Belize’s most spectacular site, come see Caracol in Belize.
The Belize Archeological site of Caracol sits high on a plateau, 500 meters above sea level on the western edge of the Maya Mountains. It is nestled deep in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve within the Mountain Pine Ridge area.
Caracol is famed as the most extensive Maya center in Belize. Cutting across the hilly terrain, remnants of vast agricultural field systems give evidence of an extensive farm industry that once provided sustenance for a large population. Caracol has an internal road system made up of 60 kilometers of Sacbeob (roads) and causeways, which served as routes for transportation and communication.
This Belize Maya site is home to the tallest man-made structure in Belize, Canna, standing 143 ft above the plaza floor. The discovery of Alter 23, which shows bound captives, indicates that Caracol was an extremely fierce and war-like center. It is believed that Caracol defeated Tikal in the war in 562 A.D.
The scenic drive to Caracol traverses through the Mountain Pine Ridge area. The road travels over a series of creeks, through lush tropical forest and pine forest, habitat for a variety of Belize bird species. The highest canopy of this Belize rainforest is home to several species of cats, as well as rare birds in Belize such as the Keel-Billed Mot Mot, Crested Guan, Great Curassow, and Ocellated Turkey. A wide variety of orchids, vines, and trees are also found in the area. This tour is combined with a visit to the Rio Frio Caves and the Rio On Pools for a swim after a ride on the bumpy roads.
