Caracol Mayan Temple

Caracol got its start around 1200 BC, reaching the zenith of its influence in the 7th century. The site was abandoned in the 9th century, and then re-discovered in 1938. Today, you can still see stelae (large stone markers), ball courts, and alters. Your guide can fill you in on the details of the site’s historic importance and its relationship to other Maya city-states.

To get there, you’ll get to hike through the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, which protects a dense forest of pine at the foothills of the Maya Mountains. This hike also gives you the chance to do some bird watching – keep an eye for various species of warblers, cotingas, and eagles.

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.