Belize, Guatemala · Archaeology

5-Hour Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from Belize with El Castillo

5 Hours Round trip from Xunantunich Access Rd Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Cross the majestic Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry
02 Explore Xunantunich, a major Maya ceremonial center from the Classic period
03 Visit El Castillo, the towering pyramid rising 130 feet above the plaza
04 Climb to the top for sweeping views of Cayo and neighboring Guatemala
05 Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant

Travel from Belize to visit the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, an ancient archaeological site perched atop a ridge above the Mopan River, about 70 miles west of Belize City in the Cayo District. Explore this major ceremonial center from the Classic period, including the pyramid castle El Castillo, and take in the remarkable setting of one of Belize's most important Maya sites.

Travel from Belize to visit the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, an ancient archaeological site perched atop a ridge above the Mopan River, about 70 miles west of Belize City in the Cayo District.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Belize, Cayo, Xunantunich

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Xunantunich Ruins and El Castillo Exploration

Pick up at 8:00 am from your hotel in Belize and drive to the harbour.
Board a hand-cranked ferry to cross the majestic Mopan River.
Arrive at Xunantunich and begin your sightseeing tour.
Explore this major ceremonial center built during the Classic period, composed of 6 major plazas, a ball court, and 3 carved stelae.
Visit the pyramid castle El Castillo, which rises 130 feet above the plaza.
Discover the most notable feature of El Castillo, the reconstructed frieze on the east side of the lower temple.
Climb to the top of this impressive structure and enjoy sweeping views of Cayo to the east and Guatemala to the west.
Have lunch at a local restaurant.

Return to your hotel in Belize.

The route