Belize · Archaeology

5-Hour Xunantunich Mayan Site Tour with El Castillo from Belize City

5 Hours Round trip from Belize City Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Xunantunich, a major Mayan ceremonial center from the Classic period
02 See the pyramid "El Castillo" rising 130 feet above the plaza
03 Take in sweeping views of Cayo and Guatemala from atop the hilltop site
04 Cross the majestic Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry

Visit Xunantunich, an ancient Mayan archaeological site in the extreme western part of the Cayo District overlooking the Mopan River. Explore the impressive hilltop ceremonial center, which was a major hub during the Classic period, and see the pyramid "El Castillo" (the castle), its most prominent structure. This shared tour from Belize City includes transportation, a guided visit to the site, and lunch with a soft beverage.

Explore the impressive hilltop ceremonial center, which was a major hub during the Classic period, and see the pyramid "El Castillo" (the castle), its most prominent structure.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Belize, Xunantunich

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Drive from Belize City to Xunantunich

Pick-up takes place between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM from the cruise ship terminal, water taxi, municipal airport, or your hotel.
Enjoy a 2-hour drive to the site.
Spend 1 1/2 hours touring the site.
Stop for lunch.
Proceed on the 2-hour drive back to Belize City.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Belize City 2 cities · 5 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transportation to and from the site.
Belizean guided tour.
Parking fee.
Lunch and a soft beverage.

What's Not Included

Any personal expenses.

Know before you go

Level of difficulty: Moderate - some walking is required over uneven ground. Not wheelchair accessible.
Xunantunich was a major ceremonial center during the Classic period.
It is composed of 6 major plazas, a ball court, and 3 carved stelae.
The most prominent structure is the pyramid "El Castillo" (the castle), which rises 130 feet above the plaza.
From atop this impressive structure, visitors get a sweeping view of Cayo from the east and Guatemala from the west.
The most notable feature of "El Castillo" is the reconstructed frieze on the east side of the lower temple.
Getting to Xunantunich includes riding a hand-cranked ferry to cross the majestic Mopan River.