This post was originally published on this siteNo trip to Belize would be complete without visiting a Mayan ruin (or two), and one of the most famous of all is Xunantunich, also spelled Xunan Tunich. Nestled near the Guatemala border in Western Belize, Xunantunich (pronounced Shoo-nan-too-nitch) is one of the most accessible and fascinating Mayan ruins in the country, and is famous for having well-preserved stucco pyramids. We toured Xunantunich with the incredible Marvelous Marvin, our guide through Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge, where we stayed as guests for three nights. They offer off-site excursions, and since we embrace local educational experiences, we enthusiastically said yes to this tour (hosted).  Marvin was marvelous at giving us a deep dive into Mayan cosmology, ancient medicine, and philosophical insight that still has us reflecting. In this guide, we share what we learned from our experience, what makes Xunantunich special — and why you should add it to your Belize itinerary. .stk-995e8da {background-color:#3da9b80d !important;}.stk-995e8da:before{background-color:#3da9b80d !important;} Address: Xunantunich Access Rd, San Jose Succotz, Belize Opening Hours: 8am-5pm daily How long do you need at Xunantunich: 2-4 hours Best known for: the site’s largest temple, “El Castillo” Tour guide: highly recommended. Check Get Your Guide tours