The ancient Maya left behind their cities and settlements, which comprise many of the Maya Ruins you can find in Belize today. These primitive cities have become some of the top-rated tourist attractions in Central America. Among these Maya cities, Caracol in Belize is undoubtedly the largest one.
This huge site features so many buildings, temples, sacred sites, palaces, an acropolis, and two ball courts. However, the most sought-after tourist attraction at the Caracol Maya Ruins has to be Caana (the Sky Palace), which is among the tallest man-made structures all over Belize.
This huge pyramid stands approximately 140 feet above the jungle ground and features three temples, hieroglyphic inscriptions, hundreds of tombs, and four palaces. From the top of the Sky Palace, you can get a clear view of the lush Belize jungle.
Interesting Facts About Caracol Maya Ruins
It’s reported that at its peak, Caracol Maya Ruins were home to almost twice the people currently living in Belize City. The city is dated back to 1200BC and was a thriving urban center spread about 200 square kilometers (77 square miles). Additionally, Caracol was well connected with other Maya cities at the time throughout Belize, Guatemala, and even Mexico.
The Mayas occupying Caracol were involved in constant conflicts with Tikal before the city collapsed back in 1000AD. Until 1937, Caracol was a hidden gem deep inside the Western Belize jungle. Today, many archeologists have excavated the fallen city and uncovered many useful artifacts that reveal a great deal of the culture, ancient civilization, and history of Caracol.
Caracol is open to the public, and tourists can get a sight of the long causeways on the site that stretch approximately 25 miles. It’s worth noting that these causeways once served as the link between the city and other urban centers as well as outlying areas where crop farming occurred.
How Is the Drive to Caracol Maya Ruins?
Even though Caracol is the largest of the Maya cities in Belize, it’s also the most under-exploited Maya ruin in the country. This is all due to its location. The Caracol site is the most remote, and you need to go for a long drive before you get there.
Due to the site being off the beaten path, public transport is not an option. This means you can only get there using a rental 4WD vehicle or book one of the organized tours by Cahal Pech Village Resort.
Book Your Stay with Us
Are you planning to visit Caracol Maya Ruins? Consider booking your stay at Cahal Pech Village Resort for the best vacation experience. We’re close to Belize's top-rated tourist attractions including Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Tikal in Guatemala, and many others. At Cahal Pech Village Resort, we also arrange tours to other Maya Ruins in Belize that you may be eager to visit.
For Reservations and General Inquiries
Email: info@cahalpech.com
Tel: +501-824-3740
