Located in the village of San Jose Succotz, Xunantunich "maiden of the rock", is one of the most popular sites in Belize. We start off at the Mopan River where we cross the river via a hand-cranked ferry and ride uphill for a mile on a paved road. This was a major ceremonial center during the Classic Period. The center is composed of six major plazas surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces. The site is a late classic period 600 AD to 900 AD which also was the borderline influence of El Naranjo- a large ceremonial site over in Guatemala. The large pyramid, “El Castillo”, is well known for the frieze or band of stucco decoration which at one time extended around the entire temple. El Castillo rises l30 feet above the main plaza; is the second tallest structure in Belize and offers an impressive panoramic view of the Mopan River valley, the border town of Benque Viejo (Belize), and neighboring Melchor de Mencos (Guatemala). Just being here and appreciating this view makes it totally worth the effort!