Category: Central America

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Belize Central America Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Mayan Ruins

Xunantunich- A Glimpse into Belize’s Ancient Past

Xunantunich Ruins

I’ve been to many Maya ruins in the past, including some throughout the country of Belize but Xunantunich is my ultimate favorite. Located in western Belize, about 70 miles from Belize City (where you would pull into if you arrive by cruise ship). The journey from Belize City to San Ignacio, where the ruins are located, will take you about two hours by motorcoach. The bus ride will give you a truly accurate picture of life in Belize. Some may not think it’s the most scenic drive but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think it’s gorgeous!

Fun Fact: Belizeans don’t have to pay taxes on their homes if they are not 100% complete. Therefore, many of the homes are left unfinished to avoid having to pay taxes.

Xunantunich Pronounciation

Say it with me shoe-nan-too-nich. Shoe-nan-too-nich. Or… just call it Tuna Sandwich and the locals will totally know what you’re talking about…oddly enough.

Where is Xunantunich located?

This ancient Maya archaeological site is located in western Belize, about 70 miles from Belize City. The journey will take you about two hours by motorcoach.

Xunantunich Map

The physical address is: 40 Park Street, Belize

Once you arrive in San Ignacio you’ll come to the Mopan River where you’ll see the cutest ferry. It’s a hand-cranked ferry! The ferry platform is on a cable and is moved back and forth by a hand-crank. So awesome! After crossing the river, you’ll be in the gorgeous park area. It’s just a short walk to the ancient ruins.

All About Xunantunich

Xunantunich means “Sculpture of Lady” in the Mayan language. The first modern explorations began in the mid-1890s. Since then, archaeologists have excavated the site and uncovered many structures including El Castillo, the second tallest structure in Belize. The site was built during the Classic Period (250 to 900 AD) and is made up of six major plazas and features more than 25 temples and palaces- and counting!

El Castillo, is the main focal point of the site and has been partially restored and is famous for the frieze carvings that cover it. Want to know something even cooler? You can walk in the steps of ancient Belizean’s and climb to the top of this 130-foot tall structure.

This place ain’t Disney World!

Let me just tell you that this climb is not for the faint of heart! It will totally get your heart racing! There are zero safety features installed on the structure, to help preserve it in its original state, and there will be points where you literally have to press your back against the rock and shimmy your way across to make the climb to the top. It is freaky! In fact, many of the people who started the trek up had to turn around because they couldn’t take it.

It is totally scary but totally worth it! Ashley and I somehow summoned up enough courage to climb to the very top and were rewarded with some of the most incredible views! From that vantage point, you could see Belize, Guatemala, and even get a glimpse of Cahal Pech, another ancient ruin I have visited.

Belize-it-or-not this place is still under excavation! Archaeologists have discovered new chambers and structures as recently as 2016 when a burial chamber was discovered! This burial chamber was attached to a large building and held the corpse of a young male (between 20-30 years old), and relics such as knives, jade pearls, ceramic vessels, and animal bones. Totally cool right?

If you ever get a chance to check out Xunantunich, I strongly suggest that you take advantage of the opportunity. This place is definitely an incredible marvel and the perfect glimpse into the ancient past. It requires a lot of courage and exercise to get to the top but it is absolutely incredible. It is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and worth the anxiety and long bus ride!

What is there to do nearby?

Our Ruins Essentials

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

While You’re in San Ignacio…

 

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Updated: 10/25/21

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Belize Central America Cruise Excursions Cruise Tips Cruise Travel Mayan Ruins

The Maya Ruins of Cahal Pech in Belize

Belize is a stunning country situated in the middle of Central America. The country is surrounded by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. I have had the opportunity to visit Belize six times now, and each time I fall deeper and deeper in love. Belize is filled with an abundance of adventures just waiting to be had! I have visited the impressive Maya ruins of Cahal Pech and Xunantunich, swum with sharks and rays in Caye Caulker, gone zip lining and repelling in the jungles, and gone cave tubing through an immense cave system.

