Belize Mayan Ruin Tours

Xunantunich and Inland Blue Hole

Located in the Cayo District across the Mopan River in Western Belize, Xunantunich can only be accessed by a ferry. Xunantunich which means “Stone Woman” is derived from a combination of Mopan and Yucatec Mayan words. This awe-inspiring tour provides cultural history and breathtaking views of Belize as well as our neighboring country Guatemala. Although a long drive from where we are, this scenic outing takes you to the outskirts of the Mayan Mountain Range and through different villages and communities. As the vegetation changes, you will notice the structure of homes changes as well as the ethnicity of the people. You can truly get a glimpse of the Belizean people going about their day-to-day life. Xunantunich was the first ruin site in Belize to be opened to the public when the road and a ferry were built, in 1950. The most prominent structure is the pyramid “El Castillo” which was the tallest man-made structure in all of Belize until the discovery of Caana at Caracol.

After lunch enjoy a swim in the Blue Hole and/or enter the dark ancient mystery of St Herman’s Cave. The Inland Blue Hole was formed by the collapse of an underground limestone cave.

This tour is included as an option in the Best of Belize Adventure Add-On.

Nim Li Punit and Tropical Spice Farm and Botanical Garden

Located on the foothills of the Maya Mountains and the basin of the Rio Grande River lies the Maya archaeological site of Ni Li Punit. Nim Li Punit was built in the Late Classic Period and is one of the smaller Maya sites – located half a mile off the Southern Highway. This site is well known for its large amount of stelae; there are a total of twenty-six stelae, one of which is the longest in Belize. It depicts a figure wearing a large headdress that derived its name Nim Li Punit and is translated from the Maya Kekchi language as “The Big Hat.”

During this Belize Mayan Ruin Tour, you will also stop at one of the most popular tours in the country is a visit to the Belize Spice Farm. Visiting the spice farm is as close as you can get to touring a tropical plantation in Southern India. With so many exotic spices (black pepper, vanilla, cardamom, allspice, and nutmeg) filling the air, the atmosphere of the spice farm is truly unique. The Belize Spice farm is the ONLY place in the country that grows these spices in addition to rare, exotic trees such as mahogany, teak, and rosewood, which are endangered in many countries. With Toledo being one of the most pristine areas of Belize it is also a great place to enjoy activities like hiking and bird watching. Don’t be afraid to join us on this interesting and educational tour. Remember that it’s never too late to learn a thing or two.

This tour can be purchased as an a la carte tour. Kindly review our tour policies, which are listed on our policies page.