Wear lots of sunscreen, bring water to drink, and of course your camera. Be prepared to get very hot and sweaty, and wear sneakers or hiking boots. We had a tour guide, so got lots of interesting information as we walked around the ruins. Beautiful place, and exciting that they are still excavating the area.
We had a great guide that was very up to date on all the activities in the park. I wanna say Edward and what am awesome job he did. Wonderful experience
This was a beautiful site. The history the marvel of the creation of a ancient civilisation. The tour guides were very well prepared and were very attentive to us. I love the way that the site is being cared for and maintained. The service provided by the staff and the assistance was most appreciated. I will definitely recommend that if you are able to visit the site them make it a priority.
Great experience seeing these ruins. Our guide was extremely informative. We got to see a group of spider monkeys and seemed everyone was more excited about the monkeys. The ruins are spectacular and a nice climb to the top. Be careful if you are afraid of heights. There were a few people a little to close to the edge. Great day and nice to see Xunstunich in person.
Absolutely amazing! I had now idea Belize was still uncovering so many new ancient sites. My husband and I took the horse back riding tour to the ruins then met with Joseph, our Mayan tour guide who was so nice and excited about his job. He was very knowledgeable and fun to spend time with and its was a great experience being able to walk on the ruins themselves. This is a beautiful site to see! Wear sunblock because you will be in the sun and comfortable tennis shoes and your own bottle of water because there was nowhere I saw to get drinks but that is probably because they do not want trash and litter on the Mayan grounds.
The howler monkeys were so loud but unique. Same as the spider monkeys but no noise at all. Be ready to climb and learn some interesting facts. Great trip!
Awesome experience. Stunning ruins and a lot of fun to climb to the top. Loved the hand cranked ferry. Great photo opportunities. Not necessary to go with a guide if you have a vehicle.
The ruins are small but quite pretty and the view from the top temple (El Castillo) is quite spectacular. The site is next to the Guatemala border, so you can stop by at this place for a couple of hours of your way to/from San Ignacio or Belize City. The bus stops in front of the hand operated ferry and then there is an easy walk of around a mile before the ticket office where you can leave your backpack.
Surreal experience at Xunantunich. Its feels like I was transported to another world. The Maya ruins jut into the sky and beckon you to climb them for an awesome view of the mountains and villages in the vicinity, while the jungle around you comes alive with screams of the howler monkeys and other wild animals. Loved it.
This was a lot of fun. The hand cranked ferry reminded me of the movie The outlaw Josie Wales. Everyone here spoke very good English and the woman at the base selling water was not accommodating when I spoke Spanish. This was unimpressive. Our guide - Berta- was outstanding and obviously loved her country. The best view is at the top. Be sure to make the climb. The Army patrols here, and it is very safe.
Quite the experience! From the hand-cranked ferry across the river to climbing to the top of the Mayan Temple this was a unique experience! Our tour guide (Gisele) was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and pleasant. Worth a trip to see this extraordinary archeological site.
Outstanding experience. Do some research before you go. We took bug spray but didn't need it in Dec. Take it for rainy season. One of the few sites left where you can climb a pyramid but that may not last long so GO WHILE YOU CAN. The lengthy bus ride provides ample time to get a good look at the countryside. Local guides enhanced our enjoyment of the site.
Excellent day touring this amazing, beautiful, spiritual place. Francisco was our guide and it was apparent he was quite passionate about this place and gave us an outstanding tour. He asked $30 USD for the 4 of us, and was worth every penny and more. The hand crank ferry is a trip in itself. On your way back, don't forget to give a tip to the one cranking the ferry. He is working hard and they take your safety seriously.
It is amazing. Worth the 30 USD to get a guide. So much information. You can walk around on your own as well.
Worth the detour. It's a beautiful archeological site dominated by a pyramid towering over the jungle. To get there you have to cross a river by using a hand-cracked "ferry" that looks more like a moving bridge.
A lot of work is going on to excavate and display new parts of the ruin. It is done very well indeed. Lots of information available. A great destination to see a part of the history of Belize.
It's a very nice place to visit. Also, it's an excellent place for birders or anyone who loves bird and do birdwatching. I highly recommend anyone to visit this place.
Oh my gosh! If you get the opportunity to visit Xunantunich, go!
Prepare to be awed and humbled. Be prepared to have your breath taken away. It's amazing!
And our guide, Jonathan, was very knowledgeable about the archeological site. His knowledge and experience gave the tour so much more meaning. I definitely recommend getting a tour guide when you go.
Our group went here on a study abroad trip and it was well worth the walk up the hill! It is a beautiful site with breathtaking ruins, make sure the bring a hat for the sun. It was very cheap to get in and they had a small gift shop with water, which we desperately needed after hiking the huge stone steps of Xunantunich. It is unlike any other type of ruins I've been to before; you can see all over Belize atop the monument. There is also a great museum onsite. It seems like a common stop for cruises.
Wow, wow, wow! You can not go to Belize and not stop here! Simply breathtaking and so full of rich history. It's a bit of a hike to get to the ruins but totally worth it. Climbing the ruins is not for the faint of heart but the view from the top is spectacular!
Very interesting ruins site. Take the car ferry over, it's the only way. Short drive into the park. Walk around and explore the sites. Climb to the top of the temples. From there you can easily see Guatemala less than a mile away. The climb up is scary especially on slick wet rock. The day we were there it rained for a short period but did not affect us. What a view!! This is the closest site to Black Rock Lodge so if you are staying there and your time is limited this is it and worth it.
Amazing Mayan historical site! It was nice to have a professional guide. We stayed at the nearby Trek Stop, which was also wonderful.
Very interesting place, had tour guide on site to explain the history of the site plus the uses for each structure. Very hot, take plenty of water and light clothing. Buildings had wide steep steps, but our 6 year old handed them well. Would recommend to anyone if they have the opportunity.
Very cool place to visit and get a tour from a knowledgeable local. We had a great time! Those steps to the top are up to 18 inches tall, it's no joke to climb up there. Only for the strong and those of us without a fear of heights.
Amazing historical and cultural site. Incredible insights into ancient Mayan culture.
Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable and made our experience all the richer.
This place is beautiful. I am really happy i came. If you are not to easily short of breath and an adventure type. This is a good location. The view from the highest structure is great.
So beautiful!! Very peaceful. If you climb the biggest/tallest ruin you will be able to see a bit of Guatemala. It is literally the best view and feeling. If you enjoy working out & adventuresditch the car and walk it all the way up. You will love your calves after. Don't forget your water! Tip: If you don't enjoy/mind the musical buzzing of mosquitoes then be sure to bring your repellent.
Amazing temples and surrounding structures, with stunning views. Hiring a guide is inexpensive and well worth the fee. Our guide Eddie was excellent and highly knowledgeable. He grew up nearby and worked for a archaeological team at the site in the 1990s. This is a site with ongoing archaeological efforts, so more structures will be uncovered and more learned from them over time.
You can feel the magic of this beautiful place. Wear the right shoes as some areas are slippery. Bring water and a few snacks in your bag. If you are lucky ,you can see a family of Howler monkeys like I did. And adventure on!!!♡