Caracol Mayan Ruins

Caracol Mayan Ruins - Mayans settling Caracol in several waves bestowed two names upon the community: “Three Water Hill” and then “Three Hills Lord,” though its current name wasn’t chosen by Mayan settlers, but by Belize’s Archaeological Commissioner A. H. Anderson in 1938. The largest Mayan site in Belize, Caracol sprawls across 75 square miles, an area greater than Belize City. Of course, that much room was necessary to house a huge population that, at one time, boasted almost 200,000 residents! Learn more about this fascinating epicenter when you visit.
Tour the central core of three plaza grounds bounded by two ball courts, an acropolis, buildings, temples, palaces and sacred sites that include altars and places for ceremonial worship. Perhaps the most often written about attraction at Caracol is the Sky Palace (Caana), the tallest man-made structure in Belize. It towers above the settlement at a height of 136-feet, but for those eager to get a complete picture of this ancient world, the stele, tombs, hieroglyphic inscriptions and intricate architectural details will fill in the voids.
Why Should You Visit Caracol Mayan Ruins?
The main reason to visit Caracol, in addition to seeing Caana, is to take in the grandeur of a destination that contains over 35,000 buildings. This factor alone makes Caracol a one-of-a-kind attraction. There’s an astronomic observatory within the community and you may have a chance to marvel at reservoirs and causeways that reflect the sophistication of the society that built this empire. One of the most prominent city states of the Classic Period, the people of Caracol used their power mightily, defeating neighboring societies during violent wars waged for territory and superiority.
What is the Best Way to Experience Caracol?
For national monuments (such as Caracol), the Belize Government requires that you be accompanied by a licensed-trained tour guide.  This is not only for your safety, but the governments way of protecting their historical monuments.  
What is the Best Way to Get to Caracol?
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit?
The Caracol Mayan site is open year round (365 days) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.   The best time of year to visit (for visibility), is during dry season (November to April), also known as high season. 
Where is Caracol located in Belize?
Reach the Caracol site by starting in the Cayo District and traveling around 25 miles south of San Ignacio to the Maya Mountains foothills where the Chiquibul Forest Reserve welcomes travelers to the former Mayan stronghold. Prepare for a slog. Caracol is situated amid tropical rain and pine forests that could require an arduous trek to reach the site. As recently as 2009, 3D maps taken of Caracol reveal much more to be unearthed about agricultural terraces and paved causeways, reason enough to return in the future.
From the town of San Ignacio, Caracol is a 2-½ hour drive. Take the Cristo Rey Road and drive towards Mountain Pine Ridge until you reach Douglas D’Silva Forest Station. Drive another 45 minutes until you reach the Caracol Archaeological Reserve.

Caracol Mayan Ruins

       Located on the western edge of the Maya Mountains within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Caracol lies on a high plateau of 500m above sea level that drops into a deep valley to the northwest and rises into hilly terrain to the southwest.     
     Caracol is a 2-½ hour drive from San Ignacio town. Take the Cristo Rey Road and drive towards Mountain Pine Ridge until you reach Douglas D’Silva Forest Station. From there drive another 45 minutes until you reach the Caracol Archaeological Reserve.
    The site was discovered in 1938 by Rosa Mai, a logger looking for mahogany. That same year the Archaeological Commissioner, A.H. Anderson, visited the site and named it ‘Caracol’ (Spanish for ‘shell’).
     Caracol – Although one of the most challenging Belize ruins to reach, the trip to Caracol is also one of the most scenic drives. It is the largest known Maya center within the country and holds “Canaa” (Sky Place), the largest pyramid or man made structure in Belize at 140 feet tall. A large part of Caracol is largely being discovered, but numerous carved monuments populate the area, and the main reservoir is an engineering masterpiece.

Facts About Caracol

  • Located on the western edge of the Maya Mountains within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Caracol lies on a high plateau of 500m above sea level that drops into a deep valley to the northwest and rises into hilly terrain to the southwest.
  • The site was discovered in 1938 by Rosa Mai, a logger looking for mahogany.
  • Archaeological investigations at Caracol have established that along with Tikal in Guatemala and Calakmul in Campeche, the site once commanded considerable economic and political influence in the ancient Maya world.
  • Dominating the center of this important community was the massive structure known as Caana, “Sky Place.”
  • Caana or "Sky Place", remains the tallest human-made construction in Belize.

PHOTO GALLERY - Caracol Mayan Ruins