Experience the delight of the hand-cranked ferry over the river to Xunantunich, atop a hill overlooking the Mopan River and the Cayo District. The area, a primary ceremonial site built on a natural limestone ridge during the Classic Periodis composed of six major plazas, with more than 25 Maya temples and palaces.
"El Castillo" the Castle is the largest pyramid at 130 feet above the plaza and has carved friezes on the east and west sides. The frieze on the east side has been preserved and covered with a fibreglass replica of the centre representing the sun god flanked by the moon and Venus.
On a clear day, you can see across into nearby Guatemala and nearer into Caracol in the Pine Ridge Mountain Reserve.
San Ignacio is a quaint town west of Belize City and the gateway to Xunantunich, catering for adventurers, and an excellent base for exploring Maya ruins and cave systems in the Western part of the country. After a long day of caving, horseback riding, kayaking, or hiking, res in this hub full of friendly people and great food.