Damon Mcknight
Belize is home to the largest number of ancient Maya ruins in Central America. The country's rich history and impressive ancient architecture make it a fascinating place to visit. Here are some of the best ruins to explore in Belize City:
Xunantunich: Located across the river from the village of San Jose Succotz, Xunantunich is accessible by a free ferry. The site features El Castillo, the largest temple with fascinating Mayan hieroglyphics and breathtaking views.
Lamanai: Nestled in northern Belize, Lamanai is one of the oldest continuously occupied Maya sites. It is known for its spectacular jungle setting near the New River Lagoon and well-preserved stone carvings.
Caracol: Situated in the Cayo District, Caracol is the largest ruin in Belize. This ancient city was once a powerful centre, housing about 120,000 people. Visitors can explore the thick jungle, five plazas, and an astronomical observatory.
Altun Ha: As the closest Mayan ruins to Belize City, Altun Ha is easily accessible and offers a pleasant walk through grassland. The site features two large central plazas and pyramids, as well as the famous Maya Jade Head, representing the Mayan Sun God.
Cahal Pech: Just outside San Ignacio, Cahal Pech is a fascinating Maya site featuring several pyramids, residence buildings, and impressive courtyards. It was originally built for the wealthy and provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of the ancient Maya elite.
What You'll Learn
Xunantunich
The main attraction is El Castillo, a 130-foot-tall pyramid that is the second-largest structure in Belize. It features intricate Mayan hieroglyphics and friezes depicting gods of creation and the tree of life. Climbing to the top offers a breathtaking 360-degree view, including sights of the surrounding jungle, the river valley, and even Guatemala on a clear day.
In addition to El Castillo, Xunantunich boasts six major plazas, over 25 temples and palaces, and a new museum. Well-preserved sun god masks decorate one side of the tallest ruin. The site is also known for its impressive astronomical carved frieze on the main palace building.
Excavations at Xunantunich are ongoing, and archaeologists continue to uncover new insights into this ancient civilisation.
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Caracol
The site was discovered in 1938 by a logger named Rosa Mai, who was searching for mahogany trees in the area. The site was then named by the archaeological commissioner, A.H. Anderson, who visited alongside colleague Hugh Blockley Jex. The name Caracol is Spanish for snail shell, referencing the curving access road that leads to the site.
The largest building at Caracol is the Caana (or 'Sky Palace'), which, at 43 metres (141 feet), is the tallest man-made structure in Belize. Caracol also features three temples, five plazas, 24 altars, three ball courts, reservoirs, causeways, and an astronomical observatory.
The site is still an active archaeological site, and much work is needed to uncover all its secrets. However, the roads leading to Caracol are in good condition, and the drive to the site offers a chance to take in the beauty of the Chiquibul Rainforest.
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Lamanai
The site is situated on the banks of the New River Lagoon, and the most interesting way to get to Lamanai is by boat. Tourists typically travel to Orange Walk Town by bus and then take a 26-mile boat ride up the winding New River. This boat ride offers excellent opportunities to spot wildlife, including iguanas, crocodiles, and various species of birds.
Upon arrival at the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, visitors are greeted by a lagoon filled with crocodiles—a fitting welcome to a site named "submerged crocodile." The site itself is spectacular, with a range of well-preserved ceremonial buildings. The High Temple, with its 108-foot staircase, offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding jungle and the New River Lagoon. The Jaguar Temple, a stepped pyramid, features a distinctive jaguar head jutting out from the front. However, the true highlight of Lamanai is the Mask Temple, a ceremonial centre adorned with a pair of striking 13-foot-tall limestone masks featuring crocodile headdresses.
In addition to its ancient temples, Lamanai also boasts remnants of two Spanish churches dating back to the 1500s. Interestingly, the Maya continued to inhabit this area during the Spanish colonisation of Central America, using the churches to stash sacred objects for safekeeping. The industrial remains of a 19th-century sugar mill can also be found nearby, now abandoned and overtaken by massive tree roots.
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Cahal Pech
The site covers 22 acres, with a core area of interconnected plazas, pyramids, temples, stelae, ballcourts, and elite residences. There are 34 structures in total, with the tallest temple reaching a height of about 25 meters. The central part of the ruins offers a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Today, Cahal Pech is an archaeological reserve, housing a small museum with artefacts from various ongoing excavations. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful panoramic views and explore the ancient Maya city. The site is easily accessible from San Ignacio, making it a popular day trip for those staying in the Cayo District.
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Altun Ha
The most significant find at Altun Ha is the Maya Jade Head, representing the Mayan Sun God, Kinich Ahua. It is the largest object carved from jade in Mayan civilisation and one of the crown jewels of Belize. The site also features the Temple of Masonry Altars, which, at 16 metres (52 feet) high, is the largest of Altun Ha's temple-pyramids. A drawing of this structure features on the label of Belize's national beer, Belikin.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the best ruins to visit in Belize City are Altun Ha, Caracol, Lamanai, Cahal Pech, and Xunantunich.
Altun Ha is one of Belize's most visited sites and is easily accessible from Belize City. It was a major ceremonial centre during the Classic Period and houses the largest Maya-carved jade object ever discovered, the famous Jade Head.
Caracol is the largest Mayan site in Belize, even larger than Belize City itself. It is located within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and is home to the tallest man-made structure in Belize, the Caana pyramid.
You can get to Lamanai by boat or car. The boat journey takes you along the New River, where you can spot exotic wildlife, while the car route passes through a Mennonite community.
Cahal Pech is one of the most accessible Mayan ruins in Belize, located just a short walk or drive from the city of San Ignacio. It was once the home of an elite Mayan ruling family and features several pyramids, residence buildings, and courtyards.
To get to Xunantunich, you'll need to cross the Mopan River via a hand-cranked ferry, making the journey to the site an adventure in itself. Xunantunich also means "Stone Woman" in Maya and is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman dressed in white with glowing red eyes.
