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All 60 Cayo Attractions »

Xunantunich

Cayo District | Southwest of San Ignacio, Belize
Ranked #3 of 32 attractions in Cayo
5.0 of 5 stars 82 Reviews
Type: Ancient Ruins, Historic Sites
Description: This Mayan ruin features a 130-foot tall pyramid and impressive stone carvings.
Useful Information: Activities for older children
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82 reviews from our community

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Houston, Texas
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

Few might know that Belize was known as British Honduras... in Central America. It's the only country in C.A. where English is spoken. Belize is known for its luscious tropical jungle, spectacular coral reef (second only to Australia's) and old Mayan civilization. One of the most amazing Mayan cities discovered within the jungle is Xunantunich, which is located about 2... More

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California Hot Springs, California
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

My boyfriend and i recently vacationed in Belize for the first time this past May 2012. We wanted to do all the adventures and site seeing that this country is known for. Our hotel booked us through "mark's Personalized tours" our tour guides name was PAUL, he was AMAZING!!!!!!!! couldnt be happier and couldnt of felt safer! Growing up in... More

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St. John's, Canada
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2012

Was on a recent cruise to Belize City, and this tour was offered with lunch. We had two tour guides on the bus along with the driver, the trip from Belize City to the site was nearly two hours in itself. The first guide was very animated and very knowledgeable about the local history and the country, if he didn't... More

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Boise, Idaho
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2012

We loved Xunantunich because it was so close to San Ignacio. It gives a sense of Maya architecture and culture, but can be toured in a few hours. The ferry ride across is beautiful. Don't forget the ferry stops at about 4:15 (we almost got stuck). Tikal is phenomenal, but if you don't have a full day, Xunantunich is a... More

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New Mexico
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2012

From San Ignacio take the bus or a taxi to San Jose Succotz. Take the ferry (free) and walk up the hill. If taking a taxi then be driven up. On the way back look at the slate carvings. They are really nice and cheaper here than anywhere else, as the carvers live in SJS. For lunch follow the signs... More

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Coos Bay
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 April 2012

The ruins were great with an excellent view from the top More

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Toronto
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2012

This was amazing - you are allowed to climb these ruins to the top, which was incredible. More

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Orlando, Florida
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2012

We chose this site to visit through Carnival Cruise Lines. We did not regret the 2-hour bus ride at all! We drove from Belize City and enjoyed the beautiful countryside along the way. The ruins themselves are amazing. We took our children, 11 & 13, and they had no problems whatsoever climbing them. The workers were very helpful. They offered... More

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Arlington, Texas
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2012

This is the site that is the easiest to get to. You have to cross the river on a hand cranked barge but that is pretty easy compared to some difficult roads for other places. If you want spectacular then go to Tikal across the boader or Caracol to the south but the trek is more involved. A guide could... More

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Philadelphia
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 April 2012

do not underestimate this site, sure Tikal and Caracol are great, but Xunantunich is beautiful, it has so much charm, view from the temple is breathtaking and the structures are amazing, well preserved, the small museum is quite nice and informative. Very convenient for those staying near San Ignacio. Do this tour on Saturday to combine with local market and... More

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