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.
Only a portion of Caracol is open to the public, and archeologists still have a lot of the site left to excavate. Visitors still have plenty to see here, including several plazas and temples. Historians believe Mayans started to build Caracol beginning in 1,200 BC. At Plaza A, you can see the Temple of the Wooden Lintel, which is the oldest building in Caracol. Plaza B is the location of Caana , the 139-foot (41 m) tower that is believed to have served as a palace and also contains at least one tomb. Fit visitors can climb the steps of Canaa and survey Caracol from the perspective of a Mayan noble.
Caracol is the Spanish name for the site – Maya experts have deciphered glyphs at Caracol that refer to the site as “Ox Witz Ha,” which means Three Hill Place, or Three Hills Lord. Your guide will show you to the hieroglyphs, carved into giant stone stelae. Some of these hieroglyphs describe battles that Caracol troops won against Tikal, the more famous Mayan city in nearby Guatemala. One of these carvings is on a marker in Caracol’s ball court. Mayans played a sport with a rubber ball that is believed to have had ceremonial or religious significance.
At the site and in the surrounding forest, remember to get in some bird watching. This part of Belize is home to yellow-billed toucans, mot-mots, red-crowned woodpeckers, and ocelllated turkeys.
Caracol Ruins itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Caracol Ruins itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
A Thrill Seeker's Trip to Belize
Take yourself on a grand adventure through Belize. Enjoy both beaches and jungles. Go snorkeling, zip lining, horseback riding, caving/spelunking, and more.
Caves, Snorkeling, and Sunset Sails
Absolutely! And intend on using your services again ourselves... Trip to Panama
Experiences in Caracol Ruins
Explore hand-picked Caracol Ruins tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Caracol Mayan Site with Rio Frio Cave and Big Rock Falls (GM)
Where to stay in Caracol Ruins
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Caracol Ruins accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Chaa Creek Lodge
This lodge is in an untamed corner of Belize’s rainforest, near the misty foothills of the Maya Mountains. This resort has an impressive amount of activities on its grounds, and will pack your vacation full of the sites and sounds of the erstwhile kingdom of the Maya.
Table Rock Jungle Lodge
At this lodge you will experience a completely unique hotel setting. Located in the middle of the Belizean Jungle the combination of nature and luxury service is unparalleled.
Insider-led Belize Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Belize Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list, it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
