Discover Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio

4.9 (159 reviews) 3–4 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

159 reviews

4.9

Xunantunich "Maiden of The Rock" — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

El Castillo — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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

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At a glance

Duration: 3–4 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 45 people
People per booking: 1–30
Guide: English
Operated by: Cayo Inland Expeditions

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–9 years) · Youth (10–17 years) · Adults (18–75 years) · Seniors (76–85 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Professional local guide
Included: Bottled water
Included: All taxes, fees and handling charges
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Park Entrance Fees
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Not included

Not included: Lunch
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Xunantunich

3 hours Admission included

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.
Stop 2

20 min

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.
San Jose Succotz

Passing by

Maya village in western Belize

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

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

End point

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

Pickup points

Home Hill Apartments/Vacation Rentals
VILLA CAYO
Rosa's Hotel
Parrot Nest Lodge
Santa Cruz Cabins

and 73 more pickup points

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

Using your ticket

Please note: entrance tickets and transport included. This voucher will not be accepted if presented directly at the venue.
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

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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