Xunantunich Maya Ruin & St Herman Blue Hole: Majestic Ruin Atop Hill with Scenic Views
4.3
3 Ratings
Placencia
Explore the majestic Xunantunich Maya Ruin, a spectacular ancient city perched atop a hill with breathtaking views of the Mopan River and the Cayo District. Don't miss the chance to climb the towering El Castillo pyramid for an unforgettable experience!
Duration:
12 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
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Xunantunich - Xunantunich has six major plazas with more than twenty-five temples and palaces. “El Castillo” (the Castle), the largest rises 130 feet above the plaza. El Castillo has carved friezes on the east and west sides. The frieze on the east has been preserved and covered with a fiber glass replica of the central mask representing the sun god.
Depart Placencia at for the drive talongthe majestic Hummingbird Highway with karst limestone topography intermixed with orange groves. Turn west at Belmopan toward Guatemala and Xunantunich.
Cross the Mopan River on a ferry to reach the temple. On the way home, stop to enjoy a refreshing swim in Blue Hole National Park. Wear a long sleeved shirt, long pants and a hat and bring a swim suit. Bring a camera, binoculars, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
Fitness level required:
low to moderate - Blue Hole National Park - Take a short hike to see the cenote known as the Blue Hole. Taking a quick dip will refresh you one your way back to Placencia after spending the day at Xunantunich
What's Included
- Lunch included
- Transportation provided
- All park fees covered
- Convenient pick-up and drop-off in Placencia Village
- Experienced tour guide
What's Not Included
- Pick Up and Drop Off Outside of Placencia Village (can arrange)
- Gratuities.
- Alcoholic drinks.
Additional Information
Xunantunich, an impressive relic located on a hill with a clear view of Mopan River and the Cayo District, can be found near Guatemala’s border. To reach this ‘Maiden of the Rock’, one must cross the Mopan River west of San Ignacio via ferry. Its main pyramid, El Castillo, is one of Belize’s highest structures, towering 130’ over the jungle canopy. Ascend to the summit alongside a licensed guide, and marvel at the breathtaking panorama of the Cayo District and Petén, Guatemala.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Infant seats are available on request if advised at time of booking.
Location
Splash Dive Centre
Splash Dive Center is located in Peninsula Club marina at the north end of the village of Placencia across the road from Chabil Mar Villas. Watch for a marina with dive boats.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.3
(3 Ratings)
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1 star
303ottos
Apr 14, 2022
Good for a family - Great education trip. My teenager loves it.
They provide a good local lunch of stewed chicken, beans, rice, salad, and potatoes salad.
The sinkhole swim was fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mstqmi
Mar 24, 2022
Mayan ruins - We were staying in Placencia so it was over a 3 hour drive (each way) to the Mayan ruins. That was a bit long but it was a beautiful drive on the Hummingbird Highway- we enjoyed seeing more of Belize than just Placencia. Our driver & guide were great. The ferry over the river was interesting- we had to get out of our vehicle, stand on the ferry, then get back in when we got to the other side. The ruins were impressive, quite a climb! We could see Guatemala from one of the hills. We had lunch at Benny's Kitchen in the town near the ruins. We stopped at the Blue Hole National Park on our way home. It was a long day but we're glad we did it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cyndeeskalla
Mar 28, 2019
Don’t miss these ruins! - We went to Xunantunich ruins while on vacation. Junior was our driver and Rudy was our guide. We picked Francisco up when we got to the park entrance. They were informative, polite, and super friendly. The Blue Hole was actually a cenote. It’s a bit of a waste of time. Lunch at Benny’s was delicious.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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