Shop now at Carnival Cruise Lines
Most popular excursions
Top-rated excursions
Guest reviews for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Discover the magic of this famous Mayan archeological site followed by a Belizean lunch in San Ignacio Town.
Overall rating:
(79 reviews) 79
Rating breakdown 79 reviews
5 Stars
58
4 Stars
15
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
2
1 Star
0
77 out of 78(99%)guests recommend this excursion.
Guest reviews for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Review 1 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
A long day but amazing ruins
PostedJune 14, 2013
sarahmatt
from Raleigh, NC
Age:25-34
Gender:Female
Reason for Travel:Romantic Getaway
Activity Level:Moderate
Frequency:This was my first cruise (First-time cruiser)
Value
3
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
4
/
5
Fun
3
/
5
We had mixed feelings about this excursion. The ruins are beautiful and amazing, and the view from the top is breathtaking. Unlike other ruins tours, you do get to climb the big ruin and it's a great experience. However, to get to the ruins, you take a bus across the whole country of Belize, a crank ferry, and then another shuttle to the site. Most of your day will be spent traveling there and back. On the way there, you get to learn about the culture and history of Belize. (We were surprised at how impoverished the country is) On the way back, everyone was exhausted and just slept. The lunch is edible but not great food. We are glad we saw the Xunantunich ruins but will not repeat this trip because it takes up your whole day.
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
Great Trip
PostedJune 8, 2013
Amy19
from Chamblee, GA
Age:45-54
Gender:Female
Reason for Travel:Special Occasion
Activity Level:Moderate
Frequency:Repeat Cruiser (I've cruised before)
We took this tour on May 29th, 2013. Our guides Caroline and Carla were wonderful. The bus ride is two hours each way which sounds daunting, but really wasn't bad at all. Caroline talked about Belize on the way to the ruins which was really interesting.
When we arrived at Xunantunich, Carla took over the tour. She told us about each area of the ruins and explained what each structure was used for. Then she guided us to the top of the temple. I'll admit, I didn't think I was up for the climb. I'm definitely out of shape and it's the second tallest Mayan ruin. My husband talked me into it and boy I'm glad he did. We took our time and the view from the top was breathtaking. Literally, I was gasping for air, but so were the skinny girls. LOL!
The park guide (can't remember his name) was excellent as well. He talked about the ball court and on the way back to the tour busses he pointed out a spider monkey and a keel billed toucan which is the national bird of Belize. We're birders, so we were very excited.
On the way back we stopped at an open air restaurant for lunch. We were served chicken, rice and beans and plantains. I've never been a fan of plantains, but the rest of the food was delicious! Then we boarded the buses and headed back to the port.
I really have to give our guides a shout out. They were absolutely wonderful! This was our favorite excursion of the cruise.
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
Very nice excursion
PostedJune 5, 2013
DandM
from Dallas, Texas
Age:45-54
Gender:Male
Reason for Travel:Family
Activity Level:Easy
Frequency:Repeat Cruiser (I've cruised before)
Value
5
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
5
/
5
Fun
5
/
5
Went on this excursion Decmber 20th, 2012. Had a wonderful time touring this site with several members of my family. Was facinating to be able to climb to the top of the structure, to have an actual hands on experience. Also, the view from the top was specatular! Very tasty lunch on the way back. Looking forwad to going back with other members of the family,
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
Great Ruins: long bus ride back
PostedMay 23, 2013
Lolo
from Phoenix, AZ
Age:35-44
Gender:Female
Reason for Travel:Special Occasion
Activity Level:Moderate
Frequency:Repeat Cruiser (I've cruised before)
Value
4
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
5
/
5
Fun
5
/
5
We loved this excursion! The 2hr bus ride to the ruins was good because our tour guide talked about Belize and it was very interesting to learn about their culture. It was sad seeing all the skinny dogs that were in Belize and made me appreciate what we have in the U.S. The ruins were in great shape and we were able to climb two of them. They explained each ruin and what they were used. The tour guides were helpful and took pictures for us and were full of information. There is quite a bit of walking and climbing so make sure you are able to do all of that. The climbing they said you didn't have to do and you could wait under the trees for your tour to finish but to get to the ruins you do have to walk up a hill. The lunch portion I could have done without just because I am not a big fan of trying new foods. The chicken was great but I didn't care for the coleslaw (which tasted like potato salad), rice/beans, and something that looked like a fried banana that didn't taste like a banana. The hardest part of the tour was the 2hr ride back to the port. The bus however did have a bathroom and was a very nice coach bus so was in great condition. Since there was no talking from the tour guide during that time I got very bored and most people slept on the way back. But overall I really enjoyed this excursion!!!!! Bring sunscreen for sure especially if you are traveling in May. While we were walking around we saw monkeys up in the tree which was an added touch.
