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Xunantunich Maya Ruins
  The Cayo District
in Belize western side offers this impressive
Maya site of Xunantunich located across from San Jose Succotz,
a few miles from the western border. Before reaching the entrance of this
ancient city, you are hand-cranked across the Mopan River by a
nineteenth century ferry. As you cross the Mopan River you will
admire the natural beatify of Easter Belize with the great influence
of Guatemala people. Tour the site of Xunantunich and view the
breathtaking scenery of untouched jungles. Xunantunich, an ancient
Mayan temple believed to have been used for sacrificial
 ceremonies.
The site has a major Maya ceremonial center built atop a hill and
panoramic views of the Cayo district. The partially-excavated and
largest pyramid, El Castillo, rises 130 feet above the main plaza
and offers an impressive panoramic view of the Belize's Cayo
District and nearby Guatemala. From top of the tall pyramid of el "El
Castillo" view the panoramic vistas of the surrounding rain forest
in the Belize Cayo District as well as the bordering towns between
Belize and Guatemala. Xunantunich is known for its frieze, a
banded stucco decoration which at one time extended around the
entire pyramid. Impressive museum displays a three-dimensional model
of the entire site, as well as depicting the evolution of Maya
civilization. Three stelae from the site are on display.
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