San Pedro's Mayan Mystery: Exploring Ancient Ruins In Belize

Belize is home to more than 600 Mayan sites, including some of the best-preserved Mayan ruins in Central America. The ancient Maya people lived throughout Mexico and Central America, and modern-day Maya are still an important part of Belizean culture.

In San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, there are no Mayan ruins. However, there are several Mayan ruins that can be visited on a day trip from San Pedro. These include Lamanai, Altun Ha, Xunantunich, and Cahal Pech.

Marco Gonzalez Maya Site: a 2000-year-old archaeological reserve with no temples but a sense of the life of Mayan traders

The Marco Gonzalez Maya Site is a 2,000-year-old archaeological reserve located near the southern tip of Ambergris Caye, about 8 kilometres (5 miles) south of San Pedro, Belize. The site was first recorded in 1984 by archaeologists Elizabeth Graham and David M. Pendergast, who named it after their local guide. However, the existence of the site was known to the town's inhabitants for many years before its official recording.

The Marco Gonzalez site is unique compared to other Maya sites in the region, as it features no towering pyramids or carved monuments. Instead, it offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Mayan traders. The site is believed to have been a bustling trading port, with evidence suggesting extensive trade with other Maya sites and even the Aztec civilisation. The abundant pottery found at the site is made from mixtures of clay and quartz, which are not locally available, indicating that these materials were imported. Other artefacts made from materials like chert, flint, granite, jade, and obsidian also point to an extensive trade network.

The site covers an area of about 185 by 355 metres (607 by 1,165 feet) and is surrounded by thick jungle and mangroves. It is located roughly 3.6 metres (12 feet) above sea level, slightly higher than the surrounding swamps due to accumulated anthrosol, a type of soil composed of artefacts, conch shells, building remains, and other debris from human habitation. The presence of artefacts beneath the mangrove swamps indicates that the site was once larger than what is currently visible.

There are at least 49 distinct structures and walls within the mapped area, with the northern end appearing to be arranged around plazas. The structures are relatively low platforms, ranging from 30 centimetres (12 inches) to 4.2 metres (14 feet) in height. Building foundations are made from blocks of Pleistocene limestone and materials like conch shells. Crude plaster floors and evidence of pole-and-thatch-roof designs suggest the simple nature of the habitations.

Excavations at the site indicate that it was first occupied about 2,100 years ago during the late Preclassic period and was continuously inhabited until its abrupt abandonment around 1500 CE. The peak period of occupation was during the Postclassic period, from about 1200 to 1400 CE. The Maya inhabitants were predominantly fisherfolk and later became involved in intensive salt production, which was likely a significant trade item.

Despite its rich history and archaeological significance, the Marco Gonzalez site faces challenges due to a lack of funding and difficult access. Visitors have reported issues with the boardwalk being in disrepair, making it unsafe to walk on. The site is also infamously buggy, with mosquitoes being a common issue for visitors. As a result, the site has been closed to visitors until further notice.

Altun Ha: a major ceremonial centre and trading hub where the largest carved jade object was found

Altun Ha, located in the Belize District, is the name given to the ruins of an ancient Maya city in Belize. The site covers an area of about 8 square kilometres and is situated about 50 kilometres north of Belize City and 10 kilometres west of the Caribbean Sea shore. Altun Ha was a major ceremonial centre and trading hub during the Classic Period (c. 250-900 AD). The site is known for its discovery of the largest carved jade object found in any Maya community in the region—a jade head of the Maya sun god, Kinich Ahau.

The ancient city of Altun Ha was first inhabited during the Pre-Classic Period (c. 1000 BC-200 AD), with the earliest monumental constructions dating from around 100 BC. However, most of the structures at the site are from the Early Classic Period (c. 200-600 AD), when the site reached its peak. Altun Ha was occupied for many centuries, from about 900 BC to 1000 AD, with the city at its largest during the Classic Period.

The site consists of two main plazas surrounded by over a dozen Mayan temples, pyramids, and residential structures. The largest of these is the "Temple of the Masonry Altars", which stands at 16 metres (52 feet) high and serves as the logo of Belize's leading beer brand, Belikin. Altun Ha is also notable for its absence of carved stelae, which were commonly found at other Mayan sites.

The most impressive discovery at Altun Ha is the tomb of a presumed ruler, found in Structure B-4/7 and dating to around 650 AD. This tomb contained a large number of funerary objects, including the aforementioned jade head of Kinich Ahau, which weighs nearly 11 pounds (5 kilograms) and is considered a masterpiece of Maya art. The jade used for this artifact was imported from ancient mines in eastern Guatemala's Motagua River valley.

In addition to the jade head, over 800 pieces of jade have been recovered at Altun Ha, with more than 60 of these being carved. Other significant finds at the site include tomb F8/1, which contained the remains of an adult male along with a variety of jade and shell objects, as well as Spondylus shells and ceramic vessels.

Altun Ha is one of Belize's best-excavated archaeological sites and is easily accessible for tourists. It is located about an hour's drive north of Belize City, making it a convenient day trip for visitors. The site is open to the public and offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the ancient Maya civilisation.

