremonial center during the Classic Period and is one of the most popular sites in Belize. The center is composed of six major plazas surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces. The large pyramid, “El Castillo”, is well known for the frieze or band of stucco decoration which at one time extended around the entire temple. El Castillo rises 130 feet above the main plaza and offers an impressive panoramic view over the Mopan River valley. The site is a late classic period 600 AD to 900 AD which also was the border line influence of el Naranjo, a large ceremonial site over in Guatemala.

Small groups for a personalized experience. Convenient pick up and drop off at your hotel within 20km of San Ignacio town. Sit down lunch This combination tour consists of a morning tour of Xunantunich Maya Temple which is located 20 minutes driving distance from San Ignacio Town in the Maya Village of San Jose Succotz. To get to the site one must cross the Mopan River by a hand cranked ferry, which then gives us access to the one mile ascent into one of Belize’s most popular sites. Here you will enjoy sightings of pristine jungle surroundings, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, birds and iguanas. After lunch we head to Big Rock Water Falls located in the Mt. Pine Ridge Forest Reserve for swimming and site seeing. This combo tour begins at 8:30am and concludes around 3:30pm

7:30am – 8am pickup from hotels in SAN IGNACIO Town for 2 great Maya sites: Cahal Pech & Xunantunich, unique places to get yourselves familiar with Maya history. Climb, explore and fascinate yourselves with extraordinary structures built by mysterious Mayan people who continue to captivate our full attention and never ending questions as to who, where and what happened to them. Let yourself be pampered by the cool jungle settings, towering structures, let the Maya land whisper to you many of its secrets through your knowledgeable local guide, let time come to a standstill, while you admire breathtaking views of the forest-covered neighboring sites of Actuncan and San Lorenzo Valley before enjoying lunch at a local Restaurant. TOUR STARTS from SAN IGNACIO town UNLESS arrangements are made with local provider PRIOR to tour date. SPECIAL DIETS or ALLERGIES must be informed at time of booking.  EXTRA FEE (payable cash at pickup time) for any pickups & drop offs OUTSIDE SAN IGNACIO TOWN.

Depart for a day of Mayan historical adventure to see some of the finest Maya Ruins in Belize. Xunantunich is located in the Cayo District across from Benque Viejo Road near the village of San Jose Succotz just a few miles from Belize’s western border with Guatemala. At the village of San Jose Succotz, we cross over the Mopan River using a hand-cranked ferry. From the other side of the river, it’s a mile uphill to the site, which can be accessed on foot or in a vehicle. Xunantunich Mayan ruin, also known as the “Maiden of the Rock” is the second tallest Mayan ruin in Belize. The largest pyramid, El Castillo stands 130 feet high above the main plaza and offers an impressive panoramic view of the Cayo District, Guatemala, and the Mopan River. The site has been largely excavated and has a well-appointed educational museum. Experience an authentic Belizean lunch in the immediate area of the ruins.

Visit Xunantunich, located in the heart of the Cayo District, and cross the Mopan River on a charming hand-cranked ferry to explore the captivating Maya ruins. Witness the architectural marvels, decipher the stories etched in stone, and gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate culture that once thrived within these sacred grounds. But the adventure doesn't end there. After a delightful lunch, we'll take you to St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park. The centerpiece of the park is the stunning Blue Hole, a magnificent sapphire-colored body of water that is a natural sinkhole. It plunges to a depth of 25 feet (eight meters) and is continually nourished by a crystal-clear natural spring. Take a refreshing swim to beat the heat or savor a leisurely picnic amid the splendor of nature on a warm day. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the beauty and history of Belize. Book your trip today and embark on a journey of a lifetime.

It’s going to be an eventful day so be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. This tour will start with a journey from your Placencia accommodation. Our guides will be waiting on-site for you before heading off in air-conditioned transport to Xunantunich. Xunantunich is a national treasure that fills its visitors with a sense of time travel. It sits close to Belize’s western border and is a must-visit. Local souvenirs, hammocks, and blankets are available from the many vendors waiting alongside the river at the entrance to the hand-cranked ferry that has carried many thousands to and from the calm beauty of this Maya Temple. The panoramic views of the Cayo District and nearby Guatemala from atop ‘El Castillo’ are stupendous! Come with an open heart to experience simplicity and visiting another world for a few hours before heading off to Jaguar Paw for cave tubing .

You and Only your group take a horseback ride to the amazing Mayan ruins of about 1.5 ride each way on a private tour for your party only; flexible schedule: 8am pickup or 9am pickup, you choose the length of time you take at Xunantunich. You also have the freedom to ride both ways or only one way followed by lunch at a local restaurant at the end of tour, pickup & drop off to your hotel in San Ignacio town.

In addition to a personal experience, you will – Have exclusive access to off the beaten path parts of the site – Climb one of the tallest Mayan structures – Smell and taste exotic wild plants – Connect with the world of the ancient Maya – Create lasting memories with loved ones – Learn about the lives of ordinary people – Have fun!

Alongside the guide guests will explore the ancient city of Xunantunich for 3 hours and Cahal Pech for 2 hours. During this period of time guest will learn the history, daily life of this ancient civilization and beliefs. You'll be able to climb most of the temples if you are pleased to do so. Educating whilst reliving a wonderful past through the path of our ancestors. "Don't just visit the past, experience it".

A must-visit, even when on the shortest stays in our beautiful country. Xunantunich is a national treasure that fills its visitors with a sense of time travel. You’ll depart from your Hopkins where our guides will meet you before your drive to this temple. You'll know you're arriving when you spot the little falls of the Mopan River winding alongside the road through the village of San Jose Succotz. You're hit with how green and lush everything is. Some visitors will get to see a group of women doing laundry in the river while their children swim nearby.The temples are nestled in between lush rain forest whose trees may bloom vibrant red, yellow, orange, or pink in season. Bring along a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, along with an open heart to experience simplicity and visiting another world for a few hours. Join us on this half-day tour towards Xunantunich Maya Ruins with lunch and hotel pick up included from Placencia.