Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

How most people in Belize pronounced Xunantunich is “shoo-na-too-nitch”. Another name for Xunantunich is “Maiden of the Rock” or Stone Woman. This Ancient archaeological site was opened in 1954. The famous Maya site is located about 78 west of Belize City near the Guatemala border with Belize. The archaeological history of Xunantunich began in the late 1800s when it was first explored by the British. Nothing was further established until 1924 when many Mayan treasures were unearthed. As recent as 2018 a group of student archaeologist discovered jewelry during a dig at a temple in the main plaza.

 Xunatunich tour from Belize City

It will take about 2.5 hours to reach Xunantunich from Belize City. From the Western Highway, we will be crossing the Mopan River, using a hand crank ferry. A short drive to the visitors’ centre sometimes offers you a chance to see the howler monkeys in the parking lot tree.

From here you will do a 5-minute hike or walk to the ruins, passing the Xunantunich Museum on the way. One reason to visit the Maya site is for its stunning panoramic view of the Jungle and Belizean countryside. There are various flora and fauna on the site that may have been used by the Mayan people. Walk about the ceremonial centre, ball court and other points of interest, presented by a tour guide.

The site is composed of six major plazas and is surrounded by more than twenty-five temples and palaces. The most prominent structure is located at the south end of the site. This Mayan pyramid is named “El Castillo” (The Castle). Rises 130 feet high above the plaza, were occupied until 900 AD.

“El Castillo” was believed to be the tallest man-made structure in all of Belize. With the discovery of “Ca’ana” at Caracol the tile was lost. Caracol became the tallest of all Mayan sites in Belize. Over the past 70 years, many archaeologists have done many excavations. Not much is known about the warfare of the Mayan Culture be we do believe that Mayas use their ball games to possible settle conflicts and other disputes.

You may never visit Xunantunich at night, where the ghost of the site can be seen on the top of El Castillo or coming out of the doorways. It is believed that the ghost of Xunantunich is dressed in full white with long black hair and red eyes. We at Nelson Maya Adventures have not yet seen this ghost that hunts the Maya Pyramid.

Xunatunich and Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins Tours – See both Ruins as a tour for a day of exploring the Mayan Ruins of western Belize.

See Xunatunich during a transfer.
It is possible to visit Xunantunich Mayan Ruins when booking a transfer with us. When travelling to or from the Guatemala border or San Ignacio to Belize City. Take the opportunity to visit the wonderful Site. If you a going to Tikal visiting the Mayan site is not an option.