Altru Ha or Xunantunich Ruins in Belize

[pcbcruiser]

We are going to Belize the end of February on The Dream and wanted to know from past cruisers what they thought of their tours to the Altu Ha Mayan site and the Xunantunich Mayan site.

 

We haven't decided which one to go to yet and would like your opinions.

 

thanks much and happy cruising!

[iheartmarshall]

I went on the Conquest last May and was also torn between these two options. In the end, we chose Xunantunich because you could climb to the top of the largest ruin, El Castillo. In short, this excursion was the highlight of our trip and we can't wait to return to Belize! A while back, I posted something similar on this forum so I will just copy and paste my response on why I would suggest Xunantunich :)

 

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Xunantunich is GREAT! DH and I took Carnival's excursion there back in May and absolutely loved it. It ended up being our favorite excursion too, partly because our tour guides shared with us history about Belize the entire way to the ruins. It was fascinating and I enjoyed watching the scenery change as we drove from the ocean to the mountains. It really was the highlight of our trip -- everything, from the ruins to our guides to the food, was amazing.

 

However, I will say that for long excursions like this, I would definitely book through the ship and not on your own. Reason why, the bus we were on broke down twice on our way to the ruins (fan belt issues) and although we made it safe and sound, the two-hour ride took three. Even though we were delayed an hour, they did not shorten the trip for us at all. We still got the full time at the ruins and a full lunch in San Ignacio (which was delicious!). We didn't get back to the port until an hour AFTER sail time but because it was a Carnival excursion, the ship waited on us. Carnival did refund part of the price due to the bus issues, but we weren't fazed. This excursion was still the highlight of our trip and I would recommend it to anyone.

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I'd be happy to share some photos if you'd like. And if you have any questions about Xunantunich, let me know!

[Badger-Badger]

I second Xunantunich. It was wonderful and other than our group of about 25 there was virtually no one else there other than a handful of day trippers from the resorts near San Ignacio. I have heard Altun Ha is more crowded ... but that is hearsay.

 

I also agree with booking through your ship. We booked through the Glory. It is a long drive out to the Guatemalan border. When we returned we were well past the time of the last scheduled tender. There was another tour coming in late from diving as well and we were all the last ones back onboard.

 

Belize is one of my favorite ports and this excursion is one of the reasons why ( we've been twice).

[iheartmarshall]

Figured I'd post some pictures of Xunantunich anyway haha.

 

 

After the bus ride through the country, you will trade your bus for a hand-cranked ferry and air conditioned vans on the other side of the river. They will take you the final mile to the site.

 

 

The guides will give you a thorough history lesson and you will see almost all of the ruins in the area. I only have photos of a few of them, but you cover more ground than what the pictures show. You do have to walk uphill in parts so keep that in mind. It will also be balmy and humid so bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray with you.

 

El Castillo

 

 

 

You'll have about 1.5 - 2 hours at the ruins. At the base is parking, gift shops, and clean restrooms. After the ruins, we stopped in San Ignacio (the closest town to the ruins; you can see it in the photo above) for a delicious lunch. We had rice/beans in coconut milk, grilled chicken, potato salad, a plantain, and coconut ice cream. Yummy! After lunch, you head back to port. If you choose Xunantunich, I would suggest bringing a snack with you (water and cereal bar, for example) because we didn't eat lunch until close to 2:00 and were definitely hungry by that point. I also have some photos of the countryside along the way if you'd like to see them.

Edited January 19, 2015 by iheartmarshall

[Badger-Badger]

And don't be unsettled by the soldiers with their very large guns who are at the sight. It sits right on an international border .... the soldiers took pictures with people. It scared a few people at first who were not expecting it.

[iheartmarshall]

And don't be unsettled by the soldiers with their very large guns who are at the sight. It sits right on an international border .... the soldiers took pictures with people. It scared a few people at first who were not expecting it.

 

I didn't even notice the soldiers when we went. I had heard about them on CC but we never did see any. I'm sure they were there, I was just fixated on the tour lol

[Jen1000]

I have done both and Xunantunich is far superior. The site is larger, in the hills, more picturesque AND much less crowded. A great day!

 

We are going to Belize the end of February on The Dream and wanted to know from past cruisers what they thought of their tours to the Altu Ha Mayan site and the Xunantunich Mayan site.

 

We haven't decided which one to go to yet and would like your opinions.

 

thanks much and happy cruising!