As everyone knows, October is the right month to delve into all issues eerie and the supernatural. If you end up in Belize this month, why not take your Halloween to the subsequent degree by exploring an historical website with a haunted historical past? Xunantunich, one in all Belize’s beloved Maya archaeological websites, gives simply the appropriate mix of historical past and spooky legend. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Mopan River, this historical metropolis is believed by some to be residence to a ghost! Maintain studying to study all in regards to the thriller and historical past of Xunantunich.
The Legend of the Stone Lady
Photograph by the Belize Tourism Board
Xunantunich, which implies “Stone Lady” in Mayan, will get its identify from the spectral determine who’s rumored to hang-out the location. Imagine it or not, this legend dates all the best way again to the late 1800s! Since again then, locals reported sightings of a mysterious girl wearing white. Witnesses say she has lengthy darkish hair and seems strolling across the temple earlier than finally vanishing in skinny air.
The lady’s reported appearances at El Castillo, the tallest construction at Xunantunich, add a supernatural attract to an already fascinating website. Although historians have but to uncover the origins of the legend, the tales proceed to captivate guests. There are numerous who come to see if they’ll catch a glimpse of this elusive determine. Who is aware of, perhaps you is likely to be one in all them.
Touring Xunantunich: What to Count on
Escape the crowds in Belize. Xunantunich – Maya Web site © Roeming Belize
Exploring Xunantunich is an journey in itself. The journey begins with a hand-cranked ferry journey throughout the Mopan River, which provides an additional layer of uniqueness to the already fascinating website. As soon as throughout, a brief uphill trek brings you to the principle website. Right here, you’ll discover El Castillo, which towers at 130 toes tall. Climbing to the highest gives sweeping views of the jungle and neighboring Guatemala.
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- Photograph by the Belize Tourism Board
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- The enduring carved frieze at Xunantunich in Cayo. Photograph by the Belize Tourism Board
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- Photograph by the Belize Tourism Board
Whereas touring the location, you’ll get a way of the grandeur that after outlined this Maya metropolis, which dates again to round 600 AD. There are a number of plazas, smaller temples, and complex friezes to discover, with historical carvings depicting Maya gods, and emperors. Nonetheless, it’s El Castillo that attracts probably the most consideration. The pyramid-like construction served as town’s foremost ceremonial heart and is the very spot the place the Stone Lady has been seen.
Related: For the Historical past Buffs: High Maya Websites to Go to in Belize This October
Native guides like to share the legend, and a few even declare to have felt a supernatural presence whereas exploring the location at daybreak or nightfall. They’ll stroll you thru the historical past and thriller, mentioning the precise spots the place the Stone Lady allegedly materializes. Whether or not you consider within the paranormal or are merely intrigued by the story, the expertise of visiting Xunantunich will make for a narrative to inform across the Halloween campfire.
Wrapping Up Your October Journey
When you’re in Belize this October and have a style for all issues spooky, make Xunantunich part of your itinerary. This historical Maya metropolis gives extra than simply historical past, offering a possibility to delve into Belize’s wealthy cultural legends. Whether or not you come out of it as a real believer within the Stone Lady or just fascinated by the Maya civilization’s legacy, exploring Xunantunich is an exhilarating means so as to add some Halloween spirit to your Belize journey.
