Xunantunich is set within a tropical forest preserve with a compact core center. The extent of the entire site has been determined to be about 3 sq miles/7 sq kms, though the core area is easily visited. The site is easily reached from Belize City or Orange Walk by the Western Highway to San Ignacio. From there it is about eight miles to San Jose Sucozt. To enter the site the river needs to be crossed by means of a whimsical, hand operated cable ferry.

Between AD 700 and 850, Xunantunich was likely politically affiliated with Naranjo, a Maya city located about nine miles west in present-day Guatemala. Together, they controlled the western portion of the Belize River valley, though Xunantunich's population likely never exceeded 10,000. The site partially withstood the initial collapse of Classic Maya civilization around 850—when nearby Cahal Pech was abandoned—but was ultimately deserted by approximately 1000.

The heart of Xunantunich consists of Plazas A-2 and A-1, divided by Structure A-1. Just north of Plaza A-2, Structure A-11 and Plaza A-3 formed a residential complex, likely serving as a palace for the ruling elite. The site's most prominent feature, El Castillo (Structure A-6), stands at the southern end of Plaza A-1, towering 130 feet high. It may have functioned as an ancestral shrine for the ruling family, where they were either buried or commemorated in sculpted friezes. Structures A-1 and A-13, located at opposite ends of Plaza A-2, were not built until the 9th century. Their placement suggests they were intended to separate the elite from the general population, possibly in response to the societal pressures of the Classic Maya decline.

Visitors can climb to the top of El Castillo for a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. The structure's upper levels were constructed in two distinct phases. The first phase, around 800, featured an elaborate plaster frieze encircling the building, while the second, around 900, covered much of the earlier frieze. Archaeologists have since uncovered portions of the original friezes on the building’s eastern and western sides, depicting Maya deities, including Chaac, the rain god, who likely takes center stage on the east end. The friezes visible today are replicas, with the originals preserved beneath for protection.

South of El Castillo, a partially overgrown section known as Group C contains smaller structures that were abandoned as Xunantunich's population dwindled after 900. What was once the city’s central point became its southern boundary.

Near the entrance, just beyond the ticket office, a visitor center displays archaeological artifacts from the site, including pottery, jewelry, a significant burial discovery, and detailed explanations of El Castillo's friezes.

Many of our delighted guests often opt for the Combo with a half-day Cave Tubing adventure. Priced at $105 USD, this combined tour is not only immensely popular but also promises to be a standout highlight of your stay.