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The ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, which are tucked away in Belize’s beautiful jungles, provide a window into the complex past and vibrant present of the Mayan people.
Located less than a mile from the Guatemalan border, is home to a number of spectacular buildings, including 130-foot tall El Castillo. In this blog post, we will cover the significance of Xunantunich, its history, things to see and do while you’re there, and advice for making the most of your trip.
Table of Contents
Where is Xunantunich?
Xunantunich is located in western Belize, near the town of San Ignacio. It is located less than a mile away from the border of Guatemala.
How to Get to Xunantunich?
In ordrer to get to Xunantunich, you must first get to San Ignacio.
Belize City to San Ignacio
You can take a taxi from Belize City to San Ignacio, but that could be pretty expensive.
I recommend taking the bus. This only takes 3 hours and is very economical. Buses leave the Belize City Bus Terminal every day and very frequently.
The correct bus will be labeled “Benque“.
San Ignacio to Xunantunich
Once you are in San Ignacio, you can either take a taxi or bus to Xunantunich.
A taxi will cost about 30 BZE one way, whereas the bus will cost about 1.5 BZE.
I recommend taking the bus to Xunantunich, and, once you are tired from walking around all day, take a taxi back to San Ignacio.
History of Xunantunich
The Mayans are among the most sophisticated ancient societies that have ever existed, and Xunantunich is a shining example of their prowess in both architecture and engineering. Xunantunich was originally inhabited around 700 AD, and served as a ceremonial center, an administrative center and possibly a residence for the elite of the Mayan society.
The location was probably abandoned around 1000 AD. Similar to sites such as Palenque or Monte Alban in Mexico, Xunantunich was possibly abandoned as a result of resource scarcity and overpopulation.
What does Xunantunich Mean?
Xunantunich means “stone woman” in Yucatec Maya. This refers to a grey or white-colored female “ghost” that has been reported in the area for over a century!
How to Pronounce Xunantunich?
Xunantunich is pronounced shoo-nahn-too-neech
Architecture of Xunantunich
The site is divided into four main plazas, each containing several structures. The most impressive structure of the site is El Castillo, a massive pyramid that stands at 130 feet tall. The pyramid was once covered in plaster and painted in bright colors. It was also a multi-complex building for the elite to live, work, and worship. From the top of the pyramid, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding jungle, the Guatemalan border, and the nearby Mopan River.
Xunantunich also has an extensive system of defensive walls and gates, which suggest that the site was also a fortress. The site was strategically located on a hilltop overlooking the Mopan River and its surroundings, which made it an ideal location for defense.
There is also a Ball Court, located in the southern plaza, where the Mayans played the Mesoamerican ball game. This archaeological site is considered one of the most well-preserved Mayan ruins in Belize.
Arriving in Xunantunich
The first cool thing you will experience at Xunantunich will happen on your way to the ruins. In order to cross the Mopan River, a man will take you across via a hand-cranked cable ferry. The ride only takes a couple of minutes and it is free! Enjoy your last few minutes relaxing before walking uphill on the other side of the river.
Once you arrive at the ruins, you can choose to hire a guide or explore the area on your own. Xunantunich has about 32 different structures to explore. The largest one is El Castillo. While you are not able to climb every structure, you can climb to the top of El Castillo and admire the amazing view of the area. It is also a great spot for photography.
When the Mayans built this city, they designed it so that a priest on the top of El Castillo could speak to the inhabitants below. The structures were built in a way that the sound could be easily heard in the plaza. Have somebody stand in the middle of the plaza while you speak to them on El Castillo to test this theory!
Activities around Xunantunich
The region around Xunantunich is a fantastic location to discover Belize’s natural splendor. Many kinds of animals, including monkeys, parrots, and even jaguars, can be found in the forest. A guided hike or river excursion is another option for visitors to see rare birds, reptiles, and other creatures.
ATM Cave
There are also several nearby caves that can be explored, such as the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave. Also known as the ATM cave, it is considered one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country. The cave is known for its well-preserved Mayan artifacts and human remains, dating back nearly 1500 years.
Visitors can take a guided tour of ATM Cave, which includes a hike through the jungle, swimming and wading through the cave’s crystal-clear water, and viewing the ancient artifacts and skeletons. It is a unique experience that you should not miss!
Cahal Pech
If you want to see more Mayan ruins, you can visit Cahal Pech in nearby San Ignacio. This is a lesser-known ruin site compared to Xunantunich. Dating back 3000 years, it is one of the oldest Mayan sites in Belize.
You can explore the remains of several plazas, temples, and palaces. There are intricate carvings and hieroglyphics on these buildings that describe religious rituals and everyday life for the Mayans. Like Xunantunich, the entry fee is only $5 USD.
Best Time to Visit Xunantunich
There are a few factors to keep in mind when deciding which month you’d like to visit Xunantunich. The high season for tourism is from December to April. This coincides with warm and dry weather, higher prices, and more tourists visiting on vacation. You will likely encounter more crowds at the ruins during these months.
On the other hand, the rainy season is from May to November, when it’s hot and humid. Although the weather can be unpredictable, the rain usually comes in short bursts and clears up quickly. During this time, the ruins will be less crowded, and you can enjoy them in a more peaceful setting. Additionally, prices for accommodation and activities are generally lower during this time. However, you should be prepared to deal with mosquitoes during this time.
I visited Xunantunich in April, and I feel like that was the perfect time. There were very few people at the ruins, and the weather was pretty warm, but not unbearable. Accommodations were still affordable in April.
Where to Stay around Xunantunich
If you are visiting Xunantunich, I recommend staying in San Ignacio. I stayed at Mountain Maya Lodge and highly recommend it! If you stay here, you will have an entire bungalow to yourself. You’ll also get to experience different cultural events every night at the resort.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
