Archeological Sites in Belize

Belize

Ancient Mayans once thrived throughout Belize, and today you can explore the ruins of these wonderous civilizations at archeological sites. There are a number of sites to visit and all kinds of structures to see, including palaces, temples, and ball courts. There are ceremonial centers dating back thousands of years and reservoirs that display an advanced knowledge of engineering. Touring these archeological sites will provide travelers with a close-up look at one of Belize's oldest cultures.

Archeological Sites in Belize
Destinations

Belize Highlights

A curated look at the best Belize has to offer. These are the destinations that consistently stand out — places with real character, great experiences, and something worth going out of your way for.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich

Home to the second largest Mayan pyramid in Belize, Xunantunich is one of the most impressive Mayan sites in Belize. The site is composed of three major ceremonial plazas surrounded by numerous temples, palaces, and house mounds. Xunantunich is located 8 miles (13 km) southwest of San Ignacio on the Western Highway.

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Cahal Pech Ruins

Cahal Pech Ruins

Less than a 10-minute drive or a 25-minute uphill walk from the town of San Ignacio, the 2-acre Mayan ruin site called Cahal Pech makes for pleasant morning or afternoon trip.

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Altun Ha

Altun Ha

Out of all of the Mayan sites in Belize, Altun Ha is the most easily accessible from Belize City. This site was once a major trading center, as indicated by the discoveries of jade, jewelry, pottery, and elaborate sculptures. Just 30 miles (50 km) north of Belize City, Altun Ha is a popular day trip for both cruise ship passengers and independent travelers.

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Actun Tunichil Muknal

Actun Tunichil Muknal

Actun Tunichil Muknal is a cave that the Mayans used for ceremonial purposes, dating back to around 900 AD. According to Maya lore, Actun Tunichil Muknal (known locally as “ATM”) connects the world of the living to Xibalba, the Maya underworld. This cave served as the site of human sacrifice – archeologists have uncovered the remains of 6 children and several adults inside the cave. Historians speculate that the Maya intended these sacrifices to appease the gods of the underworld.

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Caracol Ruins

Caracol Ruins

When you visit the Caracol ruins, you’ll get to see over 30 structures built by the Mayans, including the tower of Caana, the tallest structure in all of Belize. To reach Caracol, you’ll visit the Chiquibul Forest Reserve in western Belize, at the foothills of the Maya mountains.

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Trips to inspire

Featured Belize Trips

Browse our handpicked selection of Belize itineraries, each crafted by local experts who know the country inside out. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have a trip tailored for you.

11 days | $$$

Belize Winter Escape

Belize was delightful we thoroughly enjoyed all the people that we met from drivers to tour guides to Hotel staff and just people we encountered along the way. Spending time both up in the jungle in the mountains and down on the coast was a wonderful contrast and I highly recommend doing both if possible. The weather was variable but over the time of our holiday we had opportunity to do all the things that we wanted, enjoy some tropical rain as well as some beautiful beach days The wildlife, history and scenery were spectacular. Both the lodge we stayed in and the hotel on the coast were well maintained with excellent, knowlegeable staff and good food My biggest negative would probably be that in being a less wealthy Nation their management of garbage and limited recycling capacity was quite noticeable in places.

Belize Winter Escape
8 days | $$$

Explore Belize Together

Megan’s family vacation in Belize blended adventure and relaxation for a memorable Caribbean getaway. They trekked from San Ignacio’s rainforest highlands to the Tikal ruins, then snorkeled with sharks and rays at Hol Chan Reef along Belize’s tropical coast. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides shared Maya history and coastal traditions, leaving Megan’s family with a deeper appreciation for Belize’s vibrant heritage and natural wonders.

Explore Belize Together
8 days | $$$

Senior’s Vacation from Islands to Jungles

Belize is a good place to go if you want to stay in a resort or be in nature, like Pooks HIll and snorkeling and diving at Ambergris Caye. It's also a wonderful place to learn about and see Mayan culture from long ago.

Senior’s Vacation from Islands to Jungles
6 days | $

An Unforgettable Belize Honeymoon

I would and have recommend Belize to others as well as Anywhere, they were very patient and easy to work with and came through on their part of every aspect of our trip. Thanks Anywhere!

An Unforgettable Belize Honeymoon
9 days | $$$

A Belize Adventure to Remember

Such a great trip from start to finish. Our kids had such a great time and we did as well. Everything was planned so perfectly! Thank you Rodrigo!

