Xunantunich Maya Site Tour: Local Guide Shares Ancestral Knowledge in Small Groups
4.9
14 Ratings
San Ignacio

Tour guides impart the wisdom and tales inherited from their forebears. They accommodate your availability and pace, ensuring they convey ample insights. Enjoy an intimate setting that creates a distinct and memorable experience.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Xunantunich Road - A 15-minute drive brings us to the village of San Jose Succotz, where a hand-cranked ferry is used to cross the Mopan River to reach the Xunantunich site. Xunantunich, meaning “maiden of the rock,” was a significant ceremonial center during the Classic Period and is one of Belize’s most popular sites due to its distinctiveness. The center consists of six major plazas surrounded by over 25 temples and palaces. The large pyramid, “El Castillo,” is famous for its frieze or band of stucco decoration that once encircled the entire temple. El Castillo stands 130 feet above the main plaza, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Mopan River valley. The site dates back to the late Classic Period (600 AD to 900 AD) and was also influenced by El Naranjo, a large ceremonial site in Guatemala. A two-hour guided tour is sufficient to explore the main parts of Xunantunich.
What's Included
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • All fees and/or taxes
  • Alcoholic Beverages
Location
Ko-Ox Han Nah (Let's Go Eat)
Burns Avenue
At the moment we do not have an office Down town San Ignacio, we operate from our Main office which is located on the Village of San Jose Succotz. So we us Ko-Ox Han Nah restaurant as a meet up point.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(14 Ratings)
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Sarabp187pf
May 6, 2024
Awesome culture, great tour guide, definitely recommend! - Our tour guide, Abel, was awesome. He is fairly new to being a tour guide, but we would have never known. He was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. It was just my husband and I on the tour with him so it was a very private and fun experience. Xunantunich is a fantastic site with so many structures to explore. The history and culture is amazing and Belize gov't has done a great job preserving the heritage and structures. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water. We saw lots of wildlife, too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karen_j
Mar 2, 2024
Amazing Tour, Fantastic Guide! - Marlon was a wonderful guide! He helped blend 2 singles, and a group of 4 into a cohesive and fun group of 6+1 (himself) for a fun day at Xunantunich and Cave Tubing. We all enjoyed the archeological site, with fantastic views from the top of the castle, and the history of this great Mayan site. Driving across Belize, Marlon was very informative and knowlegeable, answering all the questions that were asked about his great country. Lunch was delicious. The trip through the caves was beautiful and delightfully fun. Marlon went out of his way to encourage and help teach a non-swimmer how to float without fear. I think that person had the most fun of all on the float! I give the tour a 5-star rating, and bonus kudos to Marlon!
Review provided by Viator
917billys
Feb 18, 2024
Day trip with my BFFs - The tour was less than four hours from San Ignacio which is a nice break from the typical 12hr excursion. Our tour guy was friendly and very knowledgeable about the ruins. Was one of my top experience and highly recommended other to do.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richardn1
Feb 6, 2024
Definitely worth it - Great trip. Fascinating cultural and historical information. Awe inspiring ruins. Martin was a great guide with a fun sense of humor. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Luv2paddle
Feb 3, 2024
Marlon was the best - We had such a great tour with our guide Marlon. He is a local from the village adjacent to the site. His knowledge of Mayan history is extensive and his delivery of information was excellent. He is both funny, friendly and approachable. You can't go wrong seeing this site with Belize Caving Expeditions. We also went on the cave tubing in the afternoon with Marlon. That was FANTASTIC.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kristin
Dec 10, 2023
Informative tour, interesting history, and an amazing guide who put it all into perspective. Close to San Ignacio, too - Informative tour, incredible history, an amazing tour guide! We loved this trip! Dimas was so kind and patient, answering our questions. Close to San Ignacio, too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
141billn
May 13, 2023
Great Tour. Thanks, Bryton - My two adult sons and I enjoyed the Xunantunich Mayan ruins and cave tubing with Belize Caving Expeditions, but what really made it great was our guide, Bryton. I have taken trips to Hawaii, Mexico, Scandinavia, and throughout the Caribbean, and he is one of the best two guides that I have ever had.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stubblejumper71
Jan 24, 2023
Xunantunich & Cave Tubing Combo Tour - We did a full day combo tour with Miguel and it was fantastic. Miguel is a fountain of knowledge and he was happy to share some if it with us. My wife is legally blind and Miguel did and incredible job in making sure she enjoyed her day. With his help she was able to get to the top of the tallest pyramid with the rest of us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
7fardauv
Sep 16, 2022
Amazing horseback riding and Xunantunich tour with Edgar - Went horseback riding and touring Xunantunich with Edgar today. He was a wonderful guide: very knowledgeable, a good storyteller and funny. With lunch and transfer included, our group really had the best, well-organized day in San Ignacio.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Redmondanthony
Feb 12, 2022
Tour guide must, ask for Miguel! - Excellent overall experience, our transportation/guide was Miguel Nabet and he was absolutely the best. Excellent conversation, first time visiting advice and knowledge of the area. Overall just a great person. My family had such a great time, thanks Miguel. You the man!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
July 2024
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