Xunantunich

Xunantunich is an archaeological site outside the town of San Jose Succotz, in the Cayo District of Belize.

It is known for the 9th-century Maya ruins, which are Belize's most-visited Mayan site. Set on a hilltop overlooking the Mopan River, they form six groups with about 25 temples and palaces.

• To get there by bus, catch a bus toward Benque Viejo del Carmen at the main terminal. Tell the conductor that you are heading here, and they will drop you off for BZ$2.50. If you don't want to wait for the bus, flag down a taxi (indentifiable by its green license plate). The fare to the ferry should be BZ$8-10, depending on where the cab is from (plates starting with "SVO" are rumoured to be the cheaper ones). Cross via free hand cranked ferry, and then walk 1 mile (mostly uphill) to the site. It is also easy to hitch a ride from the San Ignacio vicinity. Admission to the park is BZ$25 for foreigners, BZ$10 for residents. Park closes at about 4PM. The ferry takes only two-three cars at a time, so sometimes there is a line up to leave (if you wait until 4PM). It is the only way across the river.

Xunantunich is explored mainly on foot. After crossing the Mopan River on the hand-cranked ferry, visitors travelling by car can continue uphill to the archaeological reserve’s parking area. Pedestrians face a steep walk from the ferry to the entrance, so allow additional time and carry water. NICH requires all passengers to leave their vehicle while it is being carried across the river, and horseback riders must dismount.

The principal plazas, temples, palace structures, museum and visitor facilities are connected by marked paths. The archaeological reserve covers about 51.6 acres, so most visitors can see its central structures within two or three hours, although a guided visit or extended photography session may take longer.

The terrain includes grass, uneven stone, steps and steep temple stairways. Wear sturdy footwear, remain on marked trails and use handrails where provided. Access to individual monuments may be restricted temporarily for conservation, excavation or safety reasons, so follow signs rather than assuming every structure can be climbed. NICH prohibits jumping on monuments, loud music and leaving the designated visitor routes.

The reserve is officially open daily from 8AM to 5PM. NICH lists the last arrival as one hour before closing for motorists and 1½ hours before closing for pedestrians, reflecting the additional walking time from the ferry.

As of Oct 2025, the large Visitor Center near the entrance is closed, but there is a small Education Center (with several info boards) and a small Visitor Center (displaying stelae) further up the hill, adjacent to the ruins.

• 17.0891-89.14171 El Castillo. The tallest building in Xunantunich. It stands 40m (131') tall, with an impressive 360° view at the top of jungle, ruins, and Guatemala.  (updated Jun 2021)

• 17.09069-89.122962 Tropical Wings Nature Center (The Trek Stop). Located on the outskirts of San Jose Succotz, a 10-minute bus ride from San Ignacio going towards Benque. Includes a butterfly farm & small educational museum, 9-hole disc golf course (the first in Belize & Central America) and a restaurant located on site.  

Explore the site’s six plazas and more than 25 temples and palace structures. The ceremonial centre was constructed on a natural limestone ridge and provides broad views across the Belize River Valley and toward Guatemala.

Climb El Castillo where access is permitted. Rising approximately 130 ft above the main plaza, it is the reserve’s largest structure and the dominant landmark at Xunantunich. Its upper terraces offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, but the stairs are steep and exposed, so descend carefully and avoid the climb during heavy rain or thunderstorms.

Examine the large stucco frieze on Structure A-6. The preserved original is protected beneath a fibreglass replica showing celestial and religious imagery, including a central sun-god mask bordered by symbols associated with the moon and Venus.

Visit the visitor centre and museum to see archaeological displays and obtain context for the buildings before walking through the plazas. Restrooms and a picnic area are also available near the visitor facilities.

Hire a licensed guide for a more detailed explanation of Maya history, architecture, excavation and the site’s political importance. NICH limits guided groups to a maximum of 15 visitors per guide.

