San Ignacio: 3 steps to visit Xunantunich (Mayan Ruins)

During our second round-the-world trip, we spent two days in San Ignacio, Belize, in July 2024 before heading to Guatemala, given its proximity to the border. If you’re looking for how to visit Xunantunich, this article is for you.

One of the activities we wanted to do was visit the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich. When we started researching how to visit Xunantunich, one of the first options we came across was a tour from a local operator. The main advantage of this tour is having a guide, which allows for a better understanding of the history and more insights into the site. However, we wanted to visit independently as we found the prices a bit high for the experience. There is also another option for visiting Xunantunich independently, which is hiring a guide upon arrival at the Mopan River crossing dock.

About San Ignacio

San Ignacio, located in the Cayo District of Belize, is a picturesque town with a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Surrounded by lush mountains and clear rivers, this town is an ideal starting point for exploring the natural and cultural wonders of the region. Major attractions include the Maya ruins of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Maya civilization. San Ignacio is also known for its ecotourism opportunities, such as tubing on the Macal River, horseback riding through the jungle, and visits to the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) caves. Additionally, it’s a great place to experience local cuisine and immerse yourself in Belize’s vibrant culture.

How to Visit Xunantunich

We stayed in the center of San Ignacio at a simple, budget-friendly, and conveniently located guest house, close to the central bus stop.

To visit Xunantunich independently, we followed these steps:

1. Bus to Benque

We took the local bus from the San Ignacio bus stop, which comes every 30 minutes. Confirm with the driver that the bus stops at the ruins. The 20-minute ride costs 2.5 Belize dollars per person. Tickets are collected after you are seated, and the bus is local, without air conditioning.

2. Crossing the Mopan River

Upon arriving at the San Jose Succotz dock, you cross the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry, a free process that takes about 1 minute. The ferry is manually operated with a crank and transports both cars and people. At this dock, you can hire a guide to visit the ruins with you, but we chose not to hire one.

3. Walk to Xunantunich

After crossing, walk 1.3 km through the forest to the ruins. The hike is easy, though a bit steep, and follows a paved road used by cars as well.

Visiting the Xunantunich Ruins

Upon arrival, you’ll find public restrooms and souvenir vendors where you can buy water. The entrance fee is 10 Belize dollars for foreigners and 5 for locals. Inside the complex, there’s an educational center and a visitor center offering more information about Xunantunich’s history.

How to Leave Xunantunich

To return to San Ignacio, retrace your steps: walk back to the dock, cross the Mopan River, and catch the bus back. Buses run every 30 minutes on the opposite side of the road. You need to signal the driver to stop. Confirm again that the bus is heading to San Ignacio, take a seat, and wait for the conductor to collect the fare. The price is also 2.5 Belizean dollars per person. The most central stop is in the town center.

Xunantunich: A Journey Through Maya History

Xunantunich, meaning “Stone Woman” in Maya, is a significant archaeological site located near the Mopan River in the Cayo region. This site was inhabited during the Classic Maya period, approximately between 600 and 900 A.D., and served as an important ceremonial and political center. The city reached its peak between 700 and 1000 A.D., with architectural and cultural influences from other Maya cities. The tallest structure, El Castillo, rises about 40 meters above the main plaza, offering spectacular panoramic views.

Discovered in 1892, Xunantunich was one of the first Maya sites to be systematically excavated. The excavations revealed plazas, temples, palaces, and carved friezes depicting Maya deities and religious motifs, providing a glimpse into the spiritual beliefs of the time. Today, Xunantunich continues to attract tourists and archaeologists, remaining a tangible link to the rich and complex history of the ancient Maya.

Safety Tips

• Travel Insurance: Use Heymondo, especially important in Belize where healthcare can be expensive and hard to find in remote areas.
• Public Transport: Although there are reports advising against using public buses in Central America, we never felt unsafe. Use common sense.
• Hiking: Be cautious of falling coconuts, trees, and animals.

General Tips

• Guided Tour: If you prefer a more structured experience, consider booking a guided tour.
• Mobile Data: Stay connected at all times with Holafly eSIMs, offering unlimited data so you're always reachable and safe. From our experience, Holafly was incredibly simple to set up and let us browse without worries about limits or connection failures, making it the perfect choice for stress-free travel. And now, you can even get 5% off your travel eSIM from Holafly!

This independent approach allows you to explore Xunantunich at your own pace, delving into the rich Maya history and appreciating Belize’s natural beauty.