1. The Belize Travelcast
  2. Episode 27

Caracol: The Largest Ancient Maya City in Belize

Jorge De Leon 1 hour 3 minutes  (1)


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Take a virtual tour of Caracol, the largest ancient Maya city in Belize. Learn about the history of this magnificent place deep in the jungles of Belize. Our expert guide, Jorge De Leon, from Lion Adventure Tours, takes us on this trip and gives us some travel tips for your next in-person visit to Caracol.

In AD 650, the urban area of Caracol had a radius of approximately 177 square kilometers. It boasts the tallest man-made structure in the country of Belize, and the city covered an area much larger than present-day Belize City (the largest metropolitan area in the country of Belize).

At its peak, Caracol supported more than twice the modern city’s population. Caracol is a must-see, as it is one of the largest cities of the classic period and was in the middle of a power struggle with powerful cities like Tikal and Naranjo in Guatemala.

Drs. Diane and Arlen Chase (The Chases), anthropologists from UNLV, have led field research at Caracol every year since 1985. They have made significant finds and contributions to what is known about Caracol. Their research has literally put Caracol on the Maya map. 

Our expert guide, locally known as Lion, will walk you through the tour experience so that you can visualize what it's like to visit in person. Caracol is a Belize bucket list tour, and after you listen to this episode you will know why.

Book your next Caracol tour with Lion.
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$
85
/ Person
Departs From:
San Ignacio Town
Caracol (Snail) is the largest known Maya city in Belize. In AD 650, the urban area of Caracol had a radius of approximately 177 square kilometers. It boasts the tallest man-made structure ... morein the country and a dynasty that was desired and looked up upon by many, while hated and feared by others. It covered an area much larger than present-day Belize City (the largest metropolitan area in the country of Belize) and supported more than twice the modern city’s population. Caracol is a must-see, as it is one of the largest cities of the classic period and was in the middle of a power struggle with powerful cities like Tikal and Naranjo in Guatemala.

Being specialized in Maya Hieroglyphs; during our tour, you will learn about the kings of Caracol and their achievements based on the hieroglyphic evidence. A couple of years ago Lion got the privilege of reporting one of the last carved monuments at Caracol. The date of this monument adds 25 years more of hieroglyphic history to this great royal lineage.

We also offer the Caracol tour combined with a refreshing stop at Rio on Pools to cool off after a long day at the site.

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Guest Picture

Jorge De Leon

Jorge, locally known as “Lion,” is an advocate for conservation efforts in his region and specializes in Archaeology, ancient Maya cities, and caves. Since Lion learned how the Maya hieroglyphs work he has passionately been trying to teach others and hopes to get his knowledge across to our generation. Today, our people can speak the language but have lost the ability to write it. He hopes to revive this lost art of writing. Lion has been tour guiding well over 10 years in Western Belize. During the earlier part of 2013 Lion decided it was time he ventured off on his own, so he started his own company, Lion Adventure Tours.

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