Xunantunich and Inland Blue Hole Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

9 hours

Mobile ticket

Xunantunich is one of the largest ancient Maya cities ever built, the rulers of Xunantunich clashes with other powerful rivals in the area, including Tikal. In 2016, the largest Maya royal tomb ever discovered was excavated in Xunantunich, and the site remains an impressive display of pyramids, palaces, and other grandiose buildings.

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Entry/Admission fee to Site

All Fees and Taxes

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Gratuities

What To Expect

Xunantunich

This tour includes a visit to two of the most incredible attractions in Belize, the ruins of the ancient Maya city of Xunantunich and the sapphire waters of the Inland Blue Hole. Xunantunich Maya Ruins One of the largest ancient Maya cities ever built, Xunantunich is located approximately 70 miles (110 km) west of Belize City. Constructed on a ridge overlooking the Mopan River, Xunantunich was once home to nearly 100,000 people. The original name of the site is unknown, but its modern name derives from a Maya term that means “Stone Woman.” First rediscovered in 1892, many visitors to the site reported seeing a ghostly woman who was reported to haunt the structure known as “El Castillo” (The Castle). Still the second-largest manmade structure in the country, El Castillo measures 130 feet (40 meters) tall. Built as a temple pyramid, El Castillo is located in the exact center of the town. Today, Xunantunich is located approximately one mile from the Guatemalan border. During its heyday during the Classic Period of the Maya civilization (around 600-700 AD), Xunanutinch competed with nearby cities, including Naranjo, Caracol, and Tikal (which lies just a few miles over the border in Guatemala). The Inland Blue Hole Not to be confused with the Blue Hole that lies on the offshore reef, the Inland Blue Hole is located in the St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park near the capital of Belize, Belmopan. First designated a national park in 1986, St. Herman’s is managed by the Belize Audobon Society as it sits in the middle of one of the most ecologically diverse areas of the country. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded in the area, including the red-legged honeycreeper and the piratic flycatcher. There is also a wide selection of wildlife in the park, including three big cat species.

3 hours•Admission Included

Options

Xunantunich and Inland Blue Hole Tour

Pickup included

Reviews

4.90

58 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

You've Traveled A Long Way to See It, Hire a Good Guide
Lori W,
May 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We were so happy to have a guide to visit Xunantunich. We learned much more about the history, architecture and customs of the Mayans than we would have gotten from doing it on our own or even the onsite tours. We walked through many of the areas most people skipped and were amazed at how large it extended . We enjoyed a local lunch with some of the best food we have eaten so far . We ended our day with a swim at the inland Blue Hole. It's small but the water was clear and cool. Super fun day!
Unbeliezable!!!!
William K,
Apr 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Great all around tour. Edgar is extremly knowledgeable on Belize history and made sure that we were comfortable during the tour. Message the tour the day before to confirm pick up from our VRBO viator only gave me a couple pick up spots but Edgar picked us up and dropped off at our place.
An amazing experience
Melanie D,
Mar 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Don’t make this trip without Edgar as yiur guide!! Talk about thorough historical and archaeological account, he left no stone unturned. We are so impressed by his depth of knowledge and his kind spirit. He made the Mayan ruins come alive!! An excellent trip to take if you want history and beauty of the Mayan culture!!
Great guides. The Mayan...
monica b,
Mar 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Great guides. The Mayan ruins were amazing. We had a great lunch and swim in the blue hole. Our tour guides were great.
Hez was a great Driver and the day was do good!
Treacey B,
Mar 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00
It was a fabulous day. Everything was on time & easy. Our Driver, Hez, was the perfect helper for a ling day of adventure and our Guide at the Temple was a walking encyclopedia of information. It was really cool. Xunantunich was literally awesome and the Blue Hole was an incredibly unique swimming experience for us. The while day was a jungle adventure for us without danger or difficulty. Perfect for our family!! Long day. Bring water, snacks & swimming gear including water goggles. There’s much to see underwater at the Blue Hole.