Belize City to Xunantunich: Explore Mayan Ruins and Scenic Mountain Views
5.0
4 Ratings
Xunantunich
Embark on a 2.5-hour journey from Belize City to Xunantunich, where you'll explore ancient Mayan ruins, witness scenic mountain views, and encounter diverse wildlife in the surrounding jungle. Don't miss the opportunity to climb the towering El Castillo temple and enjoy a delicious picnic of local cuisine. Book your adventure now!
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Xunantunich - Our driver and guide will meet you at your location for pick up. Once all passengers have boarded we then embark on our trek from low flat land to the beautiful hills. As the elevation increases you will get to see the Maya Mountains from a distance and the change in vegetation from savanna to tropical jungle.

The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours in which we get to venture through the Twin Towns of San Ignacio and Elena as we make our way closer to the hand crank ferry. Once, we arrive to the ferry we will be hand cranked across the beautiful green Mopan river which we then drive for another 5 minutes to our destination.

Once we arrive to the archaeological reserve of Xunantunich the guide will take you to explore the ancient wonders of the site. You will have the opportunity to climb the El Castillo temple which is approximately 130 feet tall. From here you will be able to see Guatemala the one of the neighboring countries with Belize. As you trek along the site you might run into some wildlife as this site is surrounding by jungle. You might get a glimpse of monkeys, birds, spiders and much more.

After we finish the site tour, we will enjoy a picnic of local cuisine and then make our way back to Belize city.

What's Included
  • Entrance Fees
  • Bottled Water
  • Lunch Included
  • Air-Conditioned Vehicles
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

As you ascend from Belize City towards Xunantunich, you’ll witness the far-off vista of the Maya Mountains and a transformation in the landscape from savanna to dense tropical rainforest.

The journey lasts roughly 2.5 hours, passing through the dual towns of San Ignacio and Elena en route to a manually operated ferry. Once at the ferry, we’re transported across the lovely emerald Mopan river, followed by a short 5-minute drive to our final destination.

You’ll have the chance to ascend the El Castillo temple, a majestic structure standing at an estimated height of 130 feet. From this vantage point, Guatemala - Belize’s neighboring country - can be observed. As you explore the site, you may encounter wildlife endemic to the surrounding jungle, including monkeys, various bird species, spiders, and more.

Once the tour concludes, we’ll relax with a picnic featuring local dishes before returning to Belize City.

  • Please disclose honestly all pre-existing relevant medical conditions accurately and fully when booking a tour or service, which may impact your ability to participate or travel to remote areas without access to medical facilities or may adversely affect the experience of others on your tour. We will maintain your information in accordance to the company privacy policy.
Location
Xunantunich
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
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1 star
Coastal290436
Feb 12, 2023
Tour guide Rudy the best - Our tour guide, Rudy, was terrific. He was so knowledgeable-not just about the Mayan ruin but all things Belizean and beyond. It was clear that he loved the Mayan history and culture. He was well read and well trained outside of his work as a guide and it really showed. Even now, two days later, we are still in awe of his knowledge and talk about all the things we learned during our time with him. He was prompt, very polite, and cared not only for us but other visitors of the ruins. He took us to a delightful place for lunch near the reserve which appeared to be popular with all the guides. I cannot speak anymore highly of our time with Rudy and our trip to the reserve.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lynette
Dec 14, 2022
This was an amazing tour with Rudy and Tukan tours. - We enjoyed this tour very much. Our guide, Rudy, was so good! He has such an enormous amount of knowledge about Xunantunich your head will burst! His information is accurate and captivating! I didn’t climb the ruin, but it was interesting that while I couldn’t see them, I could hear them talking up on the first level. Shortly after that, they got to the top in a quiet voice I told them that I could hear them and they responded ‘We can hear you too’. That was fun. I learned lore about the ball court, how the building of the Mayan temples was in levels and why. So interesting. Something I noticed was that we were not rushed through as other groups were. Rudy let us take our time and absorb the culture.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emmahd7115ww
Apr 13, 2021
Xunantunich - This tour was highlight of our trip to San Ignacio. Rudy shared his knowledge about Myan culture, plants, and many birds and animals we saw at Xunantunich. Rudy was patient as he guided us the steps to top of Xunantunich so I could see everything below. Listening to all the birds, howler monkeys, Rudy explained so much, answered all questions. Shuttle service was perfect, on time, never felt rushed! Thank you Celine for all the updated info about covid, arranging our tours and transportation! You are spot on!! Thank You Rudy for your kindness!! HIGHLY recommend !!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bradleysf2090ai
Feb 10, 2020
Awesome!! - Rudy was awesome .. the best. He was thorough with the history. Was obviously well versed in local culture and history. Took us to a great local restaurant with authentic foods. Really was the highlight of our trip. Thank you !!
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June 2024
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