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Above: Detail of
the west frieze near the top of El Castillo
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Xunantunich
(shoo-NAHN-too-nich) is a Maya archaeological site in western
Belize, about 80 miles west of Belize City, in the Cayo District.
Xunantunich
is located atop a ridge above the Mopan River, within sight of the
Guatemala border. Its name means "Stone Woman" in the
Maya language, and, like many names given to Maya archaeological
sites, is a modern name; the ancient name is currently unknown.
The "Stone Woman" refers to one of the carved stone stelae
depicting the ancient ruling family of the site.
Most of the
structures date from the Maya Classic Era, about 200 to 900. There
is evidence that some structures were dammaged by an earthquake
while they were occupied; this earthquake may have been a reason
for the site's abandonment.
The core of Xunantunich occupies about 1 square mile, consisting
of a series of 6 plazas surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces.
One of its structures, the pyramid known as "El Castillo,"
is still the tallest structure in Belize, at some 130 feet tall.
Archeological excavations have revealed a number of fine stucco
fascades on some of the ancient temples of this site.
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We highly recommend
that you make the steep, but short, climb to the top of "El Castillo."
This vantage point provides a breathtaking, 360 degree, panoramic view
over the jungle canopy of the Macal, Mopan and Belize River valleys, as
well as a vast area of the Guatemalan Peten District, which is only a
few miles away. You will also get a close look at the restored portions
of two unique stucco friezes, which appear on the east and west sides
of the upper portion of the pyramid.
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Above: On
the way to Xunantunich; this hand-cranked ferry takes you across
the Mopan River
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Located in
the Cayo District in western Belize, Xunantunich is easily accessible.
You can drive
or take the bus west from San Ignacio about eight miles, to the
village of San Jose Succotz. There is a small, hand-cranked cable
ferry that will take you and your car across the Mopan River and,
from there, it's less than a mile farther (up a steep road) to the
site. The ferry service is free of charge, and it operates daily
from 7:30 am to 4 pm (subject to change), with a break for lunch.
This excursion makes a nice half-day trip, and adds a lot of local
color to your Belize adventure.
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