Exploring Caracol, Belize: A Travel Guide

The ancient Mayan city of Caracol is located deep in the jungle of Western Belize, in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve of the Cayo District. It is one of the best-preserved Mayan ruins in Central America and the largest Mayan site in Belize, covering 75 square miles.

Because of its remote location, Caracol can't be reached by public transport. The journey from San Ignacio takes around two hours by car, and the roads are poorly maintained and full of potholes. It is highly recommended to travel with a guide or as part of an organised tour.

Driving to Caracol

The Mayan site of Caracol is located in Belize's Cayo district. Driving to Caracol is quite an undertaking, and visitors should be prepared for a long and bumpy journey. The site is remote, with no phone coverage and limited facilities. Here are some tips for those planning to drive to Caracol:

• Vehicle type: A 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially during the wet season. A sturdy, high-clearance car is a must.
• Fuel: Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. The last gas station is in San Antonio Village, about 2 hours away from Caracol.
• GPS and maps: Bring a GPS satellite phone, as there is limited phone coverage in the area. Download offline maps, such as Open Street Map, to help navigate the route.
• Car breakdown: Know how to change a flat tyre, as there is no telephone reception in the area.
• Food and water: Bring enough food and water for the journey, as there are no vendors selling food or water along the way or at the site.
• First aid kit: Include sunscreen and insect repellent in your first aid kit.
• Timing: Leave early in the morning, preferably before 9:00 AM, to account for unforeseen events and poor road conditions.
• Road quality: The road to Caracol is a mix of dirt and paved surfaces, with the second half being rougher and bumpier. Expect to navigate potholes, broken bridges, thick mud, and washed-out portions of the road.
• Military checkpoints: Check in at the Belize Defence Force (BDF) base and any other military checkpoints along the way. This is mandatory for all visitors and is partly for safety reasons.
• Wildlife: Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, such as oscellated turkeys, tapirs, jungle birds, and howler monkeys.
• Waterfalls: Consider visiting the waterfalls of Mountain Pine Ridge, such as Rio on Pools and Big Rock Falls, either on the way to or from Caracol.

Directions from San Ignacio

Caracol is nestled within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve of Western Belize. The drive from San Ignacio to Caracol takes about 2 hours. Here are the directions:

• The first half of the road goes through a pine forest and is relatively easy.
• The second half of the road twists and turns through lush jungle and is more challenging.
• Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions and to navigate the massive potholes, broken bridges, and other obstacles.

Entrance Fee and Other Information

• The entrance fee for Caracol is $15 BZD ($7.50 USD) per person, payable in cash at the information centre upon arrival.
• There are no guides available for hire at Caracol, so it is recommended to book a tour in advance if you want a guided experience.
• Pack a lunch and plenty of water, as there are no vendors selling food or water at the site.

Renting a car

Choosing a Rental Car

• Opt for a sturdy, high-clearance car with good suspension. A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended, especially during the wet season, as the roads can be bumpy and rough.
• Ensure your rental car has a spare tyre, and know how to replace it in case of a flat tyre.
• Fill up your gas tank before starting your journey, as there are no gas stations near Caracol. The last gas station is in San Antonio Village, about 2 hours away from Caracol.
• Consider renting a GPS satellite phone for safety and navigation purposes, as cell service can be unreliable in the jungle.

Driving Directions and Checkpoints

• The drive from San Ignacio, Belize, to the Caracol ruins takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on road conditions and your starting point.
• There are two main routes to Caracol: via Georgeville or via Santa Elena - Cristo Rey - San Antonio. The Georgeville route is generally better maintained and faster, but both routes offer scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
• Along the way, you will pass through military checkpoints, including the Douglas D'Silva Forest Station. Check the latest information on military escort requirements and procedures.
• The roads can be rough, with potholes, broken bridges, mud, and washed-out portions. It is recommended to avoid driving after a storm or heavy rain.
• Enjoy the journey and keep an eye out for wildlife, including howler monkeys, birds, and maybe even jaguars!

Planning Your Visit to Caracol

• Caracol is a vast site, so plan to spend several hours exploring. It is recommended to arrive as early as possible, ideally when it opens at 9 AM.
• Bring plenty of water and pack a lunch, as there are no food or water vendors at the site.
• Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes, and consider bringing a change of clothes and water shoes if you plan to visit the nearby waterfalls.
• Be respectful of the archaeological site and follow any instructions from your guide or park rangers.
• Enjoy the unique experience of exploring this hidden gem in the Belizean jungle!

