Highly recommend this site. It's a quick bus ride from San Ignacio (20 minutes 2 Belize dollars per person). From the bus stop there's a free ferry to cross the river and then a mile walk to the site which is mostly shaded. The setting is beautiful. I recommend going early in the morning as it'll be cooler and you'll get better light for pictures. One of the top Mayan ruins we've seen especially due to the setting and the lack of tourists.

Not a far driving from San Ignacio and totally worth it. Make sure to give yourself a good 2 hours to explore as there is so much to see. To get there you need to take a hand crank ferry which closes at 430. On top of the Xunantunich ruins you can see stunning mountains all around. Next time I would maybe book a tour guide to get more historical information about the site.

My 3rd visit. Still moves me. Incredible to see what was accomplished, built between 600 and 900AD. Amazing. We hired a guide prior to getting on the ferry. Highly recommend. $50 USD

Incredible experience! If you go, don't be rushed by your driver. Take your time and wander around. We didn't line up a guide and sorta regret it. But, we eavesdropped on several other guides, sometime noticing conflicting information. Historians aren't always accurate so, it isn't surprising. The site is huge and the structures enormous. We stayed 3 hours and at the end walked along the edge of the ruins in the jungle. We saw howler monkeys swing through the trees. The park had almost cleared out and we felt like we had it to ourselves.

Beautiful ruins with an information center and guided tours available. Do recommend taking one of the tours to learn about the history of this place and soak in the richness of its ancestry. If you've ever seen "Road to El Dorado" as a kid then this place will be right up your alley!

An excellent day. We were there on our own without a guide, early - 8am. No crowds. Buses and people started arriving about 10. We took the city bus from San Ignacio ($2 ea) and explored for about two hours. Nicely kept and you’re able to climb and roam virtually everywhere. We also heard howler monkeys which is always a treat.

Absolutely stunning place. There are several ruins to see, and a museum. The grounds are very well taken care of. I highly recommend checking it out. Upon can drive up and you pay a small entrance fee per person.

Xunantunich was the second archaeological site we visitited this trip to Belize and it didn't disappoint. The structures were incredible to see. You do have a relatively small hike up to the site but it's not really anything compared to the hiking up the structures themselves. Make sure you bring a hat, some bug spray, and water.

We drove on our own and crossed the hand cranked ferry. We gave them a tip of a few bucks and explored the ruins ourselves. We turned down the offer for a guide at the bridge, but I almost wish we would have taken him up on the offer to put what we were seeing into context. We got some great pictures though and the ruins were bigger than we expected. It was also super quiet with no one around!

Amazing place to visit! Our tour guide, Shaid - with Belize N Me Jungle and Sea, was awesome on this trip. He is full of knowledge of the Mayan civilization and surrounding jungle. This site is breathtaking and we were able to climb all over the ruins. This really added to the experience imagining what it looked like as a busy city center. The 360 degree views from the top of El Castillo were breathtaking. I also learned that the Mayans would climb the high stairs using their hands. I had to try it and it was much more efficient! As a 6’ 5” person I had to try laying on the the spots where their beds would be. I didn’t fit very well as they were much shorter! Lots of excavating still going on this this area which was cool to see.

Climbing to the top of the temple although difficult was invigorating! The effort put out in the climb was rewarded by the view from the very top! You can see the jungles of Guatemala looking one direction and Belize in the other. The road we traveled from the Belize City port to the Ruins was completely visible from up top. I loved our tour guides who were very knowledgeable as well as enthusiastic about sharing the wonders of their country and the mysteries of the Maya.

This is a fairly quiet Mayan site, a steady trickle of people compared to the floods at some of the better known places, but more enjoyable as a result. It is more extensive than it initially looks, and really needs a couple of hours to explore properly, especially if you enjoy wildlife and the spider monkeys are playing close to the ground. The main pyramid is particularly impressive and you can climb right to the top for spectacular views, although the staircases are quite exposed. There isn’t a lot of shade in parts of the site, so a hat is a good idea, as is a guide if you are not part of an organised tour as there are not many information boards. There is also a small but interesting museum, best visited at the end when you have a feel for the ruins.

