Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

Mobile ticket

Small groups for a personalized experience. Convenient pick up and drop off at your hotel within 20km 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

Cancellation Policy

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

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

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.

3 hours•Admission Included

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.

20 minutes•Admission Not Applicable

Options

Xunantunich Maya Site 1/2 day

Pickup included

Reviews

4.93

100 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Laid-back learning
Camille R,
Jun 29, 2025
- Viator
4.00
This was a really good excursion. We were picked up from our hotel and travel only 20 min. Our guide was knowledgeable and patient as we asked Soo many questions about Mayan culture.
+5 stars
LeAnn D,
Jun 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Vern was amazing- very friendly and knowledgeable. Cannot say enough fantastic things about the tour!
Amazing grounds
melissarube,
Jun 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Pedro was such an easy going tour guide. He had patience for all of our questions, was willing to wait for the 'slowest' member of our group to climb the temple, and shared so much knowledge about the grounds. It was a warm day so we had the whole site to ourselves. Well worth the trip!
Good tour with a knowledgeable guide.
Gretchen H,
Jun 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Goldborn was a very good guide and had so much information - we would have gone and looked and not understood anything we were seeing. Worth the price
Practice Your Stair Climbing Before You Go
Valerie T,
May 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00
So much history and beauty. Three of us hiked all the ruins and the 4th watched and walked around the grounds. The driver/guide was knowledgeable and friendly and lunch was delicious.