ShoreTrips says...

Not only will you see a well-preserved Mayan city, but you'll also see the diverse and stunning landscape of Belize.

On your way to Xunantunich, you'll enjoy beautiful views of Belize city, farm vistas, mangroves, grasslands, pine forests, rain forests, multiple rivers, and the towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. Just before arriving to Xunantunich, you'll ride a hand-cranked ferry that will take you across the Mopan River. Shortly thereafter, you'll arrive to the ancient city on a hill.

Xunantunich, Mayan for "Stone Woman," was once home to 200,000 Mayans at its peak. The city consists of six major plazas with more than 25 temples and palaces. You can climb the long staircase to the top of "El Castillo," the spectacular 130-foot-tall Mayan temple. On a clear day, the views are spectacular and you can even see well past the Guatemalan border. The namesake of this city is derived from the numerous sightings, dating back to 1892, of a woman dressed in white with glowing eyes who ascends the stairs of El Castillo and disappears into a stone wall.

The site has a wealth of well-preserved friezes, altars, and buildings, as well as an interesting museum that displays stelae. Another highlight of this city is the ball court. The ball game was a central part of the Mayan culture. A heavy rubber ball was passed between players only using their hips, elbows, forearms, and buttocks. During some games, the captain of the winning team was decapitated, which was a great honor. Ball courts are also known for their advanced acoustics. While you're there, experiment with sounds to find out if this ball court still has the outstanding acoustics it had centuries ago.

If you're fascinated by history and Mayan culture, this tour will be an unforgettable experience.