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
Great day!
PostedMay 19, 2013
Jet12u
from Atlanta, Ga
Age:35-44
Gender:Male
Reason for Travel:Family
Activity Level:Moderate
Frequency:Repeat Cruiser (I've cruised before)
Value
4
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
4
/
5
Fun
4
/
5
We had a great time. The guides were informative and provided a lot of information about Belize and the ruins. The lunch on the way back was very good. We loved the Beans and rice... Take your camera because you'll want to take a lot of pictures.
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
Surprisingly delightful!
PostedApril 26, 2013
monkey0
from Happy Valley,OR
Age:45-54
Gender:Female
Reason for Travel:Friends
Activity Level:Moderate
Frequency:Frequent Cruiser (I cruise regularly)
Value
4
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
4
/
5
Fun
4
/
5
Was only going along because my hubby wanted to go -- we've seen a ton of ruins, so I figured we didn't need to see more. I was surprised at how different and interesting this tour was. Very informational. Unfortunately it was a rainy day and so the trip over and back in the bus were a little gloomy.
The best part to me was that we actually got to see a troop of Howler Monkeys working their way through the trees -- Mama's with babies and the large Male. So absolutely cool to see them in the wild in their element.
The best part to me was that we actually got to see a troop of Howler Monkeys working their way through the trees -- Mama's with babies and the large Male. So absolutely cool to see them in the wild in their element.
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
Amazing Adventure
PostedApril 16, 2013
Paul32
from West Palm Beach, Florida
Age:25-34
Gender:Male
Reason for Travel:Holiday
Activity Level:Difficult
Frequency:Frequent Cruiser (I cruise regularly)
Value
5
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
4
/
5
Fun
5
/
5
This was an excellent excursion. I would not recommend it to anyone with younger children who are active as there is a 2 hour bus ride to the ruins and a 2 hour ride back to the port (no kidding). On the ride to the ruins our guide gave a two hour informative talk about the country, its people, and the lifestyles of the native peoples. It was very interesting and not boring. Arrival at the ruins site was very impressive. The guide walked us through the site and allowed us to view the ruins up close. The history of the site is amazing and you wouldn't believe the stone work that was done by persons with out machinery. If you like history, or just want to be amazed, do this excursion. The tour also included lunch (chicken, rice, plantains) that was very delicious. Make sure you bring your good camera as sites like these are starting to prohibit people from going inside or climbing on them.
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Read comment (1)
Comments (1)
SallyBaby
Shelbyville KY
Additional information about SallyBaby could not be loaded.
Posted April 22, 2013
Can someone tell me how the bus ride was. My husband has a bad back and 4 hours of very bumpy would not be good.
Thanks for any help.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Review 8 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
This tour was a long ride.. but a great climb!
PostedMarch 31, 2013
SWaites
from Clearwater Fl
Age:35-44
Gender:Female
Reason for Travel:Family
Activity Level:Moderate
Frequency:Frequent Cruiser (I cruise regularly)
Value
4
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
3
/
5
Fun
4
/
5
We booked this tour as a first big excursion for our family.
We all really loved the site, but a few things to keep in mind. The ride out to Xunantunich is really long. Be prepared as one you get out of the city, there isn't a lot to see. Our tour guide kept us entertained with facts about the country.. but, it was a really long ride. Also, our ship was late disembarking us, so we were about 1hr late meeting the bus. Because of this we had to each our lunch on the bus on the way back to the ship. The food was excellent, but we would of loved to eat in the small restaurant where we stopped. Given the efficiency they got our food to us, it makes me feel that they have had to do this on more than one occasion.
