Nim Li Punit - Belize’s Nim Li Punit is a little Mayan ruin with a big name that means “The Big Hat,” and it’s well worth the trip to see this bit of history for yourself. The ruin is large enough to impress at 121+ acres, and important enough to be called Belize’s stelae capitol thanks to 26 of these monuments, eight of which have been carved to pay tribute to gods and heroes. Why the name Big Hat? Because the longest stelae in the plaza depicts a figure wearing a hat, of course.
Just because stelae is this ruin’s main attraction, that doesn’t mean you won’t find other wonders. In addition to the 26 monoliths, a huge sandstone structure rises around 40 feet into the air and beneath that, two other plazas and a ball court sprawl across the compound. Even the location is exotic: it sits high atop a Maya Mountain ridge in southern Belize, and was once an important ceremonial and ritual center as well as a village that was home to up to 7,000 Mayans at one time.
In 2015, Braswell and others excavated the jade pendant— as well as pottery and a couple of teeth— in a tomb that dates to around the year 800 A.D and is located in a place called Nim Li Punit in the south of Belize. According to Braswell, in the year 672, the jade pendant was used for the first time in a ritual focused on summoning wind and rain, which was essential for Mayan crops. Eventually, the precious artifact—which “had immense power and magic,” Braswell said— was buried.
Measuring over seven inches across, about four inches high, and just over a quarter inch thick, the jade pendant is the second-biggest of its kind to be found in Belize. On one side are the hieroglyphs, and on the other, a T-shape. That T, according to the statement on the find, is a glyph known as “ik,” meaning “wind and breath.”
Why Should You Visit Nim Li Punit Mayan Ruins?
In addition to seeing the stela, you’ll be impressed by two concrete buildings that serve as visitor’s centers/museums housing precious artifacts and relics. The architecture is worth mentioning: it’s constructed of huge stones, iron railings and glass-paneled wood entry doors, so there’s plenty of harmony between the interior and exterior where jungle and coastal plain provide a fitting setting. Inside, colorful wall displays filled with data and artifacts describe the clothing, cultural history, diet, language, religion and other information about residents over time, so you’ve an accurate picture of thousands of years of history.
What is the Best Way to Experience Nim Li Punit?
For national monuments (such as Nim Li Punit), 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.  
When is the Best Time to Visit?
See Nim Li Punit any time you like since so much Mayan history is housed within the two buildings. At the site itself, the right footwear and a light poncho may be all you need to tour the compound if it rains.
What is the Best Way to Get There?
Travel the Southern Highway north 25 miles from Punta Gorda, or start your trip in Belmopan and drive 45 miles along the Hummingbird Highway to the Southern Highway exit, then another 50 miles to reach Indian Creek Village. That stated, the very best way to visit Nim Li Punit is to book a tour with your resort hosts so all of these details are sorted by the experts.
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Where in Nim Li Punit located in Belize?
From Belmopan, take the Hummingbird Highway for 45 miles until you reach the Southern Highway Exit.  Turn right onto the Southern Highway and travel an additional 50 miles (1 ½ hours) until you reach Indian Creek Village.  Exit to the right on the gravel road and continue for about 1/2 mile until you reach the reserve.

FACTS ABOUT - Nim Li Punit

  • The name Nim Li Punit is derived from a carving on one of the site’s twenty six stelae, which depicts a figure wearing a large headdress.
  • In the Maya Kekchi language, Nim li Punit  means “the big hat.”
  • The monument on which this carving appears is the longest stela in Belize (Stela 14), originally located in an area called Plaza of the Stelae.
  • Nim Li Punit is a small site in the Toledo District.
  • Nim Li Punit is regarded as a ceremonial center consisting of (2) plazas, one higher than the other.
  • There are (25) stelae of which (8) are carved. The largest structure is 33-40 feet above the plaza level and is constructed of dry, sandstone typical of sites in southern Belize.
  • There are (3) plaza areas and a ballcourt.
  • The concentration of so many stelae makes this a unique site.
  • The site of Nim Li Punit first discovered in 1976 by oil prospectors in the area.
  • Archaeological investigation at Nim Li Punit has discovered royal tombs, many stelae and in 2015 an impressively carved jade pectoral known as the wind jewel. 

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