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Actun Chapat (Centipede Cave) Cave is located approximately 19 miles south of the modern town of San Ignacio, in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. The cave is one of the best caving ... moreexperiences in Belize and is similar to some of Belize's famous caves such as Actum Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave and Crystal Cave.
Inside this massive cave system are crystalized cave formations, flying and crawling cave critters, and a beautiful cenote, also known as the skylight. Actun Chapat Cave holds secrets to ancient Maya rituals and sacrifices. Pottery and skeletal remains inside have been found inside the cave, which provide insights into the lives of the Maya people who lived in the area centuries ago.
The Actun Tunichil Muknal, also known as the ATM cave, is an ancient Maya archaeological site that is one of the most popular Mayan burial sites in Western Belize. The ATM cave is ... morenestled in Belize's lush rainforest in the Cayo District. Visit the ATM cave and learn the history of this magnificent cave and the mysteries of the Mayan underworld.
You can't afford to miss this Indiana Jones style adventure. Tours usually leave early in the morning, before 8am. The hike from the starting point to the cave entrance is intense, with three stream crossings and passes through the Tapir Mountain Nature reserve. The hike through the lower part of the caves lasts about 45 minutes. Take note that in the upper chambers of the cave, visitors are required to take off their shoes to prevent damage to the artifacts, plus you’ll need to swim through deep water to enter the cave and wade through more water both in side and outside of the cave. You’ll get to see the crystal maiden skeleton, pottery, and other ancient artifacts. No photography is allowed by order of the Department of Archaeology, but the mental movies will be incredibly worth it.
The Altun Ha archaeological site is one of Belize's most excavated and restored sites. The name is roughly translated from a new nearby Yucatec Maya village, "Rockstone Pond". ... more
Altun Ha was a major Maya city during the Classic Period (250-900 AD). The city had a population of about ten thousand inhabitants and was a center of trade and commerce. Altun Ha is known for its beautiful temples and palaces, as well as its rich history.
One of the most famous artifacts found at Altun Ha is the Jade Head. The Jade Head is a carved jade mask that was found in a tomb at the site. The mask is believed to represent a Maya ruler and is one of the most important artifacts of Maya culture.
Altun Ha is a popular tourist destination and is easily accessible from Belize City. The site is open to the public and offers a variety of activities, including guided tours, hiking, and birdwatching.
If you are interested in ancient Maya culture, Altun Ha is a must-visit destination. The site is a fascinating glimpse into the past and is sure to leave you in awe.
Barton Creek Cave is a wet cave located in the Moutain Pine Ridge area of Belize. The cave is about 2 miles long and is home to a variety of Maya artifacts, including ceramics, figurines, ... moreand human skeletons.
The cave is also home to a number of stalactites and stalagmites, which have been forming for thousands of years. Visitors can explore the cave by canoeing or by walking.
If you want adventure, the drive here alone should get you ready for this cave expedition.
One of the most interesting discoveries was a necklace composed of perforated animal finger bones and a carved bone. The carving depicts a seated figure with his hands across his waist and legs facing forward.
The cave is a popular destination for adventure seekers and is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Maya.
Cahal Pech Archaeological Site, also known as "Place of Ticks," is the only Mayan ruins located in San Ignacio town. Sitting at the top of a limestone hill, the eerie atmosphere of ... morea once populated site can fascinate the minds of history lovers or intrigued visitors. Only a ten minute climb from uptown San Ignacio, you can also visit the museum that's on the same 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 ... moreis 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).
Take a short boat ride across the Corozal Bay to Cerros or an adventurous trip by road. As the only Maya site in Belize situated on the coast, Cerros is located on a northern peninsula ... morein the Bay of Chetumal, across from Corozal Town.
Cerro Maya was the first Maya trading center built along the seaside in 50 B.C. Maya traders arrived by canoe from the coast through the Bay of Chetumal, as well as from upriver on the Rio Hondo in the north and the New River to the south.
Three (3) large buildings dominate several plazas flanked by pyramids. While two (2) of these structures are facades adorned with stucco masks, the masks have since been covered to protect them from erosion. With the tallest structure rising 72 feet above the plaza, the panoramic view atop offers the Bay of Chetumal, Corozal Town, and the mouth of the New River, which leads to the Lamanai temples.
The Maya living here also built an extensive canal system and utilized raised-field agriculture. It’s truly a sight to see.
The most famous building at Cerros is a temple designed as Str. 5C2nd. The structure is decorated with two (2) pairs of large painted stucco masks that flank the central stairway. The lower eastern mask represented the rising sun. Its western counterpart was the setting sun. The upper eastern mask was Venus as the morning star and, to the west, Venus as the evening star. One theory holds that when the site’s ruler conducted rituals on the temple, he was symbolically placed at the center of the cosmos as a demonstration of his power and right to rule. The Preclassic dates of the masks on Str. 5C2nd are great examples of the early achievements of ancient Maya astronomy and the complexity of their religion and cosmology.
