A must-visit, even when on the shortest stays in our beautiful country. Xunantunich is a national treasure that fills its visitors with a sense of time travel. If that isn’t appealing enough, how about saddling up a horse and riding into the shadow of this Mayan temple? You’ll depart from your Placencia accommodation for a three-hour drive to the stable site in San Ignacio. Once here, you’ll be given a basic safety and orientation briefing. Our horses are well-trained, and our guide will lead the way as you ride the well-maintained trails and the winding path along the Mopan River that runs through the village of San Jose Succotz. You're hit with how green and lush everything is. Some visitors might get to see a group of women doing laundry in the river while their children swim nearby.
Local souvenirs, hammocks, and blankets are available from the many vendors waiting alongside the River where you board the hand-cranked ferry that has carried many thousands to and from the calm beauty of this Maya Temple. Here, you’ll dismount your horse and the journey to Xunantunich begins on the other bank of the river.
Xunantunich is very well-kept and offers many opportunities for amazing selfies and group photos. The views from atop the castle are stupendous and go on for miles. Its wide-open spaces have provided a lovely backdrop for proposals and weddings and have served as a location for a few films and telenovelas. The temples are nestled in between lush rainforests whose trees may bloom vibrant red, yellow, orange, or pink in season. Bring along a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent, along with an open heart to experience simplicity and visit another world for a few hours.
Gratuity is not included in the price.