We chose this ruin tour because it was very close to where we were staying and it also had great reviews. Most resorts offer tours here, but we had our own rental car and you can just drive to it, get on the ferry to cross the river and get a guide right there. Important to know 2pm was the last tour offered when we were there so don't wait til later in the day to go. We loved it. We learned so much and it was amazing to see.

Absolutely incredible adventures! Highly recommend going to visit. Easy walk and climb . Tour guides were excellent very knowledgeable. Fantastic way to spend the day exploring with the family. You won’t be disappointed. Great for visitors young and old ! Would definitely love to go back again!

It's the first Mayan ruins we've visited and therefore can't compare to other places but we were impressed, especially at the main structure, which you can climb too. The view from up there is great! Also getting to this place is cool, because you have to board a hand-cranked ferry which crosses a small river.

The best place to visit in Belize. If you rent a car, go there in the evening when there are almost no people there. Was the last to exit the place - it’s magical. Quiet and mystical Mayan history!

This was on my bucket list of things to do before I leave this world! I am so glad I did! Absolutely stunning! The view from the top of the pyramid was breathtaking. The history of the Mayans so mysterious and interesting! THIS IS A MUST SEE!

Great Mayan ruins! On arrival you need to cross the river. Depending on the water level you will either be allowed to ferried over and drive to the Mayan ruin or will have to walk 1 mile up hill. Very knowledgeable guides are waiting on the riverside to offer their services for a guided tour! Well worth it! We paid $70BZD for a guide for 2 hours for 4 people.

Incredible site! It was massive. You have to see it to understand the scale! Truly an amazing experience. I highly recommend going here. The view is incredible and the history is just fascinating. There is a lot of walking and a lot of large stairs, so be prepared for some excercise, but it is worth it to see this incredible place.

Drove ourselves here and picked up a guide at the ferry crossing (which is free). Our guide, Cookie, was knowledgeable and interesting. The tour lasted about 1-2 hours and cost us $35 for 2 people. I would definitely recommend you take a guide, especially if you plan to go to Caracol afterward so that you know the history and what the buildings were used for. The visitors center also has a lot of info if you decide not to go with a guide. We went on a Wednesday about noon and shared the park with only a handful of other people.

Breathtaking ancient Maya archaeological site! The site is slightly more than 1.5 hours car ride west of Belize city. Walking around the site took about two hours with some uphill climb (but not strenuous) to see the El Castillo pyramid which was amazing. It is an open area, so a cap/hat or an umbrella will provide some protection against the sun.

Absolutely breathtaking! Our guide was very knowledgeable. We went on a day with lots of cruise ship tours, so it was pretty busy, but the crowds would come and go so we were able to have the ruins all to ourselves at points throughout the day. It was nice to go at our own pace! I would definitely recommend a visit! Plus it was neat to experience the hand cranked ferry!

Highly recommended. The views were amazing. Our guide was very knowledgeable and brought everything to life for us. Walking up El Castille is somewhat strenuous, wear good walking shoes and be aware of the slick areas on the rocks.

We were really excited to see the Mayan ruins. Dino was a good tour guide and he knew alot about it. We climbed halfway up and took some great pictures. We drove 2 hours from the port, took a hand cranked water ferry,and then had a bit of a steep walk to get to the ruins. They also offered people the option of riding closer to the ruins.We definitely recommend. If you have trouble walking or health problems, you should probably reconsider.

This is a great place to visit. It’s a must on your next expedition. Be sure you have a guide that is knowledgeable as there are so many things to talk about. From the residence to the palace to the burial of a princess it has years of history. You should note that some of the structures have been rebuilt by professionals to maintain the original structure a few feet behind exterior that you are viewing. A guide can point out the original and rebuilt areas quickly. Be sure you stop by the ball court and have someone explain the game. Otherwise, soak in the history.

