Xunantunich Maya Ruins Belize
The Xunantunich Maya Ruins are by far
the ruins with the most archeological importance in the county
of Belize. Situated in tropical rainforest the Temples of
Xunantunich are West of Belize City close to the Guatemalan
border in the beautiful Cayo District. Xunantunich
contains one of the tallest Mayan structures found in Belize,
built on grandiose hilltops overlooking the Mopan River.
Additionally, the sculptures found here at Xunantunich are the
most detailed and intricate of those found in Belize.
Your journey begins right inside the
port if Belize City where our guides will meet you before
heading by air conditioned vans to
 the
beautiful Cayo District; a Belize District we like to refer to
"a Tropical Switzerland", with rolling green lawns, palm trees,
plantations and mountains. In Cayo you will meet the Mopan
River where your Xunantunich Mayan exploration begins by first
crossing the river in your van in a hand cranked ferry.
Passenger have to exit the vans per regulations and stay on the
ferry, only the driver is to remain in the van for the short 2
minute crossing. Undoubtedly the guide will exit the van
as well to admire the 5 foot iguanas which inhibit the river
banks, sun tanning next to the many horses frolicking on the
green riverbank grass.
Xunantunich is an easily accessible
excursion, the Temples sit on top of a mountain in Cayo, the van
will take you to the front steps of the Ruins where the incline
is minimal. From there your guide will lead you to explore
one of the most scenic Temples in Belize, Xunantunich. The
tallest Temple in Belize (in fact, one of the tallest structures
in Belize) is the Castillo Temple, standing 135 feet above the
ground climbing on top is a treat for the eyes. From the
top of El Castillo you will be able to see the Guatemalan Peten
District, The Maya Mountains and a grand view of the whole Cayo
District of Belize!
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One of
our many brand new air conditioned vans awaiting our clients
at the Port of Belize City in Belize. |
The ferry
awaiting our van to cross the river, river crossing time?
2 Minutes! |
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The
stairs leading to El Castillo, the tallest structure in the
whole of Belize. |
El Castillo is
surrounded by older structures dating back to the Maya
Pre-Classic Period. |
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The
stucco frieze as seen from the bottom of this majestic
Temple. |
The stucco
frieze might as well been carved yesterday, the preservation
is exemplary. |
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The top
view of Xunantunich, please click on the picture to enlarge. |
The area map
of Xunantunich, please click on the picture to enlarge. |
Xunantunich Exploration Excursions
- Please Note: The
Xunantunich Excursion requires a 4 Passengers per reservation
minimum
- Dedicated
Pick Up from Inside the Port a few steps from your
tender, no need to venture outside the Port to find your
Guide!
- All excursions are organized to
depart according to each individual Cruise Ship Arrival and
Departure Time in Belize.
All excursion departures differ from day to day depending on
the Ship in Port in order to assure an adequate meeting time
at the Port as well as a safe return back to the Port before
your Ship's departure.
- Belize
Western Country Tour
in air-conditioned comfort
- Guided Tour of Xunantunich
- Our Guides are
Certified by Both BTB & BCIA,
the very BEST of Belize
- Minimum age:
none
- El Castillo Climbing age:
Recommended 8 years old
- Xunantunich Exploration
Excursion Time: 5.5 to 6hrs
including transport depending on your Ship's shore times.
- Small groups of up to
14 people ONLY,
make sure to reserve early!
- If you have a larger group,
please contact us and we can make special arrangements for
your group as a PRIVATE Group
Excursion for no additional
cost.
- Includes lunch
- $70.00 US
per Person including lunch
Only 14 people per group, reserve early!!
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