A Brief History

The site was the home for a super-elite Maya family. Parts of the site date back all the way to 1200 BCE making it one of the oldest, known, Maya sites in Belize. This site is made up of a collection of 34 structures centered around a central acropolis. The largest temple stands about 82 feet high. At the height of the city’s existence, about 15,000 people lived here- a majority of them were farmers working the land surrounding the ruins.

Cahal Pech means “Place of the Ticks” in the Yucatec Maya language. If that doesn’t encourage you to visit, I don’t know what does!

Although archaeologists did some minor digging around, it wasn’t until 1988 that they really began excavating and restoring this remarkable site. The excavation was completed in 2000. Archaeologists have uncovered seven plazas, and over 30 structures including ball courts, temples, a sweat house, and a royal barrier chamber.

The site is made up of a collection of 34 structures centered around a central acropolis. The largest temple stands about 82 feet high. In closing, although Cahal Pech wasn’t nearly as large or impressive as the magnificent Xunantunich, it was still really cool to visit. These ruins are some of the few in which you are actually able to climb the structure, which is pretty stinking cool. It’s a great way to help you envision what life must have been like back then.

Where is Cahal Pech?

Cahal Pech is located in San Ignacio, near the Guatemalan border, about a 2-hour bus ride from Belize City.

My Experience

My adventure actually started by me booking an excursion to nearby Xunantunich. While we were en route, our tour guide “got a phone call” telling him that the ferry that we needed to take to get to Xunantunich was not operating due to flash floods. As an alternative, we would be going to visit Cahal Pech instead.

Secondly, I have to admit that I was pretty bummed that we would be missing out on Xunantunich. I had been wanting to visit there for a couple of years and I was really forward to finally being able to check it out. In fact, I didn’t believe the story about the ferry until I actually rode on it a couple of years later. The ferry across the river to Xunantunich is an old-fashioned hand-cranked ferry. It’s essentially a few planks of wood that are tethered together. Attached to the wood is a podium that has lines that hook up to cables that span the width of the river. An operator uses a hand crank to move the ferry across the river. When I finally saw this setup, I realized that maybe they weren’t bsing us after all.

Exploring the site is like wandering through a maze. There are tons of tunnels and passageways leading to dark rooms. I bet this would be a badass place to play laser tag!

What is there to do nearby?

Our Ruins Essentials

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

While You’re in San Ignacio

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

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Central America Cruise Travel Honduras Little French Key

5 Awesome Things to Do at Little French Key

The area of Roatan and Little French Key was once known as a haven for pirates but it has long since been taken over by divers and snorkelers. Nearly the entire island is surrounded by an incredible coral reef full of vibrantly colored tropical fish, lobsters, sea urchins, and other sea creatures. The island itself is covered with white-sand beaches, rolling hills, and the friendliest people you’ll ever encounter.

I’ve visited Honduras five times now and each time, I fall more and more in love with it. During my last two visits, I spent my time in a little place called Little French Key.

Where is Little French Key?

Little French Key is a small private island off the coast of another island (Roatan), off the coast of a developing country… does that sound remote enough for you?

Many islands have been called “paradise” in the past, however, I assure you that LFK puts all of those islands to shame. If your idea of paradise is a raked white sand beach covered with gorgeous palm trees, palm frond huts, and barely any other people around, LFK is perfect for you.

Little French Key has countless activities for visitors to enjoy so it is no wonder that it has been rated as the #1 Attraction in Roatan by TripAdvisor. They offer everything from massages, manicures, and pedicures, guided snorkeling expeditions, paddleboarding, a zoo filled with rescued animals, restaurants, bars, etc. This place seriously has it all!

Here are 5 Awesome Things to Do in Little French Key:

Paddleboarding and Kayaking

Paddleboarding and kayaking are two of the trendiest water sports right now. LFK is the perfect place to try your hand at both. The island features gorgeous coves surrounded by rock jetties that prevent the waves from coming in making the water a nice, smooth surface perfect for beginners.

