Xunantunich Mayan Ruins — Attraction in Belize City

THEY ONLY TAKE CASH! Read on for more. As one of my final treats while living in Belize, I vowed to visit Xunantunich. It is one of the places people come from all over the world to see in Belize. If you don't have a guide to get you there, find someone because the entrance to the property is not easy to locate. The entrance to the short ferry ride, which everyone (cars and people) takes, is down a very steep, narrow hill. There are shops on either side, but you will drive by them if you don't know where you are going.

The little ferry ride is delightful and free, but only the driver is allowed in the car; all passengers must exit and ride at the front of the ferry. Once you finish the ride, passengers can re-enter the car for the duration of the trip up the mountain. You may also want to tip the ferry drivers if you can.

We found out when we reached the ticket booth that they only accept cash. Fortunately, one of our guests had enough cash for my son and me, so I had to pay him back. You can get a tour of the property for an additional fee, but we decided to explore on our own.

The walk isn't too difficult, but if you have any health concerns, reconsider; the walk up the mountain takes about 10 minutes. We got lucky with a warm but not hot day. I had an umbrella and a neck fan to keep cool, but on very hot days, this could be problematic.

Once you reach the ruins, you are in awe of their size and the lush green grass surrounding them. I believe this is what they are spending your $20.00 BZE per person on because the grass is stunning.

The ruins are impressive, and again, if you are not in shape, you may not enjoy the steps leading to the top. I didn't climb to the top, but my son and his friend did, and they said it was great. As someone terrified of heights, I was truly freaked out by the lack of railings on the high parts, but adding them would ruin the experience completely. Unfortunately for me, I couldn't see inside because it was on the top level, and I was too scared to go, lol.

If you enjoy ruins, heights, and history, this is a must. There are other smaller temples nearby, but we wanted to see the biggest one. You can always look up the history on Wiki or Google, but experiencing it in person is...

On a day trip from our RC cruise we ventured out to see the 2nd tallest ruins in Belize and was absolutely amazed at the site. We booked this tour with TUFF ENUFF (our third tour with them) and had Gabriel as our guide who did a fantastic job! Ok, with that said, you must keep this in mind if you are on a CRUISE: there is a 20 to 30 minute tender to the port which made us late for our tour which we did not know, the drive out to Xunatunich is about and hour and a half (on a good day) as you are literally .6 miles from Guatemala and as of November 2019 there is massive road construction going on passed Belmopan (the Capital) increasing our trip time two hours each way to and from Xunantunich. So, take snacks and fortunately for us TUFF ENUFF provides a cooler full of drinks for the drive.

When we finally got passed all the traveling drama we made it to the sacred ruins and what a site it was! Our guide Gabriel gave us the grand tour and yes we climbed the ruins all the way to the top. BE ADVISED though that it is a arduous climb and there is no safety nets. So, if you disabled or need a cane you will not be able to summit the ruins. Likewise, if you have a fear of heights I would recommend staying at the base of the ruins. However, if you do climb the ruins it is an INCREDIBLE site to see! And all the way you are thinking "how in the heck did they construct this!?!" This was a most impressive ruin to see and the views are spectacular.

We had planned to visit Cahal Pech next, but because of the time crunch via the tender ride back to the ship and the construction we had to skip that ruin which was so close by we could see it from the top of Xunantunich. We were bummed but what an adventure it was! Highly, highly recommend this trip and one last thing, we were there that week when the tourists were killed in car crashes-a day apart on two different ships and all from Texas. So, please take note that Belizean roads, traffic and driving habits can be very dangerous. If your tour vehicle does not have seat belts or you don't feel comfortable about the car your in or the driver...DON'T GO. We put our lives in the hands of TUFF ENUFF tours and for the third time we had a safe and...

A Journey Through Time at Xunantunich: A Must-See Mayan Marvel in Belize

My recent visit to Xunantunich, one of Belize's most prominent Mayan ruins, was nothing short of breathtaking. Nestled in the lush Belizean countryside near San Ignacio, this ancient site offers a fascinating glimpse into the Mayan civilization.

The journey began with a unique hand-cranked ferry ride across the Mopan River, adding an adventurous touch to the experience. The short trek to the site was filled with anticipation, and upon arrival, I was greeted by the majestic sight of El Castillo, the renowned pyramid that dominates the landscape. Standing at about 130 feet tall, it is one of the tallest structures in Belize and a testament to Mayan architectural ingenuity.

Climbing to the top of El Castillo was the highlight of my visit. The panoramic views from the summit were simply stunning, offering a 360-degree vista of the surrounding jungle and the distant hills of Guatemala. It's a physical climb, but every step is worth it for the breathtaking view and the feeling of history beneath your feet.

I was also impressed by the tranquility of the place. Despite its popularity, Xunantunich retains a serene atmosphere, allowing visitors to ponder the mysteries of the Mayan civilization quietly; barely anyone was there when we were on a Sunday early afternoon.

In conclusion, Xunantunich is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. It's a must-visit for anyone traveling to Belize, whether you're a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply someone in love with the beauty of ancient civilizations. The blend of natural scenery, archaeological wonders, and the rich history makes it an...