Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, Northern Belize Travel Guide

Getting There

• Car

  From any location in Northern Belize, head towards the town of San Ignacio. If you are starting from Belize City, take the George Price Highway (Western Highway) towards San Ignacio, which is approximately a 2-hour drive. Once in San Ignacio, follow signs for the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins. Drive to the small town of San Jose Succotz, which is about 10 minutes from San Ignacio. The main road will lead you to the ferry crossing over the Mopan River. Here, you will park your car and take a short, free hand-cranked ferry across the river. The ruins are about a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal. Make sure to check the ferry hours before your trip; it typically operates until 5 PM.

• Public Transportation

  To reach Xunantunich Mayan Ruins using public transportation, first take a bus from Belize City to San Ignacio. Buses leave frequently from the Belize City bus terminal, and the journey takes about 2 hours. Upon arriving in San Ignacio, look for a local taxi or a shuttle that can take you to the ferry crossing in San Jose Succotz. Taxis are readily available and will cost around $15-$20 BZD. Once you reach the ferry, cross the Mopan River, and then it is a short walk to the ruins, which are well-signposted.

• Guided Tour

  Consider booking a guided tour from San Ignacio, which often includes transportation to and from Xunantunich. These tours typically provide pick-up from your hotel and take care of all the logistics, including the ferry crossing. The cost varies depending on the tour provider, but expect to pay around $50-$100 BZD per person, which usually includes entrance fees and a guided experience at the ruins.