Things to Do
Discover Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio
Tour Overview
Experience the majesty of Xunantunich with the personal touch of a small-group excursion. Located just a quick 30-minute drive from San Ignacio in San Jose Succotz village, Xunantunich (“Maiden of the Rock”) is one of the region’s most magnificent & easily accessible Maya sites. Tour Highlights: • Door-to-Door Service: Free, hassle-free pickup and drop-off for hotels within 10km of San Ignacio Town. • Small Group Sizes: Guarantees a personalized, unhurried atmosphere with your guide. • Iconic River Crossing: Includes a ride across the scenic Mopan River on a historic, hand-cranked ferry. • Local Artisan Shopping: Stop at the riverbank market to find handmade hammocks, slate carvings, and jewelry. Travel comfortably to the village of San Jose Succotz, cross the river via the unique hand-cranked ferry, and enter the grand plaza of Xunantunich. You will explore ancient ball courts, learn the rich history of the Maya, and have the opportunity to climb the famous El Castillo pyramid
What to Expect
- 1
Xunantunichi, pronounced 'Shoo - Nan - Tu - Nich', gets its name from a legendary folktale about the ghost of a woman who as locals have it inhabited the sacred grounds as far back as the late 1800’s. A classic period (300 – 900AD) ceremonial center located just a stone’s throw away from San Ignacio in the beautiful Maya village of San Jose Succotz, making this one of the most accessible Maya Temples in the area. Xunantunich boasts Belize’s second largest Maya structures named El Castillo (The Castle) standing 130 feet and offering an astonishing panoramic view of the Maya Mountains.
3h - 2
Located just a stone’s throw away from San Ignacio in the beautiful Maya village of San Jose Succotz, making this one of the most accessible Maya Temples in the area. Xunantunich boasts Belize’s second largest Maya structures named El Castillo (The Castle) standing 130 feet and offering an astonishing panoramic view of the Maya Mountains. To get to the site one must cross the Mopan River by a hand cranked ferry, which then gives us access to the one mile ascent into one of Belize’s most popular sites. Here you will find yourself immersed in pristine jungle surroundings, home of howler monkeys, spider monkeys, birds and iguanas. While exploring along with your guide, you will learn about the history of this site and the Maya civilization that once inhabited it.