Xunantunich: Echoes of the Ancients Mayan Civilization
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Belize City, Belize
- 5 to 6 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Learn about the ancient Maya civilization on a private day trip to Xunantunich, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Belize. Travel there with a personal guide for ease of navigation and save time researching the guidebooks. Climb to the top of El Castillo for views over the jungle and discover hieroglyphics of Maya beliefs inscripted in the stucco friezes. A barbecue lunch in town is provided.
- Full-day private tour of the Xunantunich archaeological site with your own guide
- Climb to the top of El Castillo, the ancient Maya city’s tallest temple
- Be mesmerized by the mountainous landscape of western Belize
- Included: entrance fee, transport by hand-cranked ferry, and BBQ lunch
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Driver/guide
- Local guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
- Entrance Fees$12.50 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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
Operating hours.8:00 am
Itinerary
1
Xunantunich
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Stroller accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Dress code is formal
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- A maximum of 15 people per booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.7
based on 14 reviews
Robert_B, Apr 2025
Place for lunch had black mold on ceilings. Rundown stop along the side of the road. Viator people must of had a relative who worked there.
Response from Host, May 2025
We try to provide an authentic local cuisine for our guests doing this tour whilst at the same time supporting the small businesses in the area. This was a place where we would take many of our clients to have lunch. It is unfortunate that it was not up to your standard. We hope that you enjoy a great time doing this tour otherwise. Thanks for sharing
MELISSA_f, Jan 2025
Our tour guide, Albert, was so friendly and very informative throughout the whole trip. We learned so much during the drive, it made the time fly by! The ruins were beautiful, perfect sunny day. The market where we stopped for lunch was local and authentic and the food was very good!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Our tour starts at the pickup point so the information we provide on the drive to the attraction will be as interesting as the attraction itself. The mostly warm and sunny weather also adds value to our tour. We would visit the farmer's market in San Ignacio so our guests could experience the local culture and food when we do the Xunantunich Mayan site tour. We highly appreciate your kind words. We are happy to know you enjoyed the local cuisine. Don't be a stranger, you are always welcome to Belize.
reginald_j, Jan 2025
I learned somethings I didn't know about got to touch and climb to the top of the pyramids took plenty of pics
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thanks for sharing. The view from on top of the tallest temple at the Xunantunich Mayan site is truly amazing. I'm happy that you got pictures as well. You have to see it to Belize it, I'm glad that you did.
Barry_A, May 2024
The drive to San Ignaco. Went through several villages on the way to San Ignacio. Hill country. Mark was my guide. Very knowledgeable.
The hand cranked ferry across the river was a hoot.
The temple site was the largest i have seen while in Belize. 130 ft high.
Ate lunch at a nice hilltop resort with a great view of San Ignacio Chal Pech resort.
I quickly downed 2 bottles of Belikin strout. Excellent beer.
Mark bought some water. There is a short uphill hike to the ruin so be prepared for the heat and humifity.
The trip takes 2.5 hrs including the ferry and a short drive to the site.
Most pictures show the temple side with the large carvings, north side.
When you walk in you view the eastern side. You can walk up stairs to view the carvings. Be sure to walk to the right side of the temple or you can easily miss them.
Lots of fires in Belize, Honduras, and Guatamala. Very smokey. Only saw the sun and blue sky 4 if 13 days i was in Belize.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thanks for taking the time to write this very informative review. Mark is one of our most experienced and seasoned tour guides. I'm pleased that you had a wonderful time doing this incredible Mayan site tour of Xunantunich. Unfortunately, we had many brush and forest fires in the country and around the region at that time indeed. We had very hot summer months this year. Don't be a stranger we look forward to your next visit to our jewel Belize.
Andrew_F, Jul 2023
Dean, our driver, was very knowledgeable about the surrounding countryside, Belizean history and geography. He was excellent!!
Our tour guide at Xunantunich, Juniour, was an absolute treasure. He had been involved in archeological digs before and his knowledge of the site and surrounding areas was amazing. He took the time to explain everything to us, including the surrounding plant and wildlife. Junior absolutely made the trip a one of a kind experience.
If you are able to request Dean and Junior as your transportation and guide you won't regret it.
The site itself is beautiful and will take your breath away. When you visit the ruins please take care of them for our future generations.
Cynthia_A, May 2022
Mark was our tour guide and made our trip wonderful. Very informed and pleasant. Will definitely be back well worth the money. We always use Viator because we know we will have an awesome time.
Response from Host, May 2022
Mark is one of our senior guides who we could always depend on to deliver great service to our guests. Thanks for sharing your experience in Belize. We look forward to being your host upon your next visit to our beautiful country.
CandaceBrown1, Oct 2019
Albert is absolutely amazing. We had such a great time and he was so knowledgeable. I highly recommend using him for any tour.
Response from Host, Nov 2019
I'm glad to know you had a great time here in Belize doing the Xunantunich Mayan site tour with us. Thanks very much for your kind words. It was also a great pleasure to been able to be in your company and show you all one of the many wonders our beautiful country have to offer. Don't be a stranger we look forward to see you again in Belize
From $150.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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