Lamanai: one of Belize's largest Mayan ceremonial centres, featuring exotic Mayan art and architecture

Lamanai, meaning "submerged crocodile" in the Yucatec Maya language, is one of the largest Mayan ceremonial centres in Belize. Located in the Orange Walk District on the New River Lagoon, the site is characterised by its exotic styles of ancient Mayan art and architecture.

Lamanai is renowned for its exceptionally long occupation, spanning three millennia, from the Early Preclassic Maya period through to the Spanish and British Colonial periods, and into the 20th century. Unlike most Classic-period sites in the southern Maya lowlands, Lamanai was not abandoned at the end of the 10th century AD.

The site became prominent in the Pre-Classic Period, from the 4th century BC through to the 1st century AD. In 625 AD, "Stele 9" was erected in the Yucatec language of the Maya. Lamanai continued to be occupied until the 17th century AD.

The vast majority of the site remained unexcavated until the mid-1970s. Since then, archaeological work has focused on the investigation and restoration of the larger structures, most notably the Mask Temple, Jaguar Temple, and High Temple.

The Jaguar Temple is named for its boxy jaguar decoration, while the Mask Temple is adorned by a 13-foot stone mask of an ancient Maya king. The High Temple offers panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and nearby lagoon from its summit.

The Lamanai Mayan Centre holds over 800 structures deep in the Tropical Forest. The site features a small onsite museum, which holds precious artefacts spanning over 2000 years of Mayan history. Well-kept paths through the rainforest lead visitors to the monuments and temples.

The boat ride to Lamanai is considered a highlight of the excursion, with the opportunity to spot over 100 varieties of tropical birds and occasional freshwater crocodiles along the river's edge.

Xunantunich: a widely-known prestigious Mayan ruin, featuring the notable main temple, El Castillo

Xunantunich is a widely-known prestigious Mayan ruin located in western Belize, about 70 miles west of Belize City. The site served as a Maya civic ceremonial centre to the Belize Valley region in the Late and Terminal Classic periods. The name Xunantunich means "Maiden of the Rock" in the Maya languages Mopan and Yucatec, combining "Xunaan" (noble lady) and "Tuunich" (stone for sculpture). The site is located atop a ridge above the Mopan River, within sight of the Guatemala border.

Xunantunich is believed to have been settled as early as the ceramic phase of the Preclassic period, although the findings have been too insubstantial to prove its significance during this time. The site began to grow significantly in size during the Samal phase (AD 600–670) and experienced a construction boom in the Hats’ Chaak phase (AD 670–750). Xunantunich was abandoned around AD 750 due to an unknown violent event but re-established itself as a prominent site in the region during the Tsak’ phase (AD 780–890).

The core of Xunantunich occupies about one square mile and consists of a series of six plazas surrounded by more than 26 temples and palaces. One of its better-known structures is the pyramid known as "El Castillo", the second tallest structure in Belize at approximately 130 feet tall. El Castillo is believed to have served as an ancestral shrine for the ruling family, with friezes depicting gods of creation and the tree of life.

Xunantunich is accessible by a hand-cranked ferry that carries visitors across the Mopan River. The site features a visitor centre with a model of the site, photos, maps, and graphical explanations of significant events in the development of the city. Visitors can explore the various temples and palaces, hike the surrounding area, and enjoy activities on the Mopan River, such as canoeing, kayaking, and swimming.

Caracol: a beautifully preserved Mayan ruin with a temple rising above the jungle and a museum with archaeological displays

Caracol, once known as "Oxhuitza" or "Uxwitza" ("Place of Three Hills" or "Three Water Hill" in the Mayan language) is a beautifully preserved Mayan ruin site in Belize. Located in the Chiquibul Forest in the Cayo District, Caracol is the largest archaeological zone in the country, covering 55 square miles and housing a population of over 140,000 people during its peak. The site is particularly notable for its impressive collection of structures, including the Canna ("Sky Palace"), which is the tallest man-made building in Belize, rising 141 feet (43 meters) above the surrounding jungle.

The history of Caracol dates back to the Early Pre-Classic period (1000-800 BC), with the construction of monumental structures beginning in the Late Pre-Classic period (300 BC-200 AD). The site reached its apex during the Early to Mid-Classic Period (250-700 AD), and continued to thrive until its eventual abandonment around the year 1050, coinciding with the widespread collapse of Mayan civilization in the region.

Today, visitors to Caracol can explore the site's impressive collection of temples, palaces, plazas, ball courts, reservoirs, and causeways. The site also boasts a well-preserved astronomical observatory and over 24 carved stelae and altars, providing valuable insights into the ancient Mayan culture and history. The abundance of archaeological findings at Caracol has allowed experts to accurately document the site's history, including a monumental military victory over the rival city-state of Tikal in 562 AD.

In addition to its archaeological significance, Caracol is also surrounded by the lush greenery of the Chiquibul Rainforest, providing visitors with a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while exploring the ancient ruins. The site is accessible via a curving access road and offers a unique glimpse into the past, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in history, nature, and Mayan culture.

The Caracol site also features a museum, where visitors can learn more about the archaeological findings and the history of the Mayan civilization that once flourished in this region. The museum provides a wealth of information, displaying artefacts and exhibits that showcase the daily lives, beliefs, and accomplishments of the ancient Mayans.

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