Xunantunich

Xunantunich, also known as the “Maiden of the Rock,” is the second tallest Mayan ruin in Belize. It stands 130 feet high to give a panoramic view of the Cayo District, nearby Guatemala, and the Mopan River. The centre of Xunantunich occupies an area less than a square mile. The centre is composed of six major plazas surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces. The large pyramid, El Castillo, is well known for the frieze or band of stucco decoration that at one time extended around the entire temple.

We highly recommend that you make the steep, but short, climb to the top of “El Castillo.” This vantage point provides a breath-taking, 360 degree, panoramic view over the jungle canopy of the Mopan River valley, as well as a vast area of the border towns of Benque Viejo del Carmen in Belize and Melchor De Mencos in Guatemala, which is only a few miles away. You will also get a close look at the restored portions of two unique stucco friezes, which appear on the east and west sides of the upper portion of the pyramid.

Ask Reception for Air travel options.