Caracol Mayan Ruins

The Largest known Mayan Ruins in Belize

Available on these days: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Fitness: Moderate | Kid Friendly: Yes

The largest Maya city ever excavated in Belize, Caracol is a huge site that features majestic temples that modern visitors can climb to enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding Chiquibul forest reserve. Still an active archaeological site, Caracol has revealed many of its treasures but much work is needed to uncover all of its secrets.After exploring the impressive ruins of Caracol, enjoy a refreshing dip in the receiving pools of the Big Rock Falls waterfall or Rio on Pools in the nearby Mountain Pine Ridge Park. Thanks to an investment from the Belizean government, the roads leading to Caracol are in good condition and the drive to the site gives visitors a chance to marvel at the spectacular beauty of the flora and fauna in the Chiquibul Rainforest.

Book Now

About Caracol Mayan Ruins

The original name for the city is unknown but today the ruins are known as Caracol from a Spanish term meaning “snail shell”, the nickname given because of the huge amounts of snail shells left behind by the original inhabitants. Although well worth the trip, Caracol is not located close to any of modern Belize’s inhabited areas.

At its height, the Maya city-state of Caracol encompassed more than 65 square miles (168 square kilometers) and was home to more than 100,000 people, far larger than any city today in Belize. Be sure not to miss the buildings in the area of the main court, which were built during the Early Classic period to make details observations of the stars.

Since it was rediscovered in the 1920s, archeologists have unearthed the earliest known carved stelae in Belize, some of them more than 2,400 years old. The most famous discovery was the Sky Palace, an enormous pyramid that is still the tallest man-made structure in Belize.

Recent discoveries of glyphs in Caracol describe a triumphant military victory over the famous city-state of Tikal, suggesting that Caracol was the superpower of its day.

Caracol Mayan Ruins History

The Maya city now known as Caracol was founded around 1200 years before the Common Era. During the heyday of the Maya between 600 and 900 AD, now known as the Classic Period, the city grew to its largest size. At its peak, Caracol was one of the largest Maya cities ever built, compromising more than 65 square miles and home to at least 120,000 people.

Archeologists have uncovered a wealth of artifacts at the site, including ball court markers, capstones, wall facades, altars, and stelae that reveal much about the history of the city. One ball court marker discovered tells of an impressive military victory over the city state of Tikal (now in neighboring Guatemala) some time during the early Classic Period.

During its long existence, Caracol was a densely populated city state with a large army. Archeologists have uncovered records showing that Caracol conquered other city states like Naranjo and Ucanal that added to Caracol’s treasury. One war that we have records for describes an event in 562 AD when Lord Water of Caracol vanquished the army led by Tikal’s leader Double Bird.

Today, visitors to Caracol can see long causeways that stretch more than 25 miles. These causeways served as Maya highways that connected the urban center to outlying areas where crops were grown.

Major Attractions at Caracol Mayan Ruins

The heart of Caracol is home to three large squares or plazas that contain two ball courts, a scattering of smaller buildings, and an acropolis. The Visitor Center contains photographs, diagrams, and artifacts recovered from the site, including a ceremonial altar.

Probably its most famous attraction is the Sky Palace, sometimes called Canaa. Measuring more than 136 feet high, the Sky Palace is not only the largest Maya building in Belize but still the tallest man-made structure in the country. Inside the Sky Palace can be found three temples and four palaces. The rooms in the palace were originally painted white with decorations in vivid red paint. Additionally, more than 100 tombs have been excavated within the city center.

Caracol Maya Ruins tour can be combined with the Mountain Pine Ridge and departs from Cahal Pech Village Resort in the early morning and is inclusive of transportation, guide, park entrance fees and lunch.

Note: The 1000 Foot Fall Tour is unavailable when this tour is combined with the Mountain Pine Ridge.