Xunantunich Maya Ruin & St Herman Blue Hole

The Xunantunich Maya Ruin and St. Herman Blue Hole tour in Belize offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Exploring the impressive ancient ruins of Xunantunich, where the towering El Castillo pyramid dominates the landscape, allows travelers to marvel at the intricate stone carvings and gain insights into the Maya civilization. Afterward, the serene beauty of the St. Herman Blue Hole, a natural swimming pool nestled in lush surroundings, provides a refreshing respite and a chance to witness Belize’s stunning natural wonders. With a blend of historical significance and natural splendor, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to discover more.

Key Points

• The tour offers a day trip from Placencia to the Cayo District, visiting the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and the stunning Blue Hole natural pool.

• Highlights include panoramic views from the El Castillo temple, exploration of Mayan architectural and cultural wonders, and a unique vintage ferry crossing.

• The tour is accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, includes transportation and park fees, and provides insights into Mayan life.

• The Xunantunich ruins feature an impressive 130-foot-tall pyramid, intricate stone carvings, and well-preserved structures offering a glimpse into ancient Maya civilization.

• The tour is private, starts at 6:00 am, and is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain, though children are welcome with adult supervision.

Tour Overview

This day trip from Placencia explores Belize’s Cayo District, allowing visitors to discover the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and swim in the stunning Blue Hole natural pool.

Travelers will stand atop the El Castillo temple at Xunantunich, soaking in views of Guatemala while learning about ancient Mayan life. The guided tour of the ruins provides insight into this important archaeological site.

Afterward, guests will cross a river on a vintage ferry and cool off with a swim in the Blue Hole, a natural pool surrounded by lush tropical forest.

Throughout the excursion, a knowledgeable guide shares commentary, ensuring an informative and memorable experience.

Itinerary Highlights

Atop the El Castillo temple at Xunantunich, visitors can soak in panoramic views of Guatemala while learning about the ancient Mayan civilization that once thrived in this region.

The guided tour of the ruins provides fascinating insights into the architectural and cultural wonders of the Mayan people.

After exploring the site, travelers will head to the Blue Hole National Park to swim in the stunning natural pool surrounded by lush tropical forests.

During the tour, they’ll also have the opportunity to cross a river on a vintage ferry, adding a unique and nostalgic touch to the journey.

Inclusions

The Xunantunich Maya Ruin & St Herman Blue Hole tour includes pickup and drop-off in Placencia Village, as well as transportation and park fees.

A knowledgeable tour guide accompanies guests throughout the day. Lunch is also provided.

For those outside of Placencia Village, there’s an optional pickup and drop-off service for an additional $10 per person.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available upon request.

It’s a private tour, catering exclusively to your group.

Operated by Splash Dive Center Limited, this experience offers an immersive look into Belize’s Cayo District and its captivating Mayan heritage.

Meeting Point

The Splash Dive Centre is located at 2287 Placencia Peninsula Road, Placencia, Belize.

It’s situated at the Peninsula Club marina, directly across from Chabil Mar Villas. This is the meeting point for the Xunantunich Maya Ruin & St Herman Blue Hole day trip.

Guests will be picked up from this location to begin their adventure. The tour operator, Splash Dive Center Limited, provides a private tour for the group only.

Pickup and drop-off services are available within Placencia Village, or for an additional $10 per person, guests can be picked up and dropped off outside of the village.

Additional Information

This day trip starts at 6:00 am, providing ample time to explore the Xunantunich Maya ruins and swim in the Blue Hole National Park.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests must be able to navigate uneven terrain. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult, and infant seats are available upon request.

This is a private tour for your group only, operated by the Splash Dive Center Limited. Pickup and drop-off are included in Placencia Village, with an optional $10 per person charge for locations outside the village.

The 4.5-star rated tour is subject to a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Pricing and Cancellation

Priced at a starting point of €281.65, the tour’s cost varies based on group size. This flexibility ensures value for solo travelers as well as parties.

The experience also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, providing peace of mind for planning. Additionally:

• Lowest Price Guarantee assures customers get the best deal.
• Reserve Now, Pay Later options give customers more flexibility.
• Verification of reviews ensures authenticity and transparency.
• Private tours for your group only provide a personalized experience.

Reviews

Scrutinizing the reviews, a 4.5 rating based on 3 reviews emerges, though no 5-star ratings have been reported.

The reviews, verified for authenticity, provide valuable insights into the tour experience. Customers praise the guided tour of the Xunantunich ruins and the opportunity to swim at the picturesque Blue Hole National Park.

The crossing of the river on a vintage ferry is also highlighted as a unique aspect of the tour. The reviews suggest a well-organized and enjoyable day trip that allows visitors to explore Belize’s rich Mayan heritage and natural wonders.

The consistent high ratings demonstrate the tour’s ability to deliver a memorable experience for its participants.

Visiting Xunantunich

What makes Xunantunich, one of Belize’s most impressive ancient Maya ruins, a must-visit destination? Perched atop a hill overlooking the Mopan River, Xunantunich boasts an imposing limestone pyramid known as El Castillo, which towers over 130 feet high.

Visitors can climb to the top of this temple for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including a glimpse into neighboring Guatemala. The site also features intricate stone carvings, hieroglyphic-inscribed altars, and well-preserved plazas that offer insight into the lives of the ancient Maya.

Key highlights include:

• Scaling the steps of the towering El Castillo temple
• Exploring the remains of ceremonial and residential structures
• Admiring the elaborate stone carvings and hieroglyphs
• Soaking in the stunning vistas over the Mopan River valley

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is the Drive From Placencia to Xunantunich?

The drive from Placencia to Xunantunich takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, covering a distance of around 90 miles. The tour itinerary includes a stop at the Blue Hole National Park along the way.

Is There an Option to Visit Other Ruins Besides Xunantunich?

The tour overview doesn’t mention visiting any other ruins besides Xunantunich. However, the Cayo District is home to several other Mayan archaeological sites that visitors could potentially explore on their own or as part of a separate tour.

Can We Stop and Explore Local Villages or Markets During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include stops at local villages or markets. It’s focused on visiting the Xunantunich archaeological site and swimming at the Blue Hole. However, guests may be able to add extra stops if they coordinate with the tour operator in advance.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Snacks and Water for the Day?

The tour package includes lunch, but it’s recommended to bring your own snacks and water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Travelers should be prepared to carry their own provisions during the various activities.

Is There a Recommended Time of Year to Visit for Optimal Weather?

The ideal time to visit the Cayo District of Belize is during the dry season from November to April when temperatures are mild and rainfall is low, providing optimal weather conditions for exploring the ruins and swimming in the Blue Hole.

Recap

Xunantunich, one of Belize’s most renowned Maya ruins, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the region’s ancient past. Atop the impressive El Castillo pyramid, stunning panoramic views and intricate stone carvings showcase the Maya’s architectural and artistic prowess. Following this archaeological adventure, the tranquil St. Herman Blue Hole provides a serene natural setting for swimmers to cool off and appreciate Belize’s natural beauty.