Xunantunich Mayan Temple
This site is home to the renowned 130-feet-tall temple, El Castillo, which offers incredible panoramic views of surrounding temples and views of both Belizean and Guatemalan landscapes. Xunantunich was a major ceremonial centre as well as a residential and recreational area for the ancient Maya civilization. There is a most impressive stucco frieze on the East side of the temple, whose carved elements represent astrological symbols.
Free cancellation
up to 14 days in advance
- Duration: 3 hrs
- Available Days: Every day
- Schedule: 8:00 AM, 1:00 PM
- Hotel Transport Included
- Free cancellation up to 14 days prior
- Mobile Ticket Included
- Offered in English, Spanish
Experience Highlights
Attraction Visited
XunantunichHome to the second largest Mayan pyramid in Belize, Xunantunich is one of the most impressive Mayan sites in Belize. The site is composed of three major ceremonial plazas surrounded by numerous temples, palaces, and house mounds. Xunantunich is located 8 miles (13 km) southwest of San Ignacio on the Western Highway.
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes (i.e., hiking shoes, sneakers, keens, etc.), comfortable clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, water, camera, binoculars (bird watchers)
What's included
Includes: Tour guide, transportation, water, entrance fees & tax
Transportation
Many of our tours and activities offer transportation pick up & drop off options from several locations and destinations. Options vary by tour, see “More Time and Rates” for full details.
Traveler Comments
Good guide, attention to detail and good information. We really enjoyed the visit.
- Near San Ignacio
- Archeology(22)
- Ruins(21)
- Guided Tours(11)
- Nature Walk(9)
- Cave Exploration(5)
- Walking(4)
- Horseback Riding(2)
- Species Exhibits(1)
- Hiking(1)
- Kayaking(1)
- Safari Float(1)
- Tubing(1)
- Attractions
- Actun Tunichil Muknal65 km.
- Altun Ha83 km.
- Barton Creek Cave17 km.
- Belize Zoo60 km.
- Carocol Ruins5 km.
- Community Baboon Sanctuary61 km.
- Lamanai48 km.
- Tikal National Park91 km.
- Xunantunich7 km.
- Yaxhá Nakum Naranjo38 km.
Similar Tours
This full-day tour to Tikal National Park introduces you to the greatest city the Maya ever built. It dates back to 200 BC, and remained a flourishing capital until 900 AD. At its height, it is believed to have supported a population of around 90,000.
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From $197Explore the vast ruins of Tikal during this one-day tour. You’ll visit Tikal’s temples and pyramids, learn about Mayan culture, and walk along short trails through the jungle.
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From $180This tour will bring you to the top of a Maya temple, and then to the entrance of the Maya underworld. The temple is inside the Maya city of Xunantunich, which is located near the border of Guatemala. Its name translates to “Maiden of the Rock.” After you ascend the walls of its temple, you’ll continue the tour to the Cave Branch River, where you’ll follow the river into a series of caves that had intense spiritual significance for the Maya.
8 hrs
From $164- Near San Ignacio
- Archeology(22)
- Ruins(21)
- Guided Tours(11)
- Nature Walk(9)
- Cave Exploration(5)
- Walking(4)
- Horseback Riding(2)
- Species Exhibits(1)
- Hiking(1)
- Kayaking(1)
- Safari Float(1)
- Tubing(1)
- Attractions
- Actun Tunichil Muknal65 km.
- Altun Ha83 km.
- Barton Creek Cave17 km.
- Belize Zoo60 km.
- Carocol Ruins5 km.
- Community Baboon Sanctuary61 km.
- Lamanai48 km.
- Tikal National Park91 km.
- Xunantunich7 km.
- Yaxhá Nakum Naranjo38 km.