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"El Castillo", the largest pyramid at Xunantunich.


Parts of the original frieze on 'El Castillo', are still visible. A sign shows the details of the frieze (below).

Xunantunich means "stone woman" in the language of the Maya. Xunantunich was a thriving city near the end of the Classic Period (300-900 AD) with large plazas ringed with pyramids. The tallest is the130 foot "El Castillo", which is large by even Mayan standards and is only exceeded by the Caana pyramid at Caracol. The site was occupied until around 900 A.D. and was likely abandoned after an earthquake, the evidence of which was discovered by archaeologists in the mid-1900's.

The main temple is visible from all parts of the valley today. The center of Xunantunich occupies an area less than a square mile. The center is composed of six major plazas surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces.

The large pyramid, El Castillo, is well known for the frieze or band of stucco decoration, which at one time extended around the entire temple. Archaeologists have excavated and examined the frieze and the covered with a detailed replica to both give the visitor an impression of the original structure but to also protect the original.

MADISCO Marketing & Distributing Company Ltd, Belize City, Belize

MADISCO Marketing & Distributing Company Ltd, Belize City, Belize




View of the Main Plaza and a smaller structure from the top of 'El Castillo'.


View from the top of the largest pyramid at Xunantunich.

In the visitor's center a model of the site, photos, maps and graphical explanations of significant events in the development of the city are on display. The highlights of Xuantunich are the Frieze on 'El Castillo' and the view from above the temple over the river valleys, the nearby towns and over the border to Guatemala.

Xunantunich is located in Belize's western district Cayo. About 1/2 mile from the village of San Jose Succotz across the Mopan River, about eight miles west of San Ignacio. Official guides are available for hire at the site. There are sodas and snacks available, as well as a few souvenir shops.

In San Jose Succotz there are a few restaurants and hotels. San Ignacio offers a wide range of accommodation for every budget as well as several restaurants. Eva's Restaurant on Burns Avenue can be highly recommended, owner Bob is a source of information for the area and the entire country. There are also several internet cafes in San Ignacio.

Xunantunich can be reached from San Ignacio by bus to San Jose Succotz and across the Mopan River. There is an attractive hand pulled ferry but word has it that it will someday be replaced by a bridge. From the banks of the river it is a half mile walk up the hill to the site.

It is also a very convenient day trip from Belize City that can be combined with a visit to the Mayan site of Cahal Pech in San Ignacio or the Belize Zoo or other attractions along the Western Highway and around San Ignacio.