This is an awesome opportunity to step back over 1000 years in history! One of the most interesting things is that there are so many ruins that have yet to be excavated. It is an amazing opportunity to learn about a great civilization. Now access to some of the upper levels is restricted because of COVID but it is still worth the visit!

Incredible location with great history. Well preserved site with lots to see. It's easily accessible by everyone, but to climb to the top of the structures, you will need to be able to climb lots of stairs. Don't attempt if you can't skip stairs at your home.

We had a wonderful time exploring the amazing Maya ruins and grounds. The welcome center provided nice historical details and photos, with snacks, drinks and restrooms nearby. Walking through the plazas and climbing up the temples allowed us to imagine what life may have been like for the Maya here 2,000 years ago. Easy bus ride from San Ignacio. Free ferry crossing and easy 1 mile walk to the site.

Absolutely worth it. It's a big site with lots of things to explore. The view from the highest structure was incredible. It's rare that you get to climb historical structures, and it was incredible to stand where ancient Mayans stood.

Beautiful!! The best excursion we have ever taken. Belize was so worth the trip. You can see multiple eco systems in an hours drive. From wetlands to mountainous jungle. The ruins are wonderful. Well worth the money we spent. If you love history, this is a good place to go.

What a cool experience. We joined via excursion from a cruise and it was a 2 hour ride to the site. We spent 3 hours at the site and had an incredible lunch. I didn’t even make it all the way up the ruins cuz of fear but my family had a blast.

Just letting you know I booked the excursion through Royal Carribean, but they work with local contracts with Exotic Eco Adventures. 1. Exotic Eco Adventures is a great company to work with...Joyce, Rosa, and Junior were fantastic. 2. You need to be ready to hike a little for this. It has steep walkway to get up to the ruins. Not long but be ready for it. They do provide transportation for people who cannot do the walk, though. 3. Water. Bring lots of water! 4. The steps o Castillo scared me. I was able to get up to the top, but I am scared of the steps. I felt like if I were to stand or step a certain way, I was going to fall off. Obviously, I didn't. The staff was helpful, encouraging, and with me every step of the way. We had people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and conditions do this. It was worth going through my fear. 5. If you are doing this through a cruise, go early, and be prepared for a long drive. You are going from one end of the country to the other 2.5 hours each way. The tour guides did a great job keeping us on track but also being thorough and detailed and giving us a real guided and informative tour.

We went on a quick little trip here before heading to our next destination. We had an excellent tour guide from Chaa creek that was very knowledgeable about the Mayan ruins. Xunatinich was a must visit and really quite amazing to see in person.

This is a beautiful site. The view on top of the ruins is wonderful. Not too busy. Easy to get to in our rental car.

Despite the cloud cover and downpour that came, it was more impressive than I would have imagined. At the time, my favorite was Tulum, but having the ability to climb on top of one of the pyramids made the experience totally worth it.

Man, by far the most amazing experience I've had in Belize this far! From crossing the beautiful river by ferry to climbing to the top of the ruins, you must experience this!

Very cool experience and very cheap ($5usd/person). You can climb to the top of the Castillo. We went without a guide because we have a toddler, but still gathered plenty of info from the educational stuff throughout.

We drove and picked up a guide at the car ferry. Elvin was a fantastic guide, I highly recommend a guide to visit the ruins. Very informative and fun 3 hours!

Fabulous! You can climb it. Big site. Long walk uphill if you are walking in without a car. Iguanas. Fun hand cranked ferry that is exclusively for getting to this site.

Cool Mayan ruins! There’s a visitor center at the beginning of the path. Large space to roam around and the view is amazing from the top of the tallest building where rituals would be held and priests would stand to talk to regular people. Lots of stairs if you want to go up. Some parts were slippery due to rain. Very cool place.

