Xunantunich, San Ignacio is one of the favorite tourist attractions in the region. This is a Mayan site that is located 8 miles west of San Ignacio Town on the road of Benque Viejo. Xunantunich, San Ignacio, an archaeological site is sure to mesmerize you. You are sure to enjoy your San Ignacio Tours while visiting this site for sightseeing in the area.
The place can be pronounced as "Zoo-nahn-too-neetch." You will be impressed by this well-excavated site, which can be accessed very easily. Xunantunich means "maiden of the rocks." There are pyramids here, the main being El Castillo, which rises to a height of 127 feet. You will notice this imposing structure while you approach it from the Western Highway. You may feel that reaching the top is difficult as the climb is excessively steep; however, the walk up is worth the sweat and toil as the view from the top is simply breathtaking. From the top, you will be able to observe the twin border towns of Melchor de Menchos, Guatemala and Benque Viejo, Belize. Near the top of the pyramid, on its east side, you will notice a well-preserved stucco frieze, which is indeed magnificent.
The Mayan temple lies below the pyramid of El Castillo. Archaeological findings have revealed three impressive stelae, which portrays the emperors of the region. These findings are now housed in a small on-site museum for protection. Owing to the rough weather over the years, many of the carvings are quite difficult to decipher. This Mayan city of Xunantunich flourished during the Classic Period of 600 to 900 AD. It was also a time when Altun Ha lived. At the entrance of this site lies a beautiful scale model of the ancient city. There is also a replica of the original frieze.
You may visit Xunantunich in San Ignacio on any day during the week between 8 am and 4 pm. Traveling to Xunantunich, San Ignacio is easy. You will have to cross the river Mopan with the help of a small hand-cranked car-ferry, which you can avail of from the village of San José Succotz. The women who steer the boat are sure to catch your attention. They are dressed in bright colored clothes. After you cross this river, you will have to walk a little. This will bring you to the ruins of Xunantunich. If you have your vehicle, you can carry it on the ferry and cross the river, after which you can drive up to the ruins. If you prefer to travel by bus, you can avail of the one that is heading to Benque Viejo. You may stop at San José Succotz.
Xunantunich, San Ignacio is must see on your San Ignacio tours.
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