Magical Mayan History Tour

Xunantunich and Cahal Pech

If you ever wanted to learn a lot about the Maya here is your chance! After a scenic drive along the Hummingbird and Western Highways, we first explore the Mayan ruin of Xunantunich (pronounced Shu-nan-tu-nitch), or Stone Maiden. Located near the Guatemalan border, a hand-cranked ferry will take you across the Belize River to this major ceremonial center situated high on a limestone ridge with a panoramic view of the Cayo District. The main pyramid, El Castillo, has detailed stucco friezes and steps that you can climb all they way to the top.
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After a full lunch we make our way to Cahal Pech, or Place of the Ticks. Cahal Pech was the royal family's residence around the same time that Xunantunich was at its height of power. This medium-size Mayan center comprises 34 structures compacted in a small area covering slightly more than 2 acres. The site includes 7 plazas, 2 ball courts, 6 plain Stella and 1 alter, as well as temple pyramids. Moreover, it has the second oldest structure in the Mayan world. Cahal Pech was first developed during the Preclassic period (1000 BC to AD 200) and abandoned around 800 AD. This site offers a view over the city of San Ignacio on one side and the Belize River valley on the other. By the end of the trip you'll be an expert on the Maya! (OK, almost!) Bonus: wildlife and birds often can be seen at both sites!

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Price: US $115
per person
Intensity:
Minimum: 1
Depart: 7:00 am
Return: 5:00 pm

Includes:

Entrance Fee
Lunch
Cookies
Juice
Water

What to Bring:

Reef Safe Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Camera
Sturdy Shoes or Boots
Insect Repellent
Binoculars
Field guide
Money for shopping

Other Information:

This adventure can be included in any of our packages. If you do not purchase a package, this tour may be booked a la carte for the listed price.

Intensity Key:

Easy
Moderate
Challenging
Very Challenging

[More general information about our tours]

Everyday, Hamanasi offers a barrier reef excursion and an inland excursion based on a preset schedule. These scheduled tours are included in package rates. Tours beyond the daily scheduled tours are not included in package rates but can be booked at the listed cost. All tours are accompanied by a licensed Belizean tour guide and include any permits needed. A PADI professional accompanies all dive trips. More information about our tours is available on our rates and policies pages.

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Overall, great experience! Staff made you feel extremely welcome and tended to your every need. Tours gave you a taste of Belize and the resort gave you a taste of heaven!

Hamanasi helped introduce my family to the Garifuna & Maya people of Belize. Everything is so close – the mountains, caves, waterfalls, animals, ruins – this is such a peaceful country with rich culture and a people that cares about the environment. What a hidden gem! Thank you!

Everything surpassed our expectations. We came here as new diver because we wanted an operation we could trust and we found that here.

Just keep doing what you’re doing… The Mayan tour history was incredible; the guide was extremely knowledgeable and profoundly connected to his heritage.

This is my 6th Belize dive adventure in the past 18 years and my best ALL around experience.

Everything here is perfect for honeymooners and active travelers! Beautiful grounds, tons of interesting tours and good food & drinks to help you relax and enjoy yourself

Wonderful warm staff, excellent guides, variety of inland tours, very comfortable rooms

I’ve been to quite a few dive resorts. Hamanasi is hands down, the best so far. Thank you for a wonderful time.

“Golden was an excellent guide for birding, we saw a wide variety of birds”

Wonderful stay, beautiful surroundings. The staff was unfailingly friendly and accommodating. Adventures were great and well organized!