Did this tour through our Carnival Cruise! It was FANTASTIC! it was a really hot day, so I chickened out but my husband, kids, (15 and 9) and my blind 70 year old father made the climb to see the view from the top. I must admit I regret wimping out!

Great Mayan Archaeological site to check out. Many structures and plazas to see with the main Castillo towering over them. You can climb to the top of the Castillo and get a great view of the site and surrounding area. Get a good tour guide if you want to learn about the site and the Mayans occupation of the area. It is an active Archaeological site as well so you may get to see excavations taking place.

Very cool site. Be sure to get a tour guide or have information on your phone. It makes the experience much more fulfilling.

Xunantunich is an impressive Mayan Ruin. Unfortunately it is overrun by tourists. Early in the morning, when it first opens, you can have the place to yourself but the buses will roll in later.

These are my favorite ruins I have been to so far. You can climb them and they are well preserved. Great view of Belize and Guatemala from the top. Plus we were the only ones there when we went! 100% recommend!

Loved the place first time ever to sea a roin

(Translated by Google) Small but fine Mayan ruins ... not as crowded as other ruins. (Original) Kleine, aber feine Maya Ruinen ... nicht so überfüllt wie andere Ruinen.

Very beautiful and peaceful

Incredible views, amazing history

Beautiful views and a wonderful history lesson of the ancient Mayan Civilian.

One of the few experiences throughout my Central American trip that was genuinely marketed as underrated. This is a fantastic experience that you could explore without worrying about being ripped off by tour guides and other tourism-related Industries and services. Of all of the ruins I've visited, this is my favourite one to date!

It was amazing to learn the history of this place and get a tour. The man that gave the tour was very friendly and funny!!.

Amazing views. Tangible history.

Nice Maya ruin

We visited on an excursion with Princess Cruises. Long ride but worth the visit. Guides were very friendly and very good.

(Translated by Google) Imposing archaeological sites of the Mayan culture in Belize and very close to the border with Guatemala. To get to Xunantunich, it is necessary to go by the ferry that crosses the Mopán river. Inside you will find incredible pyramids with beautiful sculptural details. (Original) Imponentes yacimientos arqueológicos de la cultura maya en Belice y muy cerca de la frontera con Guatemala. Para llegar a Xunantunich, es necesario pasar por el ferry que atraviesa el río Mopán. Dentro de encontrarán increíbles pirámides con hermosos detalles escultóricos.

So beautiful recommend a guide just for the information alone well worth it!

⭐

Wooow this a nice ruin ...me and my friend when there ..we had fun..

I loved these ruins

A must see when coming to Belize! We were lucky enough to go on a rainy day and miss the cruise buses so we had the place almost to ourselves, awesome! Really clean bathrooms. A few tips: - Get a guide. There is virtually no signage at the site and only a small visitor center that explains the basics of the the buildings and a small amount of religious significance with minimal information about the Mayans and their culture. - Yes, you can drive your car across the hand crank ferry. The walk is a fairly long walk from the river to the visitors center and pretty much up hill most of the way. There aren’t a lot of places to sit on site either so be warned.

It was beautiful

This is NOT for the faint of heart! The climb up isn't hard, unless you have mobility issues. The hardest part of the climb was the initial 13 giant stairs. The rest was a breeze. That said... This is a lot higher up when you're at the top than you realize, and going down was not fun! I'm scared of heights though, so take that for what it's worth. The views are amazing (just don't look down lol). You can see for miles (including the border road between Belize and Guatemala) and it's just breathtaking! I can't wait to climb her again soon.

Amazing history and views. Tuff E Nuff tours did a fabulous job. Gabriel was awesome.

Very Nice !

Great place!!! Great history!!!

Very cool

Just awesome

(Translated by Google) Through the ruins, fabulous (Original) Por las ruinas, fabulosas

Amazing!! Not as much climbing as Tikal but very impressive.