Did-You-Know?
Ancient canals used for water management and flood control encircle the site core. Global warming, in the form of rising sea levels, has been affecting the site. Several mounds are now underwater along the northern coastline.
CheChem Ha is a Maya cave system located in Belize. The cave is home to hundreds of ancient pots, which are believed to have been used for offerings. The pots are made of a variety ... moreof materials, including clay, stone, and ceramic. They are decorated with a variety of symbols, including the Maya sun god, the moon goddess, and a jaguar god.
The pots were found in different locations within the cave. Some were found in chambers, on ledges, and others in the water. Some of them were in great condition while others are broken or damaged.
The pots are a valuable archaeological find, as they provide insights into the Maya Culture and religion. they also show how the Maya used the caves for ceremonial purposes.
Crystal Cave is one of the largest cave systems in Belize located within the Blue Hole National Park. This cave system has huge caverns that are adorned with beautiful stalactites, ... morestalagmites, flowstones, rock columns, crystalline formations, and Mayan artifacts. Crystal Cave, also known as Mountain Cow Cave, is considered to be one of the top crystal caves in the world. The trek through the jungle path leading to the cave entrance will be through a portion of Belize’s vast Broad Leaf Forest. The hiking is considered moderate with some small slopes and generally takes approximately 50 minutes.
The excitement begins at the cave entrance where you start your journey into “Xibalba,” or The Underworld, by tactically navigating columns and crystalline formations through a narrow, and at the times-steeply descending pathway. Once inside the main cave, you will find yourself surrounded by an amazing crystal cave that was used by ancient Maya shamans (priests) for ritual ceremonies performed thousands of years ago.
Fire pits, exposing the ashes of ancient fires; charcoal pieces; beads; obsidian knives; ceramics & broken pottery; a human skeleton calcified in the limestone floor: all evidence of the flourishing ancient Maya civilization. Spectacular crystal formations cover the floors, walls, and ceiling–all calcite, creating a striking display. These formations, created centuries before, are nothing if not astounding.
Note that you must be relatively fit for strenuous activities and be prepared for a long hike to do this tour.
Most tours include transportation, a licensed guide, entrance fees, and lunch. Check with your tour provider for details.
El Pilar is a large Maya archaeological site located in the Cayo District of Belize. The site is named after an army camp in the area, and it means "pillar" in Spanish. El Pilar is ... moreone of Belize's largest Classic Maya sites, and it covers approximately 75 acres.
The site is located on high terrain, giving the visitor a beautiful view across the Mopan River Valley. El Pilar lies in an area that has been cultivating milpa for many years. The site has well-defined ceremonial sections, including both private and public areas. Some of the buildings at El Pilar reach 50-60 feet in height.
El Pilar was once a major center of the Maya civilization, and it is home to a variety of archaeological remains, including temples, palaces, and pyramids. the site is also home to a number of natural features, such as caves and cenotes.
La Milpa is an archaeological site and an ancient Maya city within the Three River region of Northwest Belize bordering Mexico and Guatemala. La Milpa is located between the sites ... moreof Rio Azul and Lamanai. Currently, La Milpa lies within the nature preserve owned by the Programme for Belize, a non-profit organization.
La Milpa is the third largest ancient Maya site in Belize. The ceremonial center is built on a high limestone ridge and, with more than 24 courtyards and over 85 structures, is in the topmost rank of Mayan sites. The Great Plaza is one of the largest public spaces in the Maya world. It is flanked by four temple-pyramids with the tallest standing 24 m above the plaza floor. It contains two courts for the sacred Mayan ball-game, associated with ritual and sacrifice as well as recreation.excavation.
Boat up the New River from Orange Walk to the Lamanai Maya temples. On your boat ride, in addition to some amazing scenery, you’ll see wildlife like snail kites, jacana, morelet’s ... morecrocodile and iguanas.
Lamanai was occupied for more than 3,000 years, up until European contact. The Archaeological Reserve not only contains a museum with ancient Maya artifacts, but visitors can also see the remnants of two (2) 16th century Spanish churches and a colonial sugar mill established in 1860.
A major attraction of Lamanai is the well-preserved mask of a Maya ruler emerging from a crocodile headdress.
Lamanai, one of Belize’s largest Maya sites, sits on the bank of the 30-mile-long New River Lagoon in the Orange Walk District. It features monumental architecture of temples and palaces dating from the Classic and Pre-Classic Periods. Set in tropical forest and providing amazing views from several of its large temples, Lamanai provides you a unique glimpse into the culture of the Maya and the biological diversity of the tropical rainforest.
