Xunantunich or Altun Ha

[2-laner]

As much as I would love to go to Lamanai, and it is my first choice, I have decided I would feel better if I stayed with a ship excursion so getting back in time is not on my mind. So that leaves me with choosing Xumantunich or Altun Ha. They both sound wonderful, and I can't decide which one for myself and two kids - 11 and 13. What do you all think??? Guess I'm looking for personal favorites from you, and then see which one wins out.

[wdowns9]

Here are my pics of Xunantunich, it is a long day but worth it. You have about 2hrs on site and can climb the main Castillo (125ft) but the climb is very easy compared to other climbs.

 

http://wdowns9.smugmug.com/gallery/3434004_FSUYS#192547985_DBVXF

[2-laner]

I love your pictures on Xunantunich. It looks very secluded and in a natural setting compared to other places that have a little bit of a manacured look. Do you think there will be less people going to this place as opposed to Altun Ha? It has been suggested that this trip is a little less 'fun' to get to since it is a longer bus ride and does not include a boat ride up the river to see wildlife, like Altun Ha. Personally, we prefer a little less crowd and more quiet nature.

 

One more question. Can you climb anywhere on the ruins, or just select structures? I suggested to my kids when they were looking at your pictures with me, that I kind of think they might not want us on all of them so as to preserve them as much as possible.