Xunantunich Ancient Mayan Temple City

I decided to go explore the Mayan ruins at the ancient city of temples “Xunantunich”. This Mayan site has been calling me ever since I arrived, and it is so easy to get to, that I haven’t gone yet, always thinking that I could do it any day.

Well the day arrived, and I walked to Xunantunich from my current residence at the Benque House guesthouse in Benque Viejo Del Carmen.

It’s just a short 10 minute walk to Succotz, then a crank ferry crossing across the Mopan, and another 10 minute walk up the hill to the ruins. I’d recommend going earlier so you’re not walking in the mid-day sun like I ended up doing. It’s not far, but it is up a few hills.

When I arrived at the ancient city Xunantunich, I was amazed. I had read that it largest pyramid “El Castillo” is the second largest man-made structure in Belize after the Caana Pyramid of Caracol, but it still amazed me.

I wandered around by myself in an almost desolate city aside from a sparse few people also exploring the Mayan ruins. I took my time, got lots of video, and meditated at the top of the El Castillo pyramid, looking down over the other two main plazas of Xunantunich.

Check out the videos to see what I’m talking about:

After spending a few hours in the main part, I followed some of the trails around the outskirts of the city to see the ruins of what looked to be the nobles part of town. Only the core foundations and remnants of crumbling walls remained, and a little further I even found another small pyramid that is unexcavated with jungle trees growing all over it.

Xunantunich is an incredible Mayan archeology site and was definitely a once powerful ancient Mayan city full of sacred temples and pyramids. I recommend visiting it if you’re ever in the area.

~Jambhala