Main temple in Xunantunich, a Maya site in Belize (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Many people view Mayan culture as being restricted to Mexico, but in centuries past Mayan cities were spread throughout what is now Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The ruins of Xunatunich in Belize’s Cayo District still stand as a testament to former Mayan grandeur. The city of Xunatunich, a name that means “stone maiden,” thrived around 600-850 C.E.
Unlike a large number of Mayan ruins, visitors can still climb up a series of stairs to the very top of the main structure, known as El Castillo. The climb is arduous, but the view is well worth the hike to most tourists.
Read more about Xunatunich by clicking here.