Military escorts

Caracol is a large ancient Maya archaeological site located in the Cayo District of Belize. It is guarded by the Belize Defence Force (BDF) due to its proximity to Guatemala and the history of political conflict between the two countries.

The BDF provides a daily military escort along the road to Caracol, leaving from the Douglas D'Silva Forest Station (the BDF base) at 9:00 AM every day. The convoy returns from Caracol at 2:00 PM. This escort is optional, and visitors can proceed without it at their own risk.

The BDF also patrols the Caracol site, so visitors should not be alarmed by the presence of armed soldiers. This security measure has been in place since 2006, after several incidents of tourists being robbed at gunpoint by Guatemalan bandits. There have been no reports of any incidents involving tourists since then.

In addition to the military escort, there are several other important safety tips to keep in mind when driving to Caracol:

• Make sure your gas tank is full. The last gas station is in San Antonio Village, about 2 hours away from Caracol.
• Bring a GPS satellite phone. Caracol's remote location means there is no cell service, so a satellite phone is essential for safety and peace of mind.
• Check-in at the BDF base: All visitors must check in at the halfway point to the ruins. This is for your safety, so that the authorities know if you get lost or stuck on the road.
• Start early: Caracol is an all-day affair, and the drive can be long and tiring. It is recommended to leave San Ignacio between 7:00 and 8:00 AM to arrive at Caracol by 9:00 AM when it opens.

Other Tips for Visiting Caracol

• Pack a lunch and plenty of water: There are no vendors selling food or water at Caracol, so be sure to bring your own.
• Don't skip the waterfalls: The Mountain Pine Ridge area has several awesome caves and waterfalls that are worth visiting, such as Rio on Pools and Big Rock Falls.
• Stay at a nearby lodge: Caracol is a few hours' drive from Belize City and the northern coast, so it is recommended to stay in the San Ignacio area for a couple of nights to fully explore the area.

Tour options

As there is no public transport to Caracol, most people opt for a tour or rent a car. The site is very remote, so a tour is highly recommended.

Tour companies

• MayaWalk: This company offers a full-day tour of Caracol, which includes a visit to a cave and the Rio On Pools.
• Yute Expeditions: This company offers a full-day tour of Caracol for $100 USD per person (minimum 2 people). The tour also includes a stop at either Rio On Pools or Big Rock Waterfall.
• Belize Hub: This company can recommend the best tour company in Belize to visit Caracol.

Tour details

Tours typically depart from Belize City or San Ignacio. The drive from San Ignacio to Caracol takes around 2 hours. The first half of the journey is relatively easy, but the second half of the journey is very bumpy and rough, with massive potholes, broken bridges, mud, and washed-out portions of the road.

The entrance fee to Caracol is $15 BZD ($7.50 USD) per person, and most tours include lunch.

Independent tours

It is possible to drive to Caracol independently, but it is quite an undertaking. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Rent a sturdy, high-clearance car, preferably a 4x4.
• Make sure to have a full tank of gas. The last gas station is in San Antonio Village, about 2 hours away from Caracol.
• Bring a GPS satellite phone, as there is no cell service in the area.
• Check-in at the Belize Defense Force (BDF) base. All visitors must check in at the military checkpoint, which is located approximately halfway to the ruins.
• Bring plenty of water and food, as there are no vendors at Caracol.
• Be aware of wildlife on the road, such as howler monkeys, coatis, and birds.
• Allow plenty of time to explore Caracol, as it is a large site with many structures to see.

History of Caracol

Caracol is the largest known ancient Maya site in Belize and among the largest in the world. It is currently located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve of Western Belize, but its original Mayan name is unknown. The name "Caracol" is Spanish for "snail".

Caracol was occupied from around 1200 BCE to 950 CE, during the Classic Period, and was connected to other Mayan cities throughout Belize, Mexico, and Guatemala. It is believed that Caracol had a population of over 100,000 people and a radius of about 10km at its height in 650 CE. The city supported this large population through an immense agricultural field system and elaborate city planning.

Caracol is notable for its prowess in war, including a notable victory over Tikal in 562 CE, which led to the city's rapid expansion. However, the Mayan civilisation began to collapse around 950 CE due to famine, warfare, and drought.

The site was first settled by loggers in 1937 or 1938, but excavation did not begin until around 1950. Archaeologists have since uncovered pyramids, royal tombs, dwellings, monuments, and a ball court, as well as artefacts such as ceramics, murals, altars, and carvings.

Frequently asked questions