Highlights
- Largest Maya Site in Belize
- History
- Hiking
- Forest Reserve
- Bird Watching
Podcast
Virtual Audio Experience
Jorge De Leon from Lion Adventure Tours gives us a brief history on Caracol and takes us on a virtual tour of the site. Put this tour on your Belize bucket list.
About Location
Caracol is one of the largest site in the Maya world and is the largest known Mayan Ruins in Belize. Climb the magnificent temples that the ancient Maya built around 1200 BCE. Caracol is located in the Cayo District and is nested within lush Belizean forests.
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 event today and the city covered an area much larger than present-day Belize City (the largest metropolitan area in the country of Belize).
Recommended Hotels
(2)
Located in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve near the Blancaneaux Line, Kane Villas offers 3 separate vacation rentals on a 5-acre property. Each rental has a kitchen, seating area, ... morehot water, and high speed Wifi.
A balcony with mountain views is offered in each unit. Mango Villa and Pua Villa have air conditioning. The Holiday Home, called Mahalo House, has ceiling fans and stand-up fans only.
There is an outdoor pool and entertainment deck with bbq facilities on the property.
San Ignacio is 30.6 km from Kāne Villas - Mountain Pine Ridge. Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport is 127.1 km from the property.
(3)
Perched atop the magnificent Five-Sisters Waterfalls in Belize’s famed secluded Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, GAÏA Riverlodge, named aptly for the Greek goddess of Earth and ... morethe mother of life and all creation, will fulfill its promise to reconnect you to your most authentic and adventurous self.
An hour jeep ride from the more populous San Ignacio area, guests can recharge in their private and spacious cabanas to the waterfall’s sounds. Enjoy the rainforest’s intimacy with its native birds, butterflies, and remarkable flora, set amongst the pink and orange glow of the setting sun.
Remote, private and sustainable by design, we are a proudly Green Globe Award certified hotel. We operate on hydropower and offer an electric tram to transports guests from the lodge to the river. Most of our fruits and vegetables are also farmed on-site by local staff in our Mayan organic garden.
Phone Number: 011.501.834.4005
Experience world-class service at Blancaneaux Lodge. Set within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Blancaneaux Lodge offers an outdoor pool, organic gardens, and 2 restaurants. ... moreEach charming bungalow and villa has a balcony with wonderful river views.
The luxurious bungalows and villas feature a spacious seating area, a mini-fridge, free WiFi, and an iPod dock. Villas also have a kitchenette. The en suite bathrooms include a bath or shower and a hairdryer.
Blancaneaux Lodge is surrounded by pine trees and has its own orchid trail. The property can arrange hiking to a nearby waterfall and caves. Free bikes are also available to explore the surroundings.
Free parking is provided at Blancaneaux Lodge. San Ignacio town is around 18.6 miles away, while the Guatemalan border is within 31.1 miles. Belize City can be reached in 2.5 hours by car.
Francis Ford Coppola's secluded mountain retreat, Blancaneaux Lodge is every bit as dramatic and inspiring as one might hope. Guests choose from an array of luxuriant accommodations, including the owner's villa, with its open-air living area, and the peaceful riverfront cabanas, with their decks overlooking the waterfalls of Privassion Creek. Active types enjoy riding horseback to hidden falls, hiking, exploring caves, and “discovering” hidden Mayan cities. Of course, there are myriad spa treatments, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and two gourmet restaurants (Montagna and Guatemaltecqua) to boot.
Most Popular Tours
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Located deep in the Chiquibul forest reserve, Caracol is the largest known Mayan site in Belize and one of the biggest in the Maya world. Caracol was a classic period urban center ... morethat spread out over 55 sq miles with an estimated population of 150,000 inhabitants and causeways that radiated up to 5 miles from the center. The temple rises 41 meters above the plaza level with 100 meters of base area and to this day is still the largest man-made structure in the country of Belize. The drive to Caracol will take you through the scenic mountain Pine Ridge forest reserve, home of Rio On Pools & Rio Frio Cave.
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
CARACOL MAYA TOUR
Caracol, a major and dominant site in Mayan history, is an expansive city covering nearly 6 square miles and rivaling the ancient metropolis of Tikal in size, power, ... moreand riches. This is a fantastic site to visit, set high on the Vaca Plateau, in the heart of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve (a subtropical forest south of San Ignacio near the Guatemalan border). Caracol is accessed through the Mountain Pine Ridge, a beautiful area with flowing rivers and hidden limestone caves.
