Xunantunich and Blue Hole

Xunantunich has six major plazas with more than twenty-five temples and palaces. "El Castillo" (the Castle), the largest rising to 130 feet above the plaza. El Castillo has carved friezes on the east and west sides. The frieze on the east has been preserved and covered with a fibre glass replica of the central mask representing the sun god.

Leave Placencia at 6:30 am for the drive to the majestic Hummingbird Highway drive with its karst limestone topography intermixed with orange groves. Turn west at Belmopan toward Guatemala and Xunantunich. On the way home, stop along the Hummingbird Highway to enjoy a refreshing swim in Blue Hole National Park. Return to Placencia in the evening around 7:00 pm.

Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeved shirt, long pants and a hat and a swim suit. Bring a camera, binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

Fitness level required: low to moderate