Look for birds, butterflies and wildlife around the forested edges of the reserve. Early morning generally offers cooler conditions and a quieter atmosphere, while howler monkeys may sometimes be heard in the surrounding forest.

The hand-cranked ferry crossing is itself part of the experience. Additional activities available around San José Succotz include guided canoeing, river tubing and horseback excursions, some of which combine a ride through the countryside with a visit to Xunantunich.

NICH lists gift shops among the facilities at Xunantunich. These may sell postcards, books, maps, clothing and souvenirs related to Belizean and Maya heritage.

Artisan stalls operate around the ferry crossing in San José Succotz, offering colourful handicrafts and locally made souvenirs. Depending on the day, items may include carved wooden figures, woven goods, jewellery, pottery and artwork. Buying directly from local artisans supports the surrounding community.

Carry Belize dollars or US dollars in small denominations, since individual sellers may not accept cards or have sufficient change. Ask permission before photographing craftspeople or their stalls.

Avoid purchasing archaeological fragments, ancient-looking pottery, wildlife products or anything claimed to have been removed from a protected site. Objects found within Xunantunich must remain where they are.

Follow the signs to Benny's Kitchen for a relaxed meal, and read the local newspapers while you enjoy Pibil (delicious pork) or stewed chicken with rice and beans.

Bring sufficient drinking water, especially when walking uphill from the ferry or climbing the monuments. Much of the site is exposed to tropical heat and sun, and the steep stairs can be tiring.

Cold water, soft drinks or juice may be available from small businesses and temporary vendors near the ferry and in San José Succotz, but availability should not be assumed. The official site facilities list does not identify a restaurant or dependable refreshment stand within the archaeological reserve.

Use sealed bottled or properly treated water. Bring a reusable bottle where practical, but do not refill it from the Mopan River or an untreated tap.

San José Succotz has small shops and local eating places, while San Ignacio offers a much wider selection of cafés, bars, supermarkets and restaurants. Avoid alcohol before climbing monuments, swimming, horseback riding or driving.

• In the border town of Benque Viejo del Carmen (you can walk there from Xunantunich) you will find a burgeoning tourism industry that includes a variety of river and jungle adventures, stunning Mayan archeological ruins, horseback riding excursions, bird and wildlife watching and more. Otherwise Xunantunich makes a good halfday trip from San Ignacio. Consider spending the day and night relaxing in Benque before heading to Guatemala and Tikal.

• 17.07478-89.141291 Benque Resort and Spa, 22 Riverside Street, ☏ +501 823-2323. Situated in the mountainous Benque Viejo Del Carmen (on the way from San Ignacio to the Guatemalan border). Built in 2008 and freshly renovated in 2014, situated along the Mopan River, the hotel offers Wi-Fi, big verandah. Away from San Ignacio, listen to the Succotz Marching Band practice while you sit on your deck overlooking the river and quiet jungle. Benque Resort is a popular destination due to its proximity to Xunantunich ruins being right outside your door, and the river tubing from the dock at Benque Resort. Actun Chapat cave and Che Chem Ha cave and numerous waterfalls and grottoes. There's a Mayan Spa, the first of its kind in Cayo, with such treatments as ancient cave mud facials, and Mayan massage. From BZ$111 for double room with AC, BZ$36 for dorm.  (updated Mar 2017)
• 17.09072-89.122942 The Trek Stop, Mile 71½ Western Highway (on the outskirts of San Jose Succotz), ☏ +501 8232265. It's next to the highway but with approximately 22 acres (9 ha) of land, you won't feel so close to civilization. Shared and private cabins available, composting toilets; spots for camping as well. Restaurant on site, disc golf course, butterfly farm, trails. Lots of birds and different wildlife on site.  

• Guatemala and Tikal. Getting across the border is quite the experience.
• For more Mayan ruins near this part of Belize, check out Cahal Pech in San Ignacio and/or the ruins at Caracol.
• To return to San Ignacio, simply catch any bus from the other side of the street. They will all head to San Ignacio.