After a 1.5-hour drive from San Ignacio up rough dirt roads, passing through small Mayan villages and scenic countryside we will arrive at the sprawling archaeological site of Caracol. Here you will learn about the anthropology, archaeology, and flora and fauna of the area, including rare and endangered wildlife such as Keel-billed Motmots, Tapirs, Jaguars, Oscillated Turkeys, Gibnut (the “Royal Rat”), and Coatimundis.
Caracol was a huge population center at its peak, with over 150,000 inhabitants and 30,000 structures, including an astronomical observatory. It was the largest metropolis in the Mayan Lowlands during the Classic Period, built with elaborate city planning and complex agricultural systems. This site was hidden for many centuries by the trees in the tropical broadleaf forest. Today you might catch a glimpse of howler monkeys in the mammoth trees towering over the ancient Mayan ball courts and plazas.
Revel in the engineering and architectural sophistication of the Mayan people as you climb the temple pyramid structure of Caana (Sky Temple), the highest man-made building in Belize to this day. Once at the top, nearly 135 feet above the courtyards below, you will get impressive panoramic views of Belize and neighboring Guatemala.
The history of the inhabitants of Caracol is documented by scribes of the past in hieroglyphics and carvings on the monuments, stelae, wall facades, and altars that are found throughout the site. Caracol has a very unique history, different from other major ancient cities in the region, and your guide will illuminate the rich and complicated past of this glorious civilization with a fully guided tour of the excavated portions of the Caracol site.
After touring the ruins, refresh yourself with drinks and a picnic lunch. We then continue back through the Pine Ridge area where we take a break at the Rio On Pools, a series of natural swimming holes, to cool down and relax in the clear water. We will also visit the Rio Frio Cave, which has the largest entrance of any cave in Belize.
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.
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Caracol Archaeological Mayan Site shuttle package (1 Day Tour)
We provide guest/s a package deal of the Mayan Archaeological site, Rio Frio Cave, Rio On Pools, and Swim at Big Rock ... moreFalls. We will promptly leave at 7:00 a.m. from San Ignacio Town and return at 5:00 p.m. We are happy to pick you up at your hotel/ lodge.
Ca'ana / Sky Palace at Caracol
It is the largest Archaeological Site in all of Belize. En route to Caracol, we tour other tourist sites: Rio On Pools, and Rio Frio Cave. Then returning from the site we do a last stop at Big Rock Falls for a refreshing swim.
Tours & Shuttles
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Rio Frio Cave is an ancient monument in Belize. It is located in the district of Cayo, in the central part of the country, 40 km southwest of the capital, Belmopan. Rio Frio Caves ... moreare located 470 meters above sea level. – Wikipedia
Getting There:
Since you’ll be doing this tour in combination with Caracol Temples, your journey will commence as we board our vehicle at Caracol, then make our way back through the Mountain Pine Ridge road where after 45 to 60 minutes, you’ll divert from the main road onto a short drive to the Rio Frio Cave Site. At the parking lot, you’ll onboard, then walk to the cave site where you’ll be amazed by the massive cave opening and its intriguing cavern which you are free to explore.
At the site
Two massive 65ft entryways make it extra accessible and create natural lighting inside. Huge stalactites hang from its massive cathedral-like vault room-sized boulders on the ground where a stream flows through, forming pools with cascading falls.
Departure:
After a short exploration (it only takes about 30 mins to see the cave entirely), you’ll walk the trail up to the parking lot and onto your next adventure spot (in this case Big Rock Falls)
Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Duration: Approx. 35 – 50 mins (at Rio On Pools)
What to bring: Sunscreen, bug repellent, sunglasses, solid athletic shoes, light clothing, camera.
Provided: Snacks & bottled water.
Rio Frio Cave is an ancient monument in Belize. It is located in the district of Cayo, in the central part of the country, 40 km southwest of the capital, Belmopan. Rio Frio Caves are located 470 meters above sea level. – Wikipedia
Getting There:
Since you’ll be doing this tour in combination with Caracol Temples, your journey will commence as we board our vehicle at Caracol, then make our way back through the Mountain Pine Ridge road where after 45 to 60 minutes, you’ll divert from the main road onto a short drive to the Rio Frio Cave Site. At the parking lot, you’ll onboard, then walk to the cave site where you’ll be amazed by the massive cave opening and its intriguing cavern which you are free to explore.
