Xunantunich

Explore the majestic Mayan ruins at Xunantunich with your very own private guide. This classic period site was a thriving city near the end of the Classic period and provides an impressive view of the entire Mopan River valley.

Area

Mayan Mountains

Type

History

Who

Adults

Older Kids

Difficulty

Leisurely

Duration

Half Day

Guests take a tour to the famous sites of Xunantunich - situated on the banks of the Mopan River. Xunantunich means "stone woman" in Mayan. Xunantunich was a thriving city near the end of the Classic Period (300-900 A.D.) with large plazas ringed with pyramids. The tallest is the 130 foot "El Castillo," which is large by Mayan standards and is only exceeded in Belize by the Caana pyramid at Caracol. The center of the site is composed of six major plazas surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces. The large pyramid, El Castillo, is well known for the frieze or band of stucco decoration which at one time extended around the entire temple.

Tours Featuring This Experience

Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.

Imagine Mexico & Belize

A stylish honeymoon to Mexico and Belize that begins with a magical mountain retreat in Belize surrounded by Mayan ruins, before moving on to the beaches of laidback Ambergris Caye and finishing on the white sand beaches of Tulum, famed for its boho-chic vibe.

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Recommended Hotels Nearby

A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.

Blancaneaux Lodge

Blancaneaux Lodge is movie director Francis Ford Coppola's romantic Mountain Pine Ridge retreat in western Belize home to 20 villas and cabanas surrounded by Mayan ruins, shimmering waterfalls, turquoise pools, lush vegetation and exotic wildlife.

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The Lodge at Chaa Creek

Successfully blending refined comfort with endless adventure opportunities, The Lodge at Chaa Creek is an established sustainable eco-resort and 365-acre private nature reserve, set alongside the banks of the Macal River in the Cayo District of Belize.

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Gaia River Lodge

Gaia River Lodge is a wonderful and peaceful retreat in the highlands of Belize. Perfect for honeymooners, this is a relaxing spot to experience some of the abundant natural diversity of Belize and its Mayan heritage, alongside comfort and good service.

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Hidden Valley Inn

A wonderfully remote rustic-chic lodge situated in Belize's picturesque Mountain Pine Ridge area, Hidden Valley Inn is great for walking, bird watching and exploring the waterfalls, caves and Mayan temples of the region.

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Matachica Resort and Spa

Matachica is a laid back and secluded rustic chic hideaway nestled between swaying palms and pearly white sand beaches on the north side of the beautiful island of Ambergris Caye off mainland Belize and reached by boat from the town of San Pedro.

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Black Rock Lodge

Black Rock Lodge is a unique eco-lodge in the Cayo District of Belize. Surrounded by jungle wilderness and perched above the rushing Macal River, it is superbly located to explore the best of the region.

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More Experiences in This Area

Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.

Activities at Gaia Riverlodge

Choose from a range of complimentary activities during your stay at Gaia Riverlodge, which are scheduled on a weekly timetable available on your arrival at the hotel.

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Horseback Riding Cayo District

Follow trails through the rain forest visiting Mayan plazas and ceremonial sites, including Skeleton Cave. Finish the day at Big Rock Falls, where you can take a refreshing dip and enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to your lodge.

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Actun Tunichil Muknal

Actun Tunichil Muknal or ATM caves is one of Belize’s most impressive adventure experiences and a rare opportunity to see ancient Maya ceremonial sites and altars as they were and virtually untouched for centuries.

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