About this experience
Walk through ancient plazas where Mayan rituals and ceremonies once took place. Whilst making your way to the top of El Castillo, the tallest temple on the site, our guests also get to see the remarkable stucco frieze, which includes interesting hieroglyphic writings and symbols representing Mayan religious beliefs, inscribed on both the east and west sides of this huge temple. Arriving atop, you will be mesmerized by the picturesque beauty of the mountainous landscape of western Belize. This tour begins from Belize City and takes you across the country, going westward for approximately 1 1/2 hours until you arrive just about a mile from the Belize/Guatemala border, just before the bordering town of Benque Viejo. Here you will cross the Mopan River by a hand-crank ferry, the way it has traditionally been done. This full-day activity includes lunch and allows you to see the countryside. You will be able to capture epic photos of ancient carvings, jungle landscapes, and wildlife.
At a glance
- Duration: 5 hr–6 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 5 hr–6 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Local guides to help you plan
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Guide
Plan a visit to Xunantunich in Belize, including the hand-cranked ferry crossing, current admission guidance, El Castillo, site facilities, safety, accessibility, and the choice between guided and independent visits.
What is included
- Local guide
- Bottled water
- Driver/guide
- Lunch
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
- Entrance Fees
Itinerary and highlights
This guided tour then begins at the Museum, where you are given detail information of this particular site and you get to see some Mayan artifacts that was found during excavation. The tour then continue to the plazas and temples. As more information is being presented, you will see the different temples and walk through the plazas. If you have the energy, you are also allowed to climb the temples, including El Castillo, the tallest temple at Xunantunich and the second tallest excavated in Belize. This temple goes up to 137ft from the plaza floor. As you make your way to the top, halfway you will notice a large stucco frieze of hieroglyphic writing and symbols inscribed on both the east and west side of the temple. Your guide will also make a presentation of these amazing inscriptions on your way up.
Meeting and pickup information
- 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
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- A Plus Adventures Belize
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 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
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
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
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
What is the cancellation policy?
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