Beat the large groups there, arrived early. Stunning place.

Beautiful. Like stepping back in time. Our guide was amazing we learned alot of interesting things.

Howler Monkeys!!!🐒

Mind blowing

Fun to explore. Beautiful views from the top!

These ruins were so mysterious and magical! The jungle full of howler monkeys singing and air plants covering trees amongst happy bats on the top levels of the beautifully constructed Mayan buildings was breathtaking! It takes you back into history and was more incredible than I ever expected. Definitely go!

A great Mayan site. And on $5USD it's more than worth it.

Loved this tour! Bruno is very versed in the history and information about the ruins and the archeological excavation still being done today. The views from the top of EL Castillo are breathtaking! You can see both Belize and Guatamala borders as well.

Epic, get a guide

A place to visit

Beautiful and interesting site!

Magical Mayan ruins and our guide Rene made the tour an educational adventure! Highly recommend Xunantunich as a must see and Rene as a brilliant guide!

A unique Mayan site, with an inspiring history that you have to soak in (getting a guide is a must to learn about the wars, the beheadings, the stories behind the "hieroglyphics" on the main temple). We were there on a heavy rain day, yet our trip was memorable, and we were able to climb a few of the structures to get great views of the site, and the guatemala border. Of particular awe is the main structure, El Castillo (though like all Mayan history, the real names of these structures are unknown). Climb all the way up to have your guide point out all the notable elements. Most of the site is unexcavated, so we all can look forward to future visits to unpack more of Mayan history.

Our guide from Black Rock Lodge was what made our tour of these ruins memorable. His knowledge of the historical culture and the area gave us a plausible picture of this civilization. One thing he said that stuck with me "is imagine what you see here as the tip of the iceberg and imagine this place without any trees." Indeed the temple must have stood out amid a great city. The lack of trees would have made this place dominant in the landscape. I am impressed that we could view the ruin from most anywhere on this site. The story of the two trophy stones displayed outside the tomb of the ruler is very revealing.

The ruins are a fantastic place to go to engage with Mayan history. We opted to not get a tour guide, but having one may have given you a greater understanding of the rich history of the area. The staff was kind and made us feel very welcome. We got to see some cool wildlife as well!

This was an awesome tour, we took through Carnival. You actually go on a barge that is hand cranked by a man who has done it since 1986! Well worth the visit; however, it is 2 hrs on a bus each way from the cruise port.... Just a heads up.

Amazing experience to be able to see these beautiful ruins! Went to Xunantunich via Carnival and the tour guides were super friendly, the area was nicely kept and very clean. Very educational and at the top of the ruins, viewing to the west side, you get a glimpse of Guatemala. Absolutely breathtaking.

Spectacular place, it's one of my favorite in Belize. The site is super clean and well kept, the site is well preserved. Saw several monkeys up close which made the trip more interesting. It's a must see place if you're in Belize.

We drove ourselves over, taking the hand cranked ferry and parking at the ruins. There were a few small groups visiting at the same time but mostly it was pretty empty. The site is huge and beautiful, although not completely restored. We stopped by the visitor center on the way out and found the write-ups interesting.

Wow, truly a must-see while in San Ignacio. The ferry is free and trips across the river are quickly. On site musem was closed. Specular views of area on top of temple.

Great set of ruins to visit and explore. As of the time of writing this in May 2023 you could still climb on these ruins which was very special as someone who likes to study these ancient civilizations.

Very cool experience. I would highly recommend coming here and learning about the history of this place. Even if you are afraid of heights, the walk up is easy and never feels unsafe. We went with a tour guide where we got to learn about the past and it was very eye-opening.

I highly recommend this place. The guide had a wealth of knowledge and it was an eye opening experience to learn about the Mayan culture. We loved this archeological adventure. There’s so many ruins out there we’re looking forward to going back and doing more in Guatemala as well. P.S. You can see the road that divides Belize 🇧🇿 and Guatemala 🇬🇹 from the top of the Ruins.

