About this experience
This guide-led experience brings travelers together for a well-paced look at the places and activities in the itinerary. At Xunantunich, walk through the ceremonial plazas, learn how the ancient city developed, and take in the wide Cayo District views around El Castillo. A hands-on chocolate-making experience introduces the cacao process and its long connection with Maya culture.
Allow about 8 hours for the full experience. This is a shared experience with a listed maximum of 16 travelers. entrance fees, transportation, and bottled water are included. lunch is not included. The experience is not wheelchair accessible. It is not recommended for pregnant travelers, travelers with back problems, and travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
At a glance
- Duration: 6 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 6 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
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.
Altun Ha Mayan Ruins Guide
Plan a thoughtful visit to Altun Ha, an ancient Maya city in Belize. This guide covers trip options, changing admission details, safety, accessibility, packing, and scheduling a daylight return.
What is included
- Water
- Transportation
- Entrance Fee
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
Itinerary and highlights
In the western part of Belize, near the border with Guatemala, is Xunantunich, or "Maiden of the Rock". It is a Classic Maya archaeological site dating from 200-900 CE. This strategic location allowed traders to control trade along this important river, as well as through the adjacent valley. This is situated on a high ridge overlooking the Mopan River.
Xunantunich is set within a tropical forest preserve with a compact core center. The site's total area is estimated to be about 3 square miles/7 square kilometers, but the core area can easily be visited. You can reach the site by driving to San Ignacio on the Western Highway from Belize City or Orange Walk. San Jose Sucozt is about eight miles away from San Ignacio. To reach the site, a hand-operated cable ferry crosses the river.
In San Ignacio, take part in an approximately 1 hour 30 minute hands-on chocolate-making activity. Learn how cacao is prepared, roasted, ground, and transformed into chocolate while the host explains its importance in Maya culture and the traditional process behind the finished product.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Private Belize Adventure
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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Traveller reviews and photos
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