Xunantunich: Echoes of the Ancients Mayan Civilization

4.7
(13 reviews)

Show all photos
5 to 6 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

Walk through ancient plazas where Mayan rituals and ceremonies once took place. Whilst making your way to the top of El Castillo, the tallest temple on the site, our guests also get to see the remarkable stucco frieze, which includes interesting hieroglyphic writings and symbols representing Mayan religious beliefs, inscribed on both the east and west sides of this huge temple. Arriving atop, you will be mesmerized by the picturesque beauty of the mountainous landscape of western Belize. This tour begins from Belize City and takes you across the country, going westward for approximately 1 1/2 hours until you arrive just about a mile from the Belize/Guatemala border, just before the bordering town of Benque Viejo. Here you will cross the Mopan River by a hand-crank ferry, the way it has traditionally been done. This full-day activity includes lunch and allows you to see the countryside. You will be able to capture epic photos of ancient carvings, jungle landscapes, and wildlife.

What's Included

Local guide
Bottled water
Driver/guide
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Gratuities
Entrance Fees

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

If you are coming from San Pedro Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker in Belize City you will be picked up at the water taxi terminal In Belize City or we could also pick you up from the Municipal Airstrip also from Belize City Our guests staying at any of the hotels in Belize City you will be picked up at your hotel For our guest coming by cruise ship, we will be at the tourism village in Belize City awaiting your arrival just outside at the steps at terminal 1

Itinerary

Duration: 5 to 6 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Xunantunich

    This guided tour then begins at the Museum, where you are given detail information of this particular site and you get to see some Mayan artifacts that was found during excavation. The tour then continue to the plazas and temples. As more information is being presented, you will see the different temples and walk through the plazas. If you have the energy, you are also allowed to climb the temples, including El Castillo, the tallest temple at Xunantunich and the second tallest excavated in Belize. This temple goes up to 137ft from the plaza floor. As you make your way to the top, halfway you will notice a large stucco frieze of hieroglyphic writing and symbols inscribed on both the east and west side of the temple. Your guide will also make a presentation of these amazing inscriptions on your way up.

    1 hour • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by A Plus Adventures Belize

Show 6 more

Tags

Day Trips
Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Cultural Tours
Archaeology Tours
Shore Excursions
Additional fees
Port Pickup
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

Show more

Rating

4.7 Based on 13 13 reviews
5 stars
10
4 stars
2
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}
Check availability