We drove out to Xunantunich to see the ruins of the ancient Maya and was amazed by the size and vastness of this place. It is a little scary climbing up to the top of the structures since there are no safety rails which I totally understand why they don’t but one slip and it’s gonna be a long painful journey down. What really made this an unforgettable experience was the current excavation that was being done. We happened to look at the structure that was being excavated at the perfect time, the archeologists was walking by and saw us asking questions amongst ourselves and he stopped and talked with us for at least half an hour about what they have found, what this city was likely used for and even the findings of another structure there that they believe was a warrior queen. He was so excited to show us the picture of the remains and artifacts that were placed around her.

What a wonderful historical lesson. Thanks to our guide Selvin from Sweet Songs Jungle resort for making this an amazing adventure. Loved the historical context, the beautiful views and just the tranquility of being in these ruins.

Great site, Go very early. You will want to climb and explore a lot, and the heat and humidity will be a limiting factor as the day progresses. The little ferry crossing is charming.

Wow. What a sight to see. Although you can see the ruins on your own I 100% recommend going with a guide, the history and knowledge they have to share makes the ruins that much more breathtaking. Also, first thing in the morning!! I went middle of the day, and I'm positive I sweat more than I have my entire life 😆 bring lots of sunscreen, cold water, and enjoy history at it's finest!

One of the most amazing sites I've visited. This park is well kept and completely accessible! That is, if you're a healthy mobile person. It's a hike traveling up and down all the different ruins here. The views are amazing and you will not be disappointed!

A great well maintained site and a definite must see for the view. History and natural beauty all rolled into one location. Highly recommended.

A Journey Through Time at Xunantunich: A Must-See Mayan Marvel in Belize My recent visit to Xunantunich, one of Belize's most prominent Mayan ruins, was nothing short of breathtaking. Nestled in the lush Belizean countryside near San Ignacio, this ancient site offers a fascinating glimpse into the Mayan civilization. The journey began with a unique hand-cranked ferry ride across the Mopan River, adding an adventurous touch to the experience. The short trek to the site was filled with anticipation, and upon arrival, I was greeted by the majestic sight of El Castillo, the renowned pyramid that dominates the landscape. Standing at about 130 feet tall, it is one of the tallest structures in Belize and a testament to Mayan architectural ingenuity. Climbing to the top of El Castillo was the highlight of my visit. The panoramic views from the summit were simply stunning, offering a 360-degree vista of the surrounding jungle and the distant hills of Guatemala. It's a physical climb, but every step is worth it for the breathtaking view and the feeling of history beneath your feet. I was also impressed by the tranquility of the place. Despite its popularity, Xunantunich retains a serene atmosphere, allowing visitors to ponder the mysteries of the Mayan civilization quietly; barely anyone was there when we were on a Sunday early afternoon. In conclusion, Xunantunich is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. It's a must-visit for anyone traveling to Belize, whether you're a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply someone in love with the beauty of ancient civilizations. The blend of natural scenery, archaeological wonders, and the rich history makes it an unforgettable experience.

The hand crank ferry was fun to ride. They make everyone but the driver get out of the car, so prepare accordingly. Once at the ruins you can explore. The information center had some really cool artifacts with signs describing everything. We didn't hire a guide because we knew our kids would not be able to stand still and listen. We were there when it was sprinkling that turned into a downpour of rain. We explored for about 2 hours. The stairs to the top of the biggest structure are super sketchy, but my kids are used to climbing narrow trails back home so it was easy for them. There are no rails at the top.

This is a must see in Belize. We were able to walk the grounds and ascend the ruins with our guide in an hour and half tour. There is a visitor fee of 5 USD. To visit. It is impressive and was very quiet compared to other Mayan sites. Definitely worth the trip from our lodge.