Xunantunich Maya Ruin & St Herman Blue Hole
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Xunantunich is a spectacular ruin perched atop a hill overlooking the Mopan River and the Cayo District, near the border with Guatemala. Cross the Mopan River west of San Ignacio on a ferry to reach Xunantunich or Maiden of the Rock. The main pyramid known as El Castillo is one of the tallest buildings in Belize rising 130' above the jungle canopy. The reward for climbing to the top with your licensed guide is a spectacular view of the Cayo District and Petén Guatemala.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Infant seats are available on request if advised at time of booking.
What To Expect
Xunantunich
Xunantunich has six major plazas with more than twenty-five temples and palaces. "El Castillo" (the Castle), the largest rises 130 feet above the plaza. El Castillo has carved friezes on the east and west sides. The frieze on the east has been preserved and covered with a fiber glass replica of the central mask representing the sun god. Depart Placencia at for the drive talongthe majestic Hummingbird Highway with karst limestone topography intermixed with orange groves. Turn west at Belmopan toward Guatemala and Xunantunich. Cross the Mopan River on a ferry to reach the temple. On the way home, stop to enjoy a refreshing swim in Blue Hole National Park. Wear a long sleeved shirt, long pants and a hat and bring a swim suit. Bring a camera, binoculars, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Fitness level required: low to moderate
Blue Hole National Park
Take a short hike to see the cenote known as the Blue Hole. Taking a quick dip will refresh you one your way back to Placencia after spending the day at Xunantunich
Options
Xunantunich Maya Ruin & St Herman Blue Hole
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Lunch
Transport.
Park Fees.
Pick Up and Drop Off in Placencia Village.
Tour Guide.
Pick Up and Drop Off Outside of Placencia Village (can arrange)
Gratuities.
Alcoholic drinks.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
3 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good for a family
303ottos,Apr 14, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great education trip. My teenager loves it. They provide a good local lunch of stewed chicken, beans, rice, salad, and potatoes salad. The sinkhole swim was fun.
Mayan ruins
MstqMI,Mar 24, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We were staying in Placencia so it was over a 3 hour drive (each way) to the Mayan ruins. That was a bit long but it was a beautiful drive on the Hummingbird Highway- we enjoyed seeing more of Belize than just Placencia. Our driver & guide were great. The ferry over the river was interesting- we had to get out of our vehicle, stand on the ferry, then get back in when we got to the other side. The ruins were impressive, quite a climb! We could see Guatemala from one of the hills. We had lunch at Benny's Kitchen in the town near the ruins. We stopped at the Blue Hole National Park on our way home. It was a long day but we're glad we did it.
Don’t miss these ruins!
cyndeeskalla,Mar 28, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We went to Xunantunich ruins while on vacation. Junior was our driver and Rudy was our guide. We picked Francisco up when we got to the park entrance. They were informative, polite, and super friendly. The Blue Hole was actually a cenote. It’s a bit of a waste of time. Lunch at Benny’s was delicious.
Related Experiences
Operated by Splash Dive Center Limited (but shown as Splash Dive Shop on Trip Advisor)