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Archeological Sites in Belize

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Archeological Sites in Belize

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Ancient Mayans once thrived throughout Belize, and today you can explore the ruins of these wonderous civilizations at archeological sites. There are a number of sites to visit and all kinds of structures to see, including palaces, temples, and ball courts. There are ceremonial centers dating back thousands of years and reservoirs that display an advanced knowledge of engineering. Touring these archeological sites will provide travelers with a close-up look at one of Belize's oldest cultures.

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Belize highlights: Archeological Sites in Belize

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Xunantunich

Xunantunich

Home to the second largest Mayan pyramid in Belize, Xunantunich is one of the most impressive Mayan sites in Belize. The site is composed of three major ceremonial plazas surrounded by numerous temples, palaces, and house mounds. Xunantunich is located 8 miles (13 km) southwest of San Ignacio on the Western Highway.
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Cahal Pech Ruins

Cahal Pech Ruins

Less than a 10-minute drive or a 25-minute uphill walk from the town of San Ignacio, the 2-acre Mayan ruin site called Cahal Pech makes for pleasant morning or afternoon trip.
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Altun Ha

Altun Ha

Out of all of the Mayan sites in Belize, Altun Ha is the most easily accessible from Belize City. This site was once a major trading center, as indicated by the discoveries of jade, jewelry, pottery, and elaborate sculptures. Just 30 miles (50 km) north of Belize City, Altun Ha is a popular day trip for both cruise ship passengers and independent travelers.
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Actun Tunichil Muknal

Actun Tunichil Muknal

Actun Tunichil Muknal is a cave that the Mayans used for ceremonial purposes, dating back to around 900 AD. According to Maya lore, Actun Tunichil Muknal (known locally as “ATM”) connects the world of the living to Xibalba, the Maya underworld. This cave served as the site of human sacrifice – archeologists have uncovered the remains of 6 children and several adults inside the cave. Historians speculate that the Maya intended these sacrifices to appease the gods of the underworld.
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Caracol Ruins

Caracol Ruins

When you visit the Caracol ruins, you’ll get to see over 30 structures built by the Mayans, including the tower of Caana, the tallest structure in all of Belize. To reach Caracol, you’ll visit the Chiquibul Forest Reserve in western Belize, at the foothills of the Maya mountains.
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Lamanai

Lamanai

Lamanai is an extensive and diