Xunantunich from Hopkins: Ancient Maya ruins and Cayo views

Walk through Maya ceremonial plazas and climb El Castillo for views across the Cayo District

A guide-led tour from Hopkins to Xunantunich, the ancient Maya city in the Cayo District, where you walk through ceremonial plazas, learn how the city developed, and take in wide views from El Castillo. The tour runs about 4 hours and includes transportation from Hopkins, entrance fees, a guide in English, lunch and juice. Groups stay under 25 travelers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Xunantunich from Hopkins

• Meet guide in Hopkins
• Drive to Xunantunich temple
• Walk through ceremonial plazas
• Learn about ancient city development
• Enjoy views from El Castillo
• Return to Hopkins

The experience

The tour departs from Hopkins with a guide who meets you before the drive to Xunantunich. Once there, you walk through the ceremonial plazas and learn how the ancient city developed over time. El Castillo, the main temple, is the centerpiece: you climb it to take in the wide views across the Cayo District that surround the ruins.

Transportation, entrance fees, guide service, lunch and juice are all included in the booking. The full experience takes about 4 hours. This is a shared tour, so you'll travel with other visitors, with a maximum of 25 people per group.

What’s included

Transportation from Hopkins, entrance fee to Xunantunich, guide service in English, lunch and juice.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (10 to 65 years) · Child (5 to 9 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 16 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Private Belize Adventure

Is this one for you?The tour involves walking and climbing at a steady pace over about 4 hours, so it suits travelers who are comfortable on their feet and ready to move through the ruins without a slow, leisurely schedule.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 9 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Xunantunich and why is it worth visiting?

Xunantunich is an ancient Maya city in the Cayo District and a national treasure in Belize. The ruins fill visitors with a sense of time travel as they walk through ceremonial plazas and climb El Castillo, the main temple, to see views across the surrounding landscape.

How much walking and climbing is involved in this tour?

The tour involves walking through the ceremonial plazas and climbing El Castillo. The full experience takes about 4 hours, and it is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What does the tour include and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes transportation from Hopkins, entrance fees to Xunantunich, a guide in English, lunch and juice. You do not need to arrange your own transport or pay separately for entry.

How many people travel on this tour?

This is a shared tour with a maximum of 25 travelers per group, so you'll be part of a small to medium-sized group rather than traveling privately.