Time-travel to the Mayan treasure of Xunantunich

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Time-travel to the Mayan treasure of Xunantunich

Xunantunich is an Ancient Maya archaeological site in western Belize, about 70 miles west of Belize City, in the Cayo District. Xunantunich is located atop a ridge above the Mopan River, well within sight of the Guatemala border – which is 0.6 miles to the west.

BELIZE // Travel is more about the journey than the destination, and that's particularly true when arriving at Xunantunich, one of Belize's most important Mayan sites, via hand-cranked cable ferry. Upon being deposited on the western side of the Mopan River, visitors need only walk or drive 1.6km (1 mile) from the riverbank to reach these revered ruins, occupied as early as 1000 BC by as many as 10,000 villagers. Here are grand plazas, carved stone monuments and the breathtaking 40m (130ft) pyramid El Castillo: climb to its top, survey all the land and declare that everything the light touches is your kingdom. After all, you're standing on the ruling family's ancestral shrine, or at least the stucco frieze down the eastern side seems to suggest as much. Don't miss the visitor centre, which houses displays on the site's rich history.

What is Xunantunich famous for?

The ruins of Xunantunich (pronounced "shu" like "shoe") are one of the most popular Mayan sites in Belize. Xunantunich, located about 80 miles west of Belize City in the Cayo region near the city of San Ignacio and the Guatemalan border, is the most famous of the great temples known today as El Castillo (Spanish for "the castle"), which has more than 130 It is old. feet tall (30 meters) and is the second tallest building in Belize.

Once a prosperous city-state during the Classic Maya, Xunantunich was once home to 200,000 people, two-thirds of Belize's current population. The name Xunantunich, a Mayan construction meaning "stone woman", is a modern name because the original name of the city has been lost. The local Maya called these faded ruins the "Stone Woman" because the site was regularly reported to be haunted by the spirit of a woman, usually dressed in all white with glowing red eyes.

Abandoned by the Maya for unknown reasons nearly 1,000 years ago, Xunantunich was claimed by the jungle until colonial archaeologists began excavating it in the mid-1890s. Today, visitors approach the site by crossing the Mopan River in a handboat and then climbing the limestone ridge that serves as the foundation of the city.

While some areas of Xunantunich are still being excavated by archaeologists, visitors can visit the on-site museum with displays and exhibits before entering the city, which is home to six plazas and more than two dozen temples, palaces and other buildings. be interactive. The original architects of Xunantunich designed the city around the temple of "El Castillo" which is right in the center. Beyond its impressive size and panoramic view overlooking the surrounding area, El Castillo is notable for a series of stucco walls on its exterior depicting stories and events from Mayan mythology.

Visitors to the site can also take time to participate in bird watching or purchase handicrafts from stalls run by local Mayan descendants.

Below are 5 incredible pictures that will make you want to visit this Mayan ruin in Belize.

Why was Xunantunich abandoned?

Xunantunich, having been left in situ by an unknown violent event around AD 750 (see the work of Ewan MacKay, 1959–1960, above, which may be relevant here), Xunantunich re-established itself. As a strong presence in the region did not establish until the Tsak phase in 780-890 AD.

How old are the Xunantunich ruins?

Xunantunich was the first ancient Maya site to be opened to the public. Xunantunich is believed to have been founded during the Preclassic Maya era (approximately 1000 BC to 250 AD).

Can you climb Xunantunich Mayan ruins?

What makes it great? Xunantunich has many aspects that make it a favorite tourist destination in Belize. Perched on a hill overlooking the Mopan River and the Guatemalan border, the natural beauty is stunning. In addition, you can climb to the top of the highest temple, where the views are incredible.

Is Xunantunich worth visiting?

It's a beautiful place, you can also climb the ruins and have a wonderful view, the place was not crowded at all, only a few people when we were there so you can enjoy more, not like other ruins where there are many people . You can't even take a nice photo or enjoy the ruins properly.

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