Lamanai is the community with the longest history of human habitation in Belize. It was settled around 900 B.C and was still occupied two and a half thousand years later, when Spanish missionaries arrived to the site in 1544. During their almost century- long domination, the Spanish built two “Ramada” Churches that were used in their efforts to Christianize the site’s inhabitants. Eventually, in 1640 the Maya in several frontier towns rebelled against churches and villages throughout Belize. By the 1800’s, investors began a sugar operation at Lamanai. A dramatic fall in world sugar prices, and outbreakes of malaria among the workers resulted in failure of the enterprise, and the mill and farm were abandoned, just a few years after its establishment.
Did-You-Know?
Liquid mercury was discovered in an offering that was placed below the ballcourt marker at this site! This represents one (1) of only two (2) examples of mercury found in the Maya world (the other was at Caracol, also in Belize).
Lubaantun is known as "Place of the Fallen Stones" in Maya. This archaeological site is quite peculiar as the style of architecture is most distict, and unusual, from other archaeological ... moresites in Belize. Located in about two miles from the San Pedro Columbia Village in the Toledo District, the structures there are constructed from black slate instead of limestone and the corner stones of them are rounded rather than sharp.
Marco Gonzalez Maya Site is a fascinating ancient ruin located in Ambergris Caye, Belize. The site was once a Maya trading post with 20,000 inhabitants. The site is now open to the ... morepublic for exploration, and visitors can see many Maya fishing artifacts.
The site is located on a small peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea. The site is surrounded by mangroves, and the water is a beautiful turquoise color. the site is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and crocodiles.
The site is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Maya people. Visitors can see the ruins of the temples and pyramids, and they can also learn about the Maya way of life.
Nim Li Punit is a smaller Maya site located in Belize, about five kilometers from the Southern Highway. The site is home to a collection of the stele, or carved stone slabs, that tell ... morea story of the ancient Mayas who once occupied the area.
The stele at Nim Li Punit are some of the most well-preserved in Belize. They are decorated with carvings of Maya rulers, gods, and other figures. The carvings are often accompanied by hieroglyphic writing, which provides insights into Maya culture and history.
One of the most famous stele at Nim Li Punit is Stela 11, which depicts a Maya ruler named K'inich Bahlam II. Stela 11 is known for its intricate carvings and its detailed hieroglyphic writing.
Nim Li Punit is a fascinating glimpse into the past and is sure to leave visitors with a deeper understanding of Maya culture. The site is a must-visit for any visitor interested in ancient Maya history.
Did You Know?
The name Nim Li Punit means "Big Hat" in the Yucatec Maya language. The name refers to the large headdress worn by the Maya ruler depicted on Stela 11.
Float trips along the Caves Branch River provide a unique vantage point to experience the sacred caves of the Maya.
The Nohock Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve is home to a network of caves that were once sacred to the ancient Maya. These caves are filled with stunning rock art, including ... morehieroglyphs, figures, and animals.
One of the best ways to explore the caves is to grab an inner tube and take a float trip on the Caves Branch River. This is a great way to see the caves from a different perspective and to learn about the history of the area.
Tours of the caves run daily, and they typically last for about 2 hours. The tours are led by experienced guides who will teach you about the history of the caves and the ancient Maya.
If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, then a float trip through the Caves Branch River is the perfect thing for you.
Located on the outskirts of Corozal Town and is bordered on the east by the Caribbean Sea, Santa Rita is the ancient coastal trading city known as Chetumal during the Late Post-Classic ... morePeriod. Santa Rita is a unique Maya site because during this time, it survived the collapse of the Maya society and the early days of Spanish incursion into the region.
Tau Witz (translating as "dwelling of a local god of the hill") is a Maya site located within Mayflower Bocawina National Park. The site contains the unexcavated ruins of a 43 by 64 ... moremeter temple, along with a single stela and the site of a granite quarry, the only known quarry near the Mayflower Bocawina sites. The ruins are reachable by a 0.75-mile trail, signed as the Tau Witz Trail, which begins near the park visitor center and Mayflower Mayan Ruins.
Archeological artifacts make the site hard to date exactly, however, it is assigned to the Terminal Classic Period of Mayan architecture. Artifacts found at the site remain on display inside the park visitor center.
Tikal is an ancient Mayan citadel in the rainforests of northern Guatemala. Possibly dating to the 1st century A.D., Tikal flourished between 200 and 850 A.D. and was later abandoned. ... moreIts iconic ruins of temples and palaces include the giant, ceremonial Lost World (Mundo Perdido) Pyramid and the Temple of the Grand Jaguar. At 70 meters, Temple IV is the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas.
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