Xunantunich Day Trip

Embark on an exciting day trip to Xunantunich, immersing yourself in the rich history of the Mayan civilization. Experience the intriguing ruins of homes and temples that reflect this captivating pre-Columbian heritage!

Description

Your journey begins with a pick-up from your hotel in San Ignacio at 8 am. Enjoy a picturesque 15-minute journey passing lush green fields and rising hills toward the ancient city of Xunantunich, which translates to “Stone Woman”. Afterward, we’ll take a 15-minute ferry ride along the river, where you can observe local wildlife such as iguanas and bats.

As we cross to Xunantunich via a hand-operated ferry, you will feel as though you've stepped back into history, navigating the powerful Mopán River. Once on the other side, a short one-mile drive will lead us further into our exploration of the Mayan wonders.

While traversing through the lush understory, our knowledgeable guide will share insights into Mayan Archeology, enriching your understanding of this ancient culture. As we approach the city's center, the magnificent structure of “El Castillo” will rise from the verdant landscape.

Standing at approximately 130 feet (39 meters), El Castillo ranks as the second tallest man-made structure in Belize. You will have the chance to ascend to the pinnacle, where breathtaking 360-degree vistas await you.

After exploring the Central Plaza, our visit will continue to the rest of the site, where you'll encounter the Ancient Mayan Ball Court used for the game of Pok-A-Tok, various residential quarters, and the Astronomical Observatory, crucial for monitoring celestial events to guide agricultural practices.

Concluding our adventure, we will return to San Ignacio and drop you off at your preferred hotel or our office, with a return time estimated between 12:30 pm and 1 pm.