Xunantunich
Xunantunich pronounced "shoo-NAHN-too-nich" is an ancient Maya site located in the western district of Cayo, some 80 miles west of Belize City. Xuntanich is built on top a steep mountainous area that overlooks the Mopan River and is within close proximity to Guatemala. The name Xunantunich means "Stone Woman" in the Maya language.
The significant areas of Xunantunich span about 1 square mile and consists of a series of 6 plazas surrounded by more than 25 palaces and temples. The most prominent of these structures is a pyramid known as "El Castillo" which peaks at 130 feet, and is the second tallest Maya structure in Belize (eclipsed only by the temple of Caracol).
The structures of Xunantunich date to the Maya Classic Period. Archaeologist beleive that the destruction done to some structures was caused by an earthquake which may have led to the it's abandonment.
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