Thursday, January 16, 2020

Virtual Belize: Mayan Ruins


They say that Xunantunich is the Mayan Ruin to see in Belize. They have many...all the way to Guatemala...but getting to this one is part of the best of the journey.

Its name means "Sculpture of Lady" and is a modern name given as a nod to an apparition said to be seen climbing the stairs then disappearing.

The "Stone Woman" 

The site was found in the mid-1890's.

Xunantunich was built before 250 A.D

(..its Mayan name is unknown...)

The main pyramid (El Castillo) is 130 feet tall.

The pronunciation of Xunantunich is Shoo-Nah-Too-Nitch.

So...let's start our virtual adventure...shall we?

The hand-cranked ferry ride across the Mopan River.

https://youtu.be/_0TVTLmMKpI





and our first sight of the ruins.





A friend of mine visited these ruins some years back bringing me a stone
(as she knows how I collect rocks from everywhere) remarking she

"...yanked it from a Mayan Ruin..." (direct quote)

When I asked her if that wasn't illegal as hell...she replied

"Only if they catch you..."

Alrighty, then...

Tour 

https://youtu.be/gd4XUZj7l6I



Longer Guided Tour (BEST)

https://youtu.be/qDP81wzsnoI




















 Hope you enjoyed today's tour of the Mayan Ruins...next time we will discover some of the unique geological features, flora and fauna of Belize.

Until then...