Xunantunich!!!!

The Bill and I conquer another ruin. Xunantunich, It is pronounced "zshoo-NAN-too-NEECH."
Once again, we hire a private cab to take us to the site. This way we can visit on our own without being herded like cattle. The drive was quick. We need to cross the river by ferry, pick up our driver on the other side and then he drives us to the entrance and waits.
We poach a tour in front of us and listen as the guide describes the temple off to the side. The layout for these temples seem to be on a north, south, east west placement. However, as we walk around one temple and noblemen's house, we find ourselves staring straight up thie enormous temple. We find out that this was also use as banquet halls, although the doors are now sealed off. the Hightower reaching 130 feet which makes it the largest one we have witnessed. From a distance, it has the look of a vertical climb. We noticed many people climbing the temple. Bill and I took a moment sitting down relaxing against a smaller temple. I mention to Bill if he is up to climbing it and he gives the ok, and the journey begins.... I know there might have been some disappointment we did not climb at Lamanai but Bill and I only climb the biggies. If you are just an off the rack, generic God, we don't move for you. I am going to post below some pictures first of the Temple then of us at the top.

Some Historical information to wet your whistle:

What you will see today is a Classic period (300-900 AD) ceremonial center, with large plazas ringed with pyramids. The tallest is the 130 foot "El Castillo," which is large by Mayan standards and is only exceeded by the Caana pyramid at Caracol. The site was occupied until around 900 A.D. and was likely abandoned after an earthquake, the evidence of which was discovered by archaeologists in the mid-1900's.

It is recommended to make the climb to the top of "El Castillo." This vantage point provides a breathtaking, 360 degree, panoramic view over the jungle canopy of the Macal, Mopan and Belize River valleys, as well as a vast area of the Guatemalan Peten District, which is only a few miles away. You will also get a close look at the restored portions of two unique stucco friezes, which appear on the east and west sides of the upper portion of the pyramid.
The recent history of Xunantunich began in the late 1800's, when it was explored by a British medical officer named Thomas Gann.

http://www.belizereport.com/sites/xunan.html

The Temple!