Xunantunich meaning “maiden of the rock” or “stone woman” in Maya, is situated on the Western Highway across the river from the village of San Jose Succotz. It can be reached by ferry daily between 8 am and 5 pm. This site is less than one mile from some lovely rapids of the Mopan River and provides an impressive view of the entire river valley.

Xunantunich is a Classic Period ceremonial center. The site core occupies only 300 square meters, but the periphery covers several square kilometers. Recent investigations by Dr. Richard Leventhal of the University of California, Los Angeles, and Dr. Wendy Ashmore from the University of Pennsylvania indicates that the site may be even more extensive than previously thought. In Group A, Structure A-6 (El Castillo) rises 130 feet above plaza level making it one of the tallest buildings in Belize. On this structure, there are two temples. The lower temple is famous for its large stucco frieze. A mask with larger ears represents the sun god. Next to this mask, there is a moon sign with a border of signs representing Venus.

The day trip to Xunantunich begins at 5:45 am with pick-up at your resort. We then have breakfast in San Pedro town, and then take either a 6:30 water taxi to Belize City which is an Hour and a half ride, or a 7 am flight to Belize City which is a 15-minute flight. In Belize City, you are then picked up by your Professional guides. From Belize City to Xunantunich it’s a 1 hour and 45 minutes drive on the George Price Highway. On your drive, you will enjoy the diversity of Belize’s culture and ecosystems. You will be passing through the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena as you head toward the Belize-Guatemala Border. Just a few miles away from the Belize-Guatemala border lays the beautiful Maya Site of Xunantunich. You then take a stop in a little mestizo village known as San Jose Succotz. At this point, you will then exit your tour vehicle as you board a “hand-crank ferry” (a moving bridge hooked on cables) you cross the Mopan River and take a 2-minute drive up to the Mayan Site.

Your tour of the Ancient City will be led by your guide as you listen to the history of this site, the importance of each structure, and what caused the Mayas to flee their City. After the Maya Site, it’s lunchtime! Enjoy your fresh cook Belizean lunch, rice and beans with stew chicken and vegetable salad. After lunch, you hop back in your tour vehicle and drive back to Belize City. From Belize City, you take your water taxi or flight back to San Pedro. In San Pedro you will be met by one of our representatives who will ensure that you have your transportation back to your resort.

This Mayan Site could be combined with the following: cave tubing, zip lining, The Belize Zoo, Horseback Riding, Inland Blue Hole, Cahal Pech, Altun Ha, or the Baboon Sanctuary.

General Tour Information

Light-weight comfortable clothing and shoes with a good grip, long trousers are more suitable than shorts as they give more protection from insects and weather, hats, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Price: US$277.00

NOTE: Tour price includes roundtrip from Ambergris Caye to Belize City by flight (15 minutes). You can also choose your roundtrip from Ambergris Caye to Belize City by boat. Please contact us for more information