Marvel at the awe-inspiring sight of huge stone palaces with a backdrop of Belize’s sweeping valleys and lush green countryside.
Xunantunich is a captivating archeological site with several temples that have survived from Mayan days. Its temples and other artifacts are a remaining sign of the ceremonial center that existed here during the Late and Terminal Classic periods, starting about A.D. 600. Spend the afternoon meandering around the various plazas, monuments and palaces and learning about their significance to the Mayan world.
Gaze up at the highlight of the ancient city, El Castillo. Climb the tall structure, which stands at a height of 130 feet (40 meters), to appreciate its unbeatable views of the jungle canopy, green mountains and the beginnings of Guatemala. Admire El Castillo’s intriguing artwork, such as the stucco frieze on its eastern side. Hire a tour guide from the park to learn more about the structures and their meaning. Climb other temples and palaces in the complex.
Book a horseback tour of the site through Hanna Stables. Arrange a trip online and spend the day on a horse, riding through the stunning Belizean countryside. Howler monkeys may appear swinging through the trees alongside your horse path. Capture photos of the cute animals.
At stands on the site, purchase various souvenirs that relate to the Mayas. These include slate carvings and works of art.
The original name for the ancient village is not known. The site’s modern name derives from the Yucatec Mayan term for “stone woman.” Listen to legends referring to this 19th-century ghost who dressed in white and had red eyes.
Pay a small admission fee to enter the ancient Mayan town. It is open to visitors daily from morning until afternoon.
Xunantunich is 80 miles (130 kilometers) west of Belize City in the western part of the country. It is on a cliff above the Mopan River in the Cayo District near the border with Guatemala. Take a 2-hour bus ride to the area from Belize City and cross the Mopan River in a small boat to reach the site.