At the site
Two massive 65ft entryways make it extra accessible and create natural lighting inside. Huge stalactites hang from its massive cathedral-like vault room-sized boulders on the ground where a stream flows through, forming pools with cascading falls.
Departure:
After a short exploration (it only takes about 30 mins to see the cave entirely), you’ll walk the trail up to the parking lot and onto your next adventure spot (in this case Big Rock Falls)
Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Duration: Approx. 35 – 50 mins (at Rio On Pools)
What to bring: Sunscreen, bug repellent, sunglasses, solid athletic shoes, light clothing, camera.
Provided: Snacks & bottled water.
Big Rock Falls is a 150-foot waterfall on Privassion River, in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of the Cayo District of Belize. – Wikipedia
If you’re visiting with children or non-swimmers please let us know this ahead of time so as to provide life jackets or other floatables for their convenience. Also, you must be very mindful of the elderly and the young, and be sure they (kids) are obedient enough to follow the guide’s rules, especially when climbing up or down the cliff.
Note: Please watch your step and be very cautious when walking on the rocks on your way and at the pools as rocks are very slippery. Be attentive with children or your partner as there are water currents.
Getting There: After Rio Frio Caves, we embark on a short drive of about 25 minutes down Pine Ridge Road onto the Big Rock Falls parking lot.
At the site: The waterfall is approximately a 5 to 8 minutes walk from the parking lot so you want to take everything you’ll need with you for an enjoyable time at the waterfall. From the parking lot, we’ll be walking through a little trail that leads to quite a steep climb down to the river valley. Flip-flops are not advisable for this part of the trek. Once we’ve made our way carefully down that cliff, the tremendous view of water rushing over the huge 150-ft rock formations and plummeting into the deep rounded pool at its base provides a rush of excitement. Our walk through the granite boulders takes us to the waterfall pool.
You won’t regret visiting this site for a nice cold swim amidst the scorching Belizean heat. You may choose to swim all the way up to the waterfall but try to contain the temptation to climb up any of the wet rocks or do so at your own risk, they tend to get very slippery. Your guide will allow you ample time to swim or bask at your own leisure. When you feel you’ve had your fix, he’ll escort you back to the parking lot.
Departure: Getting out of the river bank entails a climb up the steep cliff. It’s not as difficult as it may seem. Slow and steady does it. You may choose to change into dry clothes while you’re at the river bank or when you get to the vehicle. There are no changing rooms or restrooms.
You’ll then board our vehicle to traverse the same road through the villages and back into San Ignacio, returning around 5:00 PM or otherwise depending on your own pace.
Duration: Approx. 1 – 1.5 hours (at Big Rock Falls)
Difficulty level: Moderate
What to bring: Swimwear, change of clothes, hiking or water shoes (no flip-flops), sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, a camera, and just about anything that would enhance your visit.
Provided: Towels, snacks, and water.
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
The splendorous Caracol was the largest metropolis in the Maya lowlands of ancient times. A world in which the gods demanded rituals, and ceremonies and believed that every inanimate ... moreor animate object had a spirit of its own. Time hangs in space at Caracol. Located deep within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, you will enjoy the flora and fauna that along with stunning scenery on the way, will enhance the true beauty of this magnificent Maya center. We will take you along a forest trail giving you the experience of a lifetime as we recount the history of nobles and peasants living in a mystic world. The trees and forest have taken over guarding the secrets of this place where our ancestors once gazed at the stars, plotted wars, designed and built magnificent structures, developed agricultural practices, and conducted their most sacred rituals. You will visit ancient courtyards, ball courts, residential complexes, and a complete astronomical observatory.
Caracol is the largest Maya archaeological site in Belize. In AD 650, the urban area of Caracol had a radius of approximately 10 kilometers around the center of the site. Caracol maintained a population of over 140,000 people through the creation of an immense agricultural field system and through elaborate city planning. Caracol is noted not only for its size during the Maya Classic era (A.D. 250-950) but also for its prowess in war; this includes an AD 562 defeat of Tikal and the subsequent conquest of Naranjo.
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