XUNANTUNICH
This site is home to the renowned 130-feet-tall temple, El Castillo, which offers incredible panoramic views of surrounding temples and views of both Belizean and Guatemalan landscapes. Xunantunich was a major ceremonial centre as well as a residential and recreational area for the ancient Maya civilization. There is a most impressive stucco frieze on the East side of the temple, whose carved elements represent astrological symbols.
INTENSITY: Easy to Moderate
DURATION: 2-3 Hours
WHAT TO BRING: Comfortable shoes (i.e., hiking shoes, sneakers, keens, etc.), comfortable clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, water, camera, binoculars (bird watchers)
TIKAL
Located in the dense tropical jungles of the Petén region of Guatemala, Tikal is the largest and a spectacular Maya site. Extensive excavation and restoration has revealed the grandeur of this past civilization. An abundance of tropical birds, monkeys and other wildlife can also be seen while exploring the trails throughout the site.
DURATION: 7-8 hours
INTENSITY: Moderate
WHAT TO BRING: Passport, comfortable clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, bug spray, sunscreen, extra water, camera, spare cash
CARACOL
Discovered in 1938 and later explored in the 1950s, Caracol was thought to be a little more than a Maya ceremonial centre. It was not until more extensive excavation efforts in 1985 discovered the importance and prominence of this site. Caracol filled an important missing piece of Maya history by covering approximately 140 years of the Middle Classic period— highlighting this site as a supreme Maya city. This tour also showcases landmarks of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, a nature reserve featuring beautiful landscapes.
DURATION: 7-8 hours
INTENSITY: Moderate
WHAT TO BRING: Comfortable attire, extra change of clothes, comfortable shoes, water shoes, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray, extra water, camera, binoculars (bird watchers)
XUNANTUNICH & CAHAL PECH
This tour takes you to nearby Maya sites to showcase the architecture and centres developed by the ancient Mayas in the Cayo District. The tour features visits to two of San Ignacio’s landmarks— the Xunantunich and Cahal Pech temples, two very popular sites amongst archaeologists. During this combination tour, you’ll learn about the rich culture of the Mayas and witness infrastructures that have persisted for many centuries.
DURATION: 4-5 hours
INTENSITY: Easy to Moderate
WHAT TO BRING: Comfortable shoes (i.e., hiking, sneakers, keens, etc.), comfortable clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, water, camera, binoculars (bird watchers)
LAMANAI FULL
Take a boat ride down the historic New River where different species of birds, Morelet Crocodiles, and Howler Monkeys can be seen as you make way to your destination, Lamanai. Translated into “Submerged Crocodile” in Yucatec Mayan, this site was one one of the last active Maya sites in Belize. During this guided tour, you will learn all about the history behind the plazas, ball courts, and ceremonial temples that decorate this site.
INCLUDES: transfer, guide, water, lunch, park fee, tax.
MIN. # OF PERSONS: 2
DURATION: 7-8 hours
INTENSITY: Moderate
WHAT TO BRING: Comfortable clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, bug spray, sunscreen, extra water, camera, spare cash
XUNANTUNICH
This site is home to the renowned 130-feet-tall temple, El Castillo, which offers incredible panoramic views of surrounding temples and views of both Belizean and Guatemalan landscapes. Xunantunich was a major ceremonial centre as well as a residential and recreational area for the ancient Maya civilization. There is a most impressive stucco frieze on the East side of the temple, whose carved elements represent astrological symbols.
INTENSITY: Easy to Moderate
DURATION: 2-3 Hours
WHAT TO BRING: Comfortable shoes (i.e., hiking shoes, sneakers, keens, etc.), comfortable clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, water, camera, binoculars (bird watchers)
CARACOL
Discovered in 1938 and later explored in the 1950s, Caracol was thought to be a little more than a Maya ceremonial centre. It was not until more extensive excavation efforts in 1985 discovered the importance and prominence of this site. Caracol filled an important missing piece of Maya history by covering approximately 140 years of the Middle Classic period— highlighting this site as a supreme Maya city. This tour also showcases landmarks of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, a nature reserve featuring beautiful landscapes.
DURATION: 7-8 hours
INTENSITY: Moderate
WHAT TO BRING: Comfortable attire, extra change of clothes, comfortable shoes, water shoes, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray, extra water, camera, binoculars (bird watchers)
LAMANAI FULL
Take a boat ride down the historic New River where different species of birds, Morelet Crocodiles, and Howler Monkeys can be seen as you make way to your destination, Lamanai. Translated into “Submerged Crocodile” in Yucatec Mayan, this site was one one of the last active Maya sites in Belize. During this guided tour, you will learn all about the history behind the plazas, ball courts, and ceremonial temples that decorate this site.
INCLUDES: transfer, guide, water, lunch, park fee, tax.
MIN. # OF PERSONS: 2
DURATION: 7-8 hours
INTENSITY: Moderate
WHAT TO BRING: Comfortable clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, bug spray, sunscreen, extra water, camera, spare cash
BOOK THIS TOUR
TIKAL
Located in the dense tropical jungles of the Petén region of Guatemala, Tikal is the largest and a spectacular Maya site. Extensive excavation and restoration has revealed the grandeur of this past civilization. An abundance of tropical birds, monkeys and other wildlife can also be seen while exploring the trails throughout the site.
DURATION: 7-8 hours
INTENSITY: Moderate
WHAT TO BRING: Passport, comfortable clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, bug spray, sunscreen, extra water, camera, spare cash
XUNANTUNICH & CAHAL PECH
This tour takes you to nearby Maya sites to showcase the architecture and centres developed by the ancient Mayas in the Cayo District. The tour features visits to two of San Ignacio’s landmarks— the Xunantunich and Cahal Pech temples, two very popular sites amongst archaeologists. During this combination tour, you’ll learn about the rich culture of the Mayas and witness infrastructures that have persisted for many centuries.
DURATION: 4-5 hours
INTENSITY: Easy to Moderate
WHAT TO BRING: Comfortable shoes (i.e., hiking, sneakers, keens, etc.), comfortable clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, water, camera, binoculars (bird watchers)
BOOK THIS TOUR
Our driver Cruz gave us a very informative account of the history of Belize on our way to the hotel, then we were delighted to discover that he would also be our tour guide when we visited the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich. He was informative, and related the lifestyle of the ancient Mayan while showing us all the amazing structures.
TripAdvisor User: Jenny W