Xunantunich

Xunantunich is a Maya site overlooking the Mopan River in western Belize. Its monumental center is dominated by the pyramid known as El Castillo, whose upper walls bear elaborate stucco decoration. The city grew especially during the Late Classic period, when its plazas and buildings rose above a landscape of neighboring settlements. Though royal power declined near the end of that era, evidence of later domestic occupation shows that activity in the area did not cease at once.

The later city of Belmopan lies here.