The name Xunantunich comes from the Yucatec Maya language which means “Stone Woman". The Core of the city contains a series of six plazas surrounded by more than 26 temples and palaces. One of its main pyramids is known as “El Castillo”, which is the second tallest structure in Belize measuring 130 ft from the plaza floor.

From the top of the pyramid you can enjoy spectacular views overlooking miles of jungle and farmland with the towns of San Jose Succotz and Benque Viejo Del Carmen on the Belize side and Melchor de Mencos across the Guatemalan border. Of El Castillo’s two stucco friezes, the western side had most of the stucco destroyed, but the eastern frieze is more complete, clearly displaying various motifs and symbols of Maya astronomy and cosmology. The vaulted rooms at the top of El Castillo provides shade and are a welcome place to relax after the steep walk up and take in the views.

This is a great site for a day trip or picnic. Walking around and exploring the ball courts and other structures fires the imagination, though it’s not as famous as Mexico’s Chichen Itza.