Altun Ha or Xunantunich

[MVPinBoynton]

We will be in Belize City in December. We are trying to decide which of the Mayan Ruins we should visit, Altun Ha or Xunantunich. Has anyone been to both that can recommend one over the other? Thanks for any help.

[dbail4]

We were just at Xunantunich last week and enjoyed this trip. We have not been to the other but Xunantunich was recommended to us because they have restored part of it and you can climb up on top of El Castillo about 300 feet up. The bus trip was 2 hours and bumpy but air-conditioned. The lunch that was part of Carnivals excursion was very good. The day was about 7 hours.

[MVPinBoynton]

We were just at Xunantunich last week and enjoyed this trip. We have not been to the other but Xunantunich was recommended to us because they have restored part of it and you can climb up on top of El Castillo about 300 feet up. The bus trip was 2 hours and bumpy but air-conditioned. The lunch that was part of Carnivals excursion was very good. The day was about 7 hours.

 

Thanks for the info.

[preschool teacher]

I have been to Altun Ha.....it is okay if you have not been to any ruins....but is rather small compared to most.....but it is also the closest one to get to.....

[MVPinBoynton]

I have been to Altun Ha.....it is okay if you have not been to any ruins....but is rather small compared to most.....but it is also the closest one to get to.....

 

Since we have been to Chichenitza, I am not expecting any of the ruins to compare.

[Island Crazed]

We visited Xunantunich in April. We LOVED THE DAY. My normally sarcastic 16 year old said " Thank you for bringing us here!" I'd repeat it in a second.

 

 

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[crusinpsychRN]

We visited Xunantunich in April. We LOVED THE DAY. My normally sarcastic 16 year old said " Thank you for bringing us here!" I'd repeat it in a second.

 

 

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Great endorsement!

[blueasthesea]

It's better to do the Altun Ha Tour as it is closer to the Port and is a 3 Hour Tour as compared to Xunantunich which you will have to leave the ship at very early in the morning.

[LadySam1968]

My then 14 year old now almost 16 year old son really liked Altun Ha. Do plan on taking snacks as there aren't many food options there.

 

 

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[Jen1000]

I have been to both. Xunantunich is by far the better Mayan Ruins between the two. I too have been to Chichen Itza and I was not disappointed in Xuantunich. It was also not very crowded so it made for a very nice visit.

 

We will be in Belize City in December. We are trying to decide which of the Mayan Ruins we should visit, Altun Ha or Xunantunich. Has anyone been to both that can recommend one over the other? Thanks for any help.

[marne001]

The ruins are nice. Take Deet! It is a looooooong ride with hard bumps!

 

 

 

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[samnbill]

We are going to Belize in FEb 15 and I was undecided which of these two to visit.

Now that I've read this thread and others I have decided on Xunantunich.

[Floridiana]

Another option would be the Lamanai ruins. They are closer than Xunantunich and you arrive by river boat. Holwer monkeys live there and howl high above the ruins when they see tourists.

[samnbill]

Another option would be the Lamanai ruins. They are closer than Xunantunich and you arrive by river boat. Holwer monkeys live there and howl high above the ruins when they see tourists.

 

I've considered it but Carnival does not offer it and I'm leery of not using them and maybe being left behind. Maybe I worry too much?

How does it compare to Xunantunich?

[blueasthesea]

I just visited Xunantunich last month, I must say it was an amazing adventure. It took about 2 hours to get there but there was much scenery along the way so I wasn't bored. I must say it is large in comparison to Altun Ha and has much higher structures. We booked through mrbelizeacavetubing.com. Either of the ruins you take Im sure you wont regret! :D