Zoo

The owners of LFK have rescued many animals from various circuses. These animals have been given a safe and healthy home with the medical care that they need. Be sure to stop by and say hello to the lions, tigers, jaguars, monkeys, and birds that have been rescued! If you’re lucky, you may even be able to hold one of these precious animals.

Relax

I don’t know about you, but when I go on vacation, I love just being able to relax. Here you can soak up some rays on one of the comfortable beach chairs or relax under the shade of a palm tree. There are countless hammocks, swings, and even a platform full of beds where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery while getting a little R&R.

Enjoy a Monkey Lala

This super fun drink is a signature on the island of Roatan. It is a delicious combination of Bailey’s, Kahlua, vodka, rum, cream of coconut, and a splash of cream. This drink is heavenly! The bartenders here also make a mean margarita and another superb signature drink called The Tornado.

Snorkeling

One of my favorite thing to do in the islands is breaking out my snorkeling gear and checking out what’s happening in the deep blue sea. Honduras is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, second only to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) in Australia. In fact, it is actually home to the largest living barrier reef in the world as much of the GBR has died. LFK offers a guided snorkeling tour that takes you to an underwater park known as Mayatlantis. Here, you can swim amongst replicas of ancient Maya ruins, which is pretty stinking cool if you ask me.

If guided tours aren’t your thing, you can also snorkel in the coves. You won’t believe how much-petrified coral is right under your feet! You may also see fish, lobsters, sea urchins, and more!

How do I get to this place?

Little French Key is truly heaven on Earth! If you visit Roatan aka Mahogany Bay on a cruise, be sure to look into visiting this incredible private island. The LFK crew will even meet you at the dock and transport you to paradise!

There are also direct flights from Houston, Atlanta, and New York to Roatan. From Roatan, you’ll take a super quick (less than 5 minutes!) ferry ride from the mainland to Little French Key aka Heaven on Earth. Little French Key offers hotel accommodations right on the island, making it easy to wake up and have your toes in the sand in just minutes!

While You’re in Roatan…

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Caribbean Central America Cruise Travel Honduras Little French Key

Little French Key in Roatan, Honduras – Why We WON’T Be Returning

Little French Key, Roatan, Honduras

Little French Key USED to be one of our favorite spots to visit in Central America.  We once saw it as a little slice of paradise where time moves a little slower, the sun shines a little brighter, the sand feels just a little bit softer, and the drinks are poured a little stronger. It was the perfect little escape for couples, families, and large groups.

Where is Little French Key?

Firstly, Honduras has 3 bay islands off of its north coast; Roatan, Utila, and Guanaja. During our 2016 visit, we discovered our favorite place in the world. Just off the coast of Roatan is a small private island oasis called Little French Key. Making it an itty bitty island, off the coast of another island… sound remote enough for you?

Imagine a tranquil, freshly raked, white sand beach that is shaded by gorgeous palms and surrounded by clear blue water. That, my friends, is LFK. At least, that’s what they want you to believe.  Underneath the surface, it’s actually a haven for drama, scandal, corruption, and everything we try to escape while on vacation.

The property is frequently in turmoil- turmoil the managers refer to as “hostile takeovers”.  These take overs sometimes include militia with machine guns, sieges by the government, arson, periods of time where there is no electricity or running water.  Little French Key has become a mess.

Probably the saddest part of all of this is the fact that there are innocent animals involved in this drama.  Little French Key prides itself as being a sanctuary for rescue animals.  These “rescues” end up being exploited and frequently sedated so that they remain calm while tourists pose for pictures with them.

 

 

 

Little French Key embodies everything we stand against.  It’s a shame that such a gorgeous property has succumbed to such drama and corruption.  We’ve visited the island 4x, and have such wonderful memories there.  We, however, will not be returning.

We caution you about visiting Little French Key, at this time.  The park closes without notice and is not issuing refunds to people who have prepaid for their trip.

Big French Key

Next to Little French Key is another island called Big French Key.  It has similar tranquil vibes without all of the machine guns, drugged-up animals, corruption, greed, fire, etc.

This is where WE will be visiting on our next trip to Roatan.  

While You’re in Roatan…

 

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Updated: 4/15/22

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