Xunantunich
A Maya site reached by crossing the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry. The 40-meter-tall “Castle” pyramid offers views over the Guatemalan border.
Xunantunich, meaning “Stone Maiden,” is a Classic-period Maya ceremonial center. Its main pyramid, El Castillo, stands about 40 m tall. Its east side preserves finely decorated stucco friezes, and from the top you can look out over the Guatemalan jungle. To get there, cross the river on the free hand-cranked ferry at San José Succotz, then climb about 1.5 km uphill. Admission is about US$10. The site is about 13 km from San Ignacio, and buses to Benque Viejo pass nearby.
Opening hours
08:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Belize Botanic Gardens
- Cahal Pech
- Green Iguana Conservation Project
- San Ignacio Market
- El Pilar
- Big Rock Falls
- Rio Frio Cave
- Rio On Pools