About this experience
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:
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Door-to-Door Service: Free, hassle-free pickup and drop-off for hotels within 10km of San Ignacio Town.
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Small Group Sizes: Guarantees a personalized, unhurried atmosphere with your guide.
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Iconic River Crossing: Includes a ride across the scenic Mopan River on a historic, hand-cranked ferry.
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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
At a glance
- Duration: 3 hr–4 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 3 hr–4 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Things to bring along: Cool and comfortable clothing, hiking/tennis shoes, camera, bug spray, sun block lotion
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.
San Ignacio Travel Guide
Plan a rewarding stay in San Ignacio, Belize, with practical advice on transportation, trip length, the town market, ATM cave tours, Big Rock Falls, accessibility, costs, and active day trips across the Cayo District.
Caracol Mayan Ruins Guide
Plan a thoughtful visit to Caracol with practical advice on transport, timing, terrain, accessibility, admission planning, and border-area safety in Belize.
What is included
- Professional local guide
- Bottled water
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Park Entrance Fees
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
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.
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.
Maya village in western Belize
Meeting and pickup information
- The Cayo Welcome Center. Your driver/guide will have a sign with your name for easy recognition. He will meet you outside of the Cayo Welcome Center's office
- Departure Point: Centrally located hotels within 10km of San Ignacio town Return Details: Original departure point We can pick up guests and return them to their hotel as long as it is within a 10km radius of San Ignacio town
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Cayo Inland Expeditions
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- Things to bring along: Cool and comfortable clothing, hiking/tennis shoes, camera, bug spray, sun block lotion
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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What are the pickup arrangements?
Return Details: Original departure point
We can pick up guests and return them to their hotel as long as it is within a 10km radius of San Ignacio town
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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