The climb on top of the large ruin was INCREDIBLE.. and so worth the drive and the price. Just be prepared for a 4 hour bus ride (both ways) as well as the possibility of eating lunch on the bus.
We all really loved the site, but a few things to keep in mind. The ride out to Xunantunich is really long. Be prepared as one you get out of the city, there isn't a lot to see. Our tour guide kept us entertained with facts about the country.. but, it was a really long ride. Also, our ship was late disembarking us, so we were about 1hr late meeting the bus. Because of this we had to each our lunch on the bus on the way back to the ship. The food was excellent, but we would of loved to eat in the small restaurant where we stopped. Given the efficiency they got our food to us, it makes me feel that they have had to do this on more than one occasion.
The climb on top of the large ruin was INCREDIBLE.. and so worth the drive and the price. Just be prepared for a 4 hour bus ride (both ways) as well as the possibility of eating lunch on the bus.
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
Worth the bus ride
PostedMarch 8, 2013
PirateJack
from Augusta, GA
Age:25-34
Gender:Female
Reason for Travel:Romantic Getaway
Activity Level:Moderate
Frequency:Repeat Cruiser (I've cruised before)
Value
5
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
5
/
5
Fun
5
/
5
It is a two hour bus ride both ways, but the trip is so amazing. You get to see how people actually live in Belize, not just the touristy shops. The Mayan ruins are so breath taking, not to mention really fun to climb! The guides are very informative. You have time to shop after, and enjoy some Mennonite Sour Sop ice cream- that is to die for!!! Perfect way to spend the day!
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
A Lot of Fun but a long day.
PostedFebruary 27, 2013
kayack1
from Ohio
Age:25-34
Gender:Female
Reason for Travel:Friends
Activity Level:Difficult
Frequency:This was my first cruise (First-time cruiser)
Value
4
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
4
/
5
Fun
5
/
5
This is a great way to see a country! You take a very long bus ride to just outside Guatemala to visit these ruins so if you do not like busses or get car sick you may not enjoy this, But otherwise it is great. The guide was able to point out a lot on the drive, but I'd still recommend something to occupy your time on the bus. There is a lot of walking and when you get there- and it is an absolute MUST to go to the top of the tallest ruin. I hate heights but I did it anyway and the view is breath taking! You look out and it is truly spectacular- really worth the drive. The lunch was great- local food. If you bus happens to break down (ours did, twice) They have a spare bus following so you jump on that one and off you go- so it was organized.
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
Amazing ruins and great tour guide!
PostedFebruary 26, 2013
Pokou18
Value
5
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
5
/
5
Fun
5
/
5
These ruins were amazing and we were able to climb to the top of them. A bit scary I admit once at the top but a wonderful view. We got to hear black howler monkeys in the forest around us. I would like to mention that our tour guide Manuel was spectacular , full of interesting and historical information, he made our tour worth while. PS the food at the restaurant after was also very good!
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
Breaktaking
PostedFebruary 23, 2013
Janet
from Montana
Age:35-44
Gender:Female
Reason for Travel:Family
Activity Level:Difficult
Frequency:Repeat Cruiser (I've cruised before)
Value
5
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
5
/
5
Fun
5
/
5
We knew to expect a 2 hour bus ride and it went fast. The guides were very informative about their country and it was interesting to see the countryside. Once you get to the ruins they walk you up a little hill before you come out and around to the big ruin. It absolutely takes your breath away to stand at the base and look up. The only bad part is I still had "sea legs" and once I climbed to the very top I felt like I was swaying and might fall. So I kept close to the wall at the top. We would go again in heart beat. It was well worth it. Make sure to bring an extra bottle of water because the little water pouch they give you for the climb isn't enough on a hot day. And bug spray!
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Read comment (1)
Comments (1)
Eachway
Additional information about Eachway could not be loaded.
