Explore The Great Mayan Site of Caracol – Belize

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 Caracol Mayan Ruins from joeforjette

Caracol Mayan Ruins from joeforjette

The Cayo District of Belize is the most visited historical site in the entire world. It is home to the Caracol Mayan Ruins that is also recognized as the largest man-made structure in the country despite its ancient features. It was re-founded during the 1900s located at the topmost part of the Vaca Plateau, about a thousand and six hundred feet above sea level and is inside the Chiquibil Forest Reserve. This Mayan complex has wowed the world with its exceptional attributes. It occupies an area of about eighty square miles and is composed of about thirty thousand structures!

 caracol from martin (necktru)

caracol from martin (necktru)

Caracol in Spanish means, “snail shell“. The whole area of Mayan Ruins in Caracol was named as such because of its abundance in snail shells living around the area. This place is not easy to access  as compared to its neighboring areas with historical ruins in Belize. However,a portion of the trail to the site is flattened and the drive towards the site is to be one of the most exciting among all because you will get to see magnificent landscapes. Mornings are the perfect times to visit Caracol  because it’s the time of the day that most wildlife creatures would roam the premises. Some of these creatures include jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, spider monkeys and the Grey Fox.

 Belize-0972 - Royal Residence from archer10 (Dennis)

Belize-0972 – Royal Residence from archer10 (Dennis)

Historians would presume that Caracol was a glorious urban vicinity during its time consisting of more than a hundred thousand people. Because of such, the town is composed of many structures and different kinds of artifacts.

The Caracol ruins composes five main Plazas and more than a hundred tombs were discovered in the area. One of the most famous of all the tombs is that of an old woman who was believed to be the wife of the ruler of this civilization who took over Tikal. It is intriguing to tourists because it is very well-preserved and looks more recent than the other ones.

Within the area, you will be able to find ancient carved stelae, tiny relics and ancient buildings. If you wish for your trip to be more educational, you should consider hiring a tour guide that knows all about its history and stories.

One of the most primary features in the area is the astronomical observation area which is presumed to have been constructed during the Early Classic period. By the center of the site is the pyramid of Caana or the Sky Palace. It reaches up to a hundred and thirty-five feet in height which makes it the tallest one of it all. Tourists are allowed to climb up its steps and enjoy the magnificent view of the mountains and forests around.

 Rio On pools from aSIMULAtor

Rio On pools from aSIMULAtor

Apart from the Caana are also surrounding structures that are also available to climb up on. Be cautioned though that the steps could get a little challenging to tackle on because of its steep and narrow characteristics. When you’ve had your full of climbing the structures and walking around the complex, head down to the Rio on Pools  which is a group of natural swimming pools made up of granite boulders.

 Perspective from EmmaLeeSnow

Perspective from EmmaLeeSnow

Accommodation establishments are available at the nearby town of San Ignacio. You may be able to cruise down to the station from the city by yourself or you may also avail of a package on tours to Caracol. Most of the companies that provide such tours would include entrance fees, hotel transport, tour guide services and food on the itinerary. Whichever choice you make, you will be required to be accompanied by an escorted convoy that would begin at the Douglas D’Silva Ranger Station. This procedure in traveling to the ruins was established for the purpose of making sure that the tourists to be completely out of harm’s way. The drive would take about an hour before you start with your exploration into one of the world’s most amazing structures to date.

 

For hotel bookings and reservations near Caracol, click here.

For cheap flights to Caracol, click here.

For more information on travel destinations and fun vacation activities, click here.

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