- Address: San Jose Succotz, Belize;
- Phone: +501 608-1788;
- Working hours: every day from 08:00 to 15:00.
Shunantunich in Belize - the ancient structures of the Maya tribe. A place that incredibly attracts tourists with its mystery.
What is Shunantunich?
The main attraction of Shunantunich is the stepped pyramid of El Castillo (5th century AD), 40 meters high (13-storeyed house). Being on its top, where bloody rituals of sacrifices were taking place, many eyewitnesses see the ghost of a woman in white with fiery eyes. Look at both!
For tourists there are almost no restrictions - you can conquer any pyramids. But remember your safety: on the main pyramid there is a very steep ascent, twisting passages, there are no fences, the platform on the top is small, smooth and smooth, which can lead to slipping when walking!
How to get there?
Shunantunich is located in the Belize region of Cayo, near the Mopan River. Distance to Belize City is 130 km. Nearby - the border with Guatemala.
- The most convenient way to get to Shunantunich is by car. Landmark - the city of San Ignacio. From it, 6-7 km of the route (or 7 minutes) to the crossing the river Mopan by ferry with a manual winch (free of charge, it works from 07:30 to 16:00, during the rainy season it may not work periodically). You can cross with or without a car. After the ferry - the road is 3 km (30 min walk) to the final destination. For walking it will not be easy - the road goes up.
- Another way to get to the ruins: at the border, catch a ride (buses, private traders) to the nearest village. Further - in the same way to San Ignacio and Shunantunich. Bus stop - at the ferry.
- If you are traveling on a cruise liner, you can take an excursion to Belize to Shunantunich (the way is more organized and quiet). The duration of the tour is 7 hours (of which about 2 hours on the road one way). If the group will be late for the liner - you will wait! If you go alone - there is a risk not to have time to return on time, will sail away without you.
To the note to the tourist
- In the surrounding forest you will see a large number of monkey-howlers. And on the trees near the river there are iguanas.
- In the parking lot near the ferry there are small souvenir shops, where you can buy a bag with a Mayan ornament and other pleasant trifles.