Archaeological ruins of Belize

The wonderful nation of Belize is known throughout the world for its crystal clear waters and the breathtaking diving opportunities besides the other popular activities like boating, trekking and bird watching.

Besides the adventures in the waters and tiring walks, Belize is home to a large amount of Mayan ruins and as such there are plenty of sites for history lovers to visit. Let’s go through the popular archaeological sites of this wonderful country.

Lamanai:

This place is located in north central Belize and more specifically on the western bank of the New River Lagoon. The Maya people were the original inhabitants of the place. Subsequently, there were British and Spanish people in the area as well. This ancient Maya city dates back to an astonishing 3000 years.

The site is also unique in its arrangement pattern for the buildings. The structures are based on the New River Lagoon’s river banks in the north to south direction.

Caracol:

Caracol is ranked as the largest of all ancient Maya cities and is situated in South Central Belize. The site is more specifically located on the Vaca plateau in close vicinity to the Maya mountains. It is estimated that around AD 700, the area saw a whopping 150,000 residents. It is also believed that the surrounding areas may contain some 36,000 structures, including 7 sacbeob or walkways.

A very important part of the place is the Alter 21, located in the playing alley of Group A. This is a piece of history as it depicts the most important historical event of the city – The city’s defeat and capture of Double Bird in AD 562.

Xunantunich:

Xunantunich is located in South Central Belize. If compared with sites like Caracol, Xunantunich is relatively small in size; nevertheless, it is full of history for everyone to experience. The site is very close to the Guatemala border and has the Belize River in its close vicinity as well. The site is quite impressive and the main ceremonial site itself occupies an area of more than 22 acres.

Most of the remains date back to the Late Classic period; however, some of the findings also belong to the Late Preclassic and Early classic periods as well.

As per evidence available, it is quite possible that the site was abandoned around AD 900 due to disruptions, only to be re-occupied during the Post classic era.

The huge structure A-6 dominates the entire area. This is a building complex and goes up to 40 meters in height and is made of stone mosaic and stucco.

Nohmul:

This site used to be a major ceremonial center during the olden days. The tallest structure of Nohmul also ranks at the highest in the entire Corozal area. This site dates back to as early as 350 B.C.

Cuello:

Located between the New River and Rio Hondo, this site is known to be one of the oldest settled societies in the Mesoamerica region. This site dates back to 2500 BC.

Altun Ha:

Altun Ha is another site which belongs to the classical period. Located in close vicinity to the capital, the place is very accessible.

Pacbitun:

Pacbitun ranks as the oldest amongst the middle Pre classic sites of Western Belize. The site is a wonderful place to be in and is surrounded by the hills.

Cahal Pech:

This site is located on a hill and you can get a wonderful view of the San Ignacio town. This site dates back to 300 BC.

Pilar:

This site has not been excavated yet, however, the indications till date show that the site was very important. The area is made of some 15 courtyards and is spread over an area of 50 acres, which is huge in any terms.

The El Pilar Archaeological Reserve for Maya Flora and Fauna:

This site is just 12 miles adrift of San Ignacio. The site dates back to 450 B.C.

Uxbenka:

Uxbenka has been discovered quite recently in 1984 and is famous the world over for its stelae, which are more than 20.

Santa Rita:

The current day and ultra-modern town of Corozal is built over the ancient Maya town of Santa Rita. Historically, Santa Rita occupied a very important space and it goes back to the year AD 1350.

Listed below are some of the questions which may be on your mind.

How do I visit the archaeological ruins of Belize?

The archaeological ruins sites are spread all over the country and hence you will have to undertake a lot of scenic traveling. Nevertheless, let me assure you the road network is quite adequate in Belize. There may be some sites, which can be reached only via boat or helicopter. Add to that the friendly and co-operative locals; you will not have a chance to complain when in Belize.

You can enter the country via the capital’s Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, which operates a large number of flights to the US and other major destinations.

Residents of the US and Canada can enter the country without a visa. However, visitors belonging to other countries have to compulsorily carry a visa.

Where do I stay during my tour of the archaeological ruins of Belize?

A tour of the archaeological sites involves traveling to the entire country. Nevertheless, here are some of the best places to stay along with the vicinity where they are housed.

Almond Tree House Resort, Corozal, Casa Blanca by the Sea, Corozal, Hill Bank Field Station, Orange Walk Town, A Roseville Stay, Belize City, Banana Bank Lodge, Cayo, Coco Plum Island Resort, Stann Creek, and Calico Jack’s Village, Placencia.

When is the best time to visit the archaeological ruins of Belize?

Belize is known to have a tropical climate and as such it tends to be warm throughout the year. You may visit the country throughout the year; however, there are some disturbing facts about the weather as hurricanes are very common during the August-October period. Hence, it is recommended you visit the country during the January to May period.

In conclusion, the archaeological ruins are sites you history freaks need to explore as there is so much to learn about in these places. So, what are you waiting for, just go ahead and plan a trip to Belize.