CARACOL MAYA RUIN

Maya Archaeological Site

Ready to experience the magnificence of Caracol, Belize's largest Maya Archaeological Reserve?

This immense Mayan site in Belize, Caracol, sprawls 75 square miles within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Cayo District. 

Back then, that much room was necessary to house a vast population that once boasted almost 200,000 residents! 

Tour the central core of three plaza grounds framed by two ball courts, an acropolis, buildings, temples, palaces, and sacred sites that include altars and places for ceremonial worship. 

The most prominent building is the main pyramid Caana - Sky Temple. Still the tallest structure in modern-day Belize, with a top height of around 142 ft (43 meters). The acoustic architecture of Caracol is impressive. Whoever stands and speaks at the summit of Caana is understood exceptionally well throughout the plaza. A 360-degree view of this vantage point's stunning and incredible unique panorama awaits you.

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The trip to and from Caracol is 'off-road' - which translates to bumpy and lengthy - yet you get rewarded with a panoramic landscape crossing from the Mountain Pine Ridge into the Chiquibul Forest, including scenic creeks and rivers. 

So feel honored if you spot Scarlet Macaws in the crown of a tree, now endangered in Belize, or the passing of a unique Tapir, the mountain cow.

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Then, on your return drive in the afternoon, you spend some time at Rio on Pools in the Mountain Pine Ridge area, featuring natural swimming pools and mini waterfalls cascading over rock formations.