Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Small groups for a personalized experience. Convenient pick up and drop off at your hotel within 10km of San Ignacio town.
Xunantunich Maya Temple means “Maiden of the Rock," and it is located only 30 minutes south-west of San Ignacio Town, in the beautiful village of San Jose Succotz. This makes this site one of the most accessible Maya Temples in the area. To gain access to this magnificent site one must cross the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry. This is also a great place to pick up souvenirs and popular gift items like hand-made hammocks, slate carvings, jewelry, etc.
Additional Info
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
What To Expect
Xunantunich
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.
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.
Options
Xunantunich Maya Site 1/2 day
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Professional local guide
Bottled water
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Food and drinks
Lunch
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
147 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Just a great multifaceted experience.
Gavin L,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide was knowledgeable and personable, he answered questions thoughtfully, he knew about the buildings, the excavations at the site, and the history of the city, its people, and their relationship to and with other Mayan cities. And we visited, walked through and climbed the buildings. It was a great half-day excursion from San Ignacio.
Amazing experience and...
Nai S,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience and absolutely worth it. Even though the tour was only about 3 hours, it felt packed with so much history, culture, and incredible views. Xunantunich is truly stunning in person, and climbing the temples while learning about the Mayan civilization was such a memorable experience. Pedro was an outstanding guide and honestly made the tour. He was knowledgeable, engaging, funny, and made everything easy to understand without it ever feeling overwhelming or scripted. You could tell he genuinely cares about giving people a great experience and sharing the history of Belize. The entire tour was smooth, well organized, and the perfect activity. Highly recommend this tour, and if you get Pedro as your guide, you’re lucky!
Sweaty, awesome climb!
Andrea M,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing tour! Henry was a great guide. Gave enough info to make us more knowledgeable and had a fun personality! Stopped at his family farm on the way back to let us try some fresh cashew fruit, mango and tamarind. Beautiful ruins - highly recommend the tour and Henry!
Amazing Experience!
kamiladK5414JY,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Reuben was amazing in setting up my tour! It was swift, easy, and absolutely incredible ! Everything flowed really well and my guide was knowledgeable and funny 😁 Great way to meet people and get to know the history of the mayans. Thank you for a great experience!
Fabulous
Traveler37054973864,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The most amazing horseback ride to the ruins. Gentle horses and Jose was phenomenal.
Supper tour
Q1651LBmikew,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide very knowledgeable, made the tour vet informative.
Great experience with the...
Brijendra R,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience with the Tour Guide Ameen. Very knowledgeable, patient and courteous. His knowledge of the birds is also very good.
Great!
Denise M,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very smooth drive going to the location. Guide was very knowledgeable. Very interesting history. *two thumbs up*
Vote For Pedro
MasterPeters,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent experience led by Pedro, who was very knowledgeable, charming, and set a great pace. It's also worth noting that he has a very good Nike swoosh tattoo on his leg, which he has no regrets about. Thanks, Pedro! You're the best!
Great tour, would recommend!
Christopher B,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Knowledgeable guide (Pedro) who made sure we had a great experience. The ruins were very interesting to learn about. My kids loved getting to climb to the top of the main temple. Views were awesome.
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Operated by Cayo Inland Expeditions