 |
Xunantunich Archaeological Site
Mayan Ruins Near Guatemala
Belize Birding Destination |
| Exotic Birding tours that visit Xunantunich Archaeological Site in Belize |
| No scheduled tours. Future tours may visit this area. |
|
| Location of Xunantunich Archaeological Site in Belize |
 Xunantunich Archaeological Site is located near the Guatemala border about 3 hours west of the Belize International Airport just north of the Western Highway in the Cayo District of Belize. It is reached by crossing the Mopan River on a hand-cranked cable ferry and then driving about a mile up the road on the other side. |
| Description of Xunantunich Archaeological Site Reserve |
Xunantunich ("Stone Lady" in Mayan) was already in ruins a thousand years ago. It was probably built around A.D. 150-900 during the Golden Age of the Maya. The area was subjected to earthquake damage around A.D. 850, possibly explaining why it was abandoned around that time. The most notable structure is the 135 ft. high El Castillo, one of the taller structures found at Mayan sites. Climbing to the top is well worth the effort, as it affords views of the surrounding area as well as being a great vantage point for seeing canopy birds that are difficult to view from the ground. Even so, the ruins themselves are the main attraction at this site.
|
| |
| Partial bird checklist of Xunantunich Archaeological Site |
| Bold face indicates species that are localized in distribution within the country, endemic, near endemic, endangered, threatened, or vulnerable to extirpation. |
| 1 | | Ornate Hawk-Eagle | Spizaetus ornatus |
| 2 | | Olive-throated (Aztec) Parakeet | Aratinga nana |
| 3 | | Amazon Kingfisher | Chloroceryle amazona |
| 4 | | Pale-billed Woodpecker | Campephilus guatemalensis |
|
All contents and design © 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 by Exotic Birding, LLC. Original Macaw photo © Roy Toft. All rights reserved. |
| Website designed and produced by Jim Wittenberger and Laura L. Fellows. |
|