Posted April 28, 2013
Is this a 2 hour each way! Deciding if this a trip to take with a 6 year old.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Review 13 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
A great lesson in history
PostedFebruary 19, 2013
Bobo
Value
5
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
4
/
5
Fun
5
/
5
A wonderful tour. The bus ride can be a little long, however, you have the opportunity to learn so much from the guides. Well worth it.
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
That's one heck of a pyramid!
PostedJanuary 13, 2013
Binkyboo13
Age:25-34
Gender:Female
Reason for Travel:Friends
Activity Level:Difficult
Frequency:Repeat Cruiser (I've cruised before)
Value
5
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
5
/
5
Fun
5
/
5
Bring your climbing shoes because it's one heck of a hike up that pyramid! The bus trip there is long but the tour guide is very knowledgeable and tries to keep you entertainer with lots of knowledge of the region. Once you get to the pyramids, they give you lots of background about the people and times.
The climb up the big pyramid is optional and very difficult (well for me at least) but who wants to stay behind and miss all the fun and the beautiful views. Once you get to the top you can see the world and it's AMAZING! The climb back down is steep and difficult and my legs felt like jelly by that point. It was worth every second though.
The climb up the big pyramid is optional and very difficult (well for me at least) but who wants to stay behind and miss all the fun and the beautiful views. Once you get to the top you can see the world and it's AMAZING! The climb back down is steep and difficult and my legs felt like jelly by that point. It was worth every second though.
I will admit that I was a little leery about lunch at this little divey-looking place but the food was really good. The drive back was long again and most of us were so tired from the climb that we fell asleep but the guides did try to keep those awake envoled on the way back.
All in all a beautiful trip!
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
Get to know Belize-we did
PostedDecember 10, 2012
Suzie01
from Nebraska
Age:45-54
Gender:Female
Reason for Travel:Friends
Activity Level:Moderate
Frequency:Repeat Cruiser (I've cruised before)
Value
5
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
4
/
5
Fun
4
/
5
While the bus ride was a little lengthy, we learned SO much about the culture, economics, education system, and peoples of Belize. Our guide was proud of her country and shared much with us. The ruins were awe-inspiring and looking back on it now, I can say almost reverent. With the exception of the guide explaining things it was quiet. Lunch after was a nice experience in their native cuisine.
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
Loved this tour
PostedDecember 3, 2012
Stephanie417
from Benton, AR
Age:25-34
Gender:Female
Reason for Travel:Family
Activity Level:Moderate
Value
5
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
4
/
5
Fun
5
/
5
My husband and I had visited the Mayan Ruins in Tulum, Mexico on our honeymoon and he has since then wanted to see more. This tour was great. We got to the terminal and there was a passenger bus already there and they had room for two more people (my sister came with us this time so we had three in our group) so we had to get on the next bus (it was already at the terminal, waiting behind first bus) so we were the first on the bus and we did have to wait for a little while for people to get on the bus. After that, it was a 2 hour bus ride. Our guides were really great and informative, the ride didn't seem like it took that long. The ruins were really amazing, especially if you are able to climb to the top, the view is so pretty. On the way back we stopped at a restaurant called Hode's Place for lunch, it was delicious!!! They give you a piece of chicken, and yes it is actual chicken, I see some people on here wrote it's iguana or that they aren't sure what they ate, but the tour guide told us it was chicken and that you could request the iguana if you wanted to try it instead, our one guide said she doesn't eat the iguana though. You also get rice and beans that are cooked in coconut milk (best rice I've ever had!), potato salad, a plantain and your choice of a bottled beverage. After that it's the 2 hour bus ride back to terminal to catch the tender back to ship. I highly recommend this tour. I will say that if you are wanting to do some shopping or looking around at the terminal then do not do this excursion as it is an all day trip. We got to bus as soon as we tendered to the terminal and we were on the very last terminal back to ship that afternoon.
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
Amazing View
PostedNovember 14, 2012
JLuisP
from Arlington, VA
Age:25-34
Gender:Male
Reason for Travel:Romantic Getaway
Activity Level:Moderate
Frequency:This was my first cruise (First-time cruiser)
Value
5
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
5
/
5
Fun
5
/
5
We decided not to go to beach here, but instead visit Mayan ruins. It was pretty breathtaking to say the least. It's about a 2 hours bus ride from where the cruise was docked, but it's well worth the wait. You get to climb the ruins which are at least 100+ feet, so if you are scared of heights I wouldn't book this. Once you get to the top it's an AMAZING view. After your done with ruins, you then have a delicious lunch in town and get to shop around. Time went by so fast and before you know it you gotta board the cruise again.
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
0points
1of 2voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
THE BEST
PostedNovember 4, 2012
SOPHIA66
Value
5
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
5
/
5
Fun
5
/
5
OUR TOUR GUIDE, CARLA, WAS EXCELLENT. I LEARNED A LOT ABOUT THE COUNTRY OF BELIZE NOT TO MENTION CLIMBING THE RUIN, IT WAS BREATH TAKING. IT IS WELL WORTH THE MONEY!
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
-1point
1of 3voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
Xunantunich may be hard to spell, but it is well worth the practice!
PostedOctober 1, 2012
DionaB
from Erie, PA
Age:55-65
Gender:Female
Reason for Travel:Friends
Activity Level:Difficult
Frequency:Repeat Cruiser (I've cruised before)
Value
5
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
5
/
5
Fun
5
/
5
Our tour guides were excellent, and the ride through the Belizian countryside was very interesting and beautiful. Laurencio couldn't have given a better tour of the Mayan ruins, and it came from a personal point of view. I wish we would have had a whole day just there. Be prepared for a climb if you want to go to the top of the tallest ruin, and put all fear of heights aside. The view from the top is breathtaking, and well worth the physical challenge you may encounter. Lunch was a feast! My husband and I love Caribbean food, and the jerk chicken was perfectly prepared, rice and beans were spot on, and even the simple potato salad was good! I'd go again in a heartbeat.
Yes, I recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch
Overall rating
This Tour Is Not What We Expected!!!
PostedSeptember 18, 2012
Trav156
from Cincinnati, OH
Age:18-24
Gender:Male
Reason for Travel:Family
Activity Level:Difficult
Frequency:This was my first cruise (First-time cruiser)
Value
1
/
5
Reliability / Convenience
2
/
5
Fun
2
/
5
Me and my girlfriend had trouble deciding on an excursion to take as there were many ports of call and this was our first cruise. We came to the decision to do the Mayan ruins tour in Belize. This was all day event that we would never do again. We boarded a old greyhound bus for the start of our excursion. We waited in the port for about 30 minutes before leaving due to people being late. There were 48 people on the bus so it was very cramped and very hot. The bus was air conditioned but when you put all those people on there it becomes not so air conditioned. Its about a 2 hour bus ride to the ruins. It was very interesting going through Belize and seeing how the people lived. The tour guides were very knowledgeable on the history of there country. After the bus ride you get off and ride a hand cranked ferry across the river to the ruins. You then get into a van for a 3 minute ride to the check in point for the site. After than you walk straight up a hill to the Mayan ruins. Its about a 10 minute walk. If you are elderly or have a condition that would gets worse with walking do not take this excursion. Also not recommended for kids. Once at the top you are on a guided tour of all the ruins. You cant leave the group as there are multiple groups there. It was extremely hot and the bugs were very bad. There are swarms of mosquito's around us the whole time. You get guided through the ruins for about a hour and half. We weren't really in it for the history we just wanted to see it. But the tour guides take very long to explain everything. At the end of it we were dying to get in the air condition. We then walked back down the hill to a gift shop. Then we boarded the vans and went back to the ferry. They let you shop for a little bit at some outdoor shops created by Belize residents. The you board the bus for a trip to eat. Once there each person is served with one pop a plate of rice and beans bamboo chicken potato salad and a banana of some sort. Now after this tour we were told bamboo chicken was actually iguana. So were still not sure what we ate. Then you leave the restaurant for the 2 hour ride back to the port. It was a very long and very hot day. It was not worth the money we spent for what we did. But in closing if your going to do a excursion do it in Belize as there is nothing to do there. It is a very poor country and it is not safe to wander the streets by yourself. Choose wisely though.
No, I do not recommend this shore excursion.
Share:
-16points
6of 28voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.