Xunantunich
Explore the majestic Mayan ruins at Xunantunich with your very own private guide. This classic period site was a thriving city near the end of the Classic period and provides an impressive view of the entire Mopan River valley.
Area
Mayan Mountains
Type
History
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Leisurely
Duration
Half Day
Guests take a tour to the famous sites of Xunantunich - situated on the banks of the Mopan River. Xunantunich means "stone woman" in Mayan. Xunantunich was a thriving city near the end of the Classic Period (300-900 A.D.) with large plazas ringed with pyramids. The tallest is the 130 foot "El Castillo," which is large by Mayan standards and is only exceeded in Belize by the Caana pyramid at Caracol. The center of the site is composed of six major plazas surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces. The large pyramid, El Castillo, is well known for the frieze or band of stucco decoration which at one time extended around the entire temple.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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![Black Rock Lodge Exterior]()
View AccommodationBlack Rock Lodge
Black Rock Lodge is a unique eco-lodge in the Cayo District of Belize. Surrounded by jungle wilderness and perched above the rushing Macal River, it is superbly located to explore the best of the region.
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![Waterfall Suite - Gaia River Lodge]()
View AccommodationGaia River Lodge
Gaia River Lodge is a wonderful and peaceful retreat in the highlands of Belize. Perfect for honeymooners, this is a relaxing spot to experience some of the abundant natural diversity of Belize and its Mayan heritage, alongside comfort and good service.
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![Aerial shot of Hidden Valley]()
View AccommodationHidden Valley Wilderness Lodge
A wonderfully remote rustic-chic lodge situated in Belize's picturesque Mountain Pine Ridge area, Hidden Valley Inn is great for walking, bird watching and exploring the waterfalls, caves and Mayan temples of the region.
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![Dining - Blancaneaux Lodge]()
View AccommodationBlancaneaux Lodge
Blancaneaux Lodge is movie director Francis Ford Coppola's romantic Mountain Pine Ridge retreat in western Belize home to 20 villas and cabanas surrounded by Mayan ruins, shimmering waterfalls, turquoise pools, lush vegetation and exotic wildlife.
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![Casitas - Mata Chica]()
View AccommodationMatachica Resort and Spa
Matachica is a laid back and secluded rustic chic hideaway nestled between swaying palms and pearly white sand beaches on the north side of the beautiful island of Ambergris Caye off mainland Belize and reached by boat from the town of San Pedro.
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![Macal Cottage - The Lodge at Chaa Creek]()
View AccommodationThe Lodge at Chaa Creek
Successfully blending refined comfort with endless adventure opportunities, The Lodge at Chaa Creek is an established sustainable eco-resort and 365-acre private nature reserve, set alongside the banks of the Macal River in the Cayo District of Belize.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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![Horseback Riding]()
View ExperienceHorseback Riding Cayo District
Follow trails through the rain forest visiting Mayan plazas and ceremonial sites, including Skeleton Cave. Finish the day at Big Rock Falls, where you can take a refreshing dip and enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to your lodge.
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![ATM Cave Adventure]()
View ExperienceActun Tunichil Muknal
Actun Tunichil Muknal or ATM caves is one of Belize’s most impressive adventure experiences and a rare opportunity to see ancient Maya ceremonial sites and altars as they were and virtually untouched for centuries.
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![Wildlife - Complimentary Activities at Gaia Riverlodge]()
View ExperienceActivities at Gaia Riverlodge
Choose from a range of complimentary activities during your stay at Gaia Riverlodge, which are scheduled on a weekly timetable available on your arrival at the hotel.
Call us on 020 8682 5430 to start planning