A Belize Adventure to Remember
7 days | $$$

An Above & Beyond Birthday

Love the options— the hotels were spectacular. I enjoyed having a non-event day to hang out at pool and wall into town to see local events. Drivers were coordinated well, and they served well as tour guides. This country is beautiful, the people are so kind and generous.

An Above & Beyond Birthday
12 days | $$$

Mother and Son's Belize Adventure

Anywhere has always (third trip booked) done a great job in the choices, planning and logistics. Best travel company ever!!

Mother and Son's Belize Adventure
9 days | $$$

We had an UnBelizable Time

We always put our trip together and make out own plans. This time, we went with Anywhere and let you make suggestions. So glad we did. It was really worth the extra expense to know that everything was under control and we had someone to call on should things not go as planned. BUT, everything went as planned and it was better than expected!

We had an UnBelizable Time
9 days | $$$

Beaches to Jungles

I’ve been telling everyone about anywhere.com! Absolutely would not have had this great if an experience without you!

Beaches to Jungles
15 days | $

Beaches to Mayan Ruins

I would recommend Anywhere.com. We've used their services twice, in Costa Rica and Belize. For the second trip, Belize, we did feel we had to communicate more often to get the trip sorted out, but in the end, Anywhere totally came through for us. Every connection was smooth, every accommodation well-represented, and every tour well worth the trip.

Beaches to Mayan Ruins
6 days | $$$

Belize for Two - Me & You

Whether this getaway is a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply a getaway for two, romance and adventure are waiting for you on the soft sunny beaches and emerald jungles of Belize.

Belize for Two - Me & You
8 days | $$

Family Time in Belize!

Embark on an affordable family adventure that swaps bustling city life for Belize’s wild blend of jungle mist, ancient stone, and turquoise coastal waters. From the hills near Cahal Pech you’ll ride to Xunantunich, dive behind a hidden waterfall on a pontoon tour, then sail to a sun‑kissed island for half‑day snorkeling. Friendly local guides share Maya legends and marine lore, letting your family soak up warm hospitality while creating memories of sunrise rides, cascading water mist, and colorful coral playgrounds.

Family Time in Belize!
8 days | $$$

Exploring Belize Solo

This thoughtfully designed solo Belize journey blends quiet coastal relaxation, gentle adventure, and laid back island time into one seamless, low stress experience. You will begin in the charming beach town of Placencia, where days unfold at your own pace with ocean views, jungle excursions, and time to simply unwind. Midway through the trip, you will transition to Ambergris Caye, where warm Caribbean waters, easy island rhythms, and sunset sailing create the perfect setting for reflection, exploration, and solo freedom.

Exploring Belize Solo
9 days | $$

8 Night Escape to Belize

This thoughtfully paced Belize journey blends jungle adventure, ancient Maya culture, and laid-back Caribbean island life into one seamless experience. You’ll begin in the lush Cayo District near San Ignacio, staying at a boutique jungle lodge surrounded by nature, with time for exploration, relaxation, and a guided canoe journey through the stunning Barton Creek Cave. Midway through the trip, you’ll transition from rainforest to reef, traveling by private transfer and water taxi to the easygoing island of Caye Caulker, where turquoise waters, snorkeling on the Belize Barrier Reef, and slow island rhythms set the tone for the second half of your adventure.

8 Night Escape to Belize
9 days | $$$

Explore Belize Together

This 8 night Belize family adventure blends jungle exploration, cultural discovery, and relaxed island time into one seamless, easygoing journey. You will begin in the lush Cayo District near San Ignacio, then transition mid trip to Ambergris Caye, where warm waters and sandy streets set the tone for the second half of your adventure. With comfortable, well located accommodations and smooth transportation throughout, the trip is designed to feel simple, flexible, and stress free for the whole family.

Explore Belize Together
Anywhere Belize

More Archeological Sites in Belize

There's always more to discover in Belize. From off-the-beaten-path gems to well-loved classics, these destinations are worth adding to your itinerary.

Lamanai

Lamanai is an extensive and diverse Mayan site set deep in the jungle along the banks of the New River Lagoon. One of the longest-occupied Mayan sites in Belize, Lamanai served as home to up to 35,000 Maya from 500 B.C., up until the beginning of the Spanish colonial period in the 17th century.

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Nim Li Punit Ruins

The Mayan site of Nim Li Punit is easily accessible from the Southern Highway and sits on a ridge 220 feet (67 m) above sea level. On a clear day, the Caribbean Sea is visible from the site. A series of plazas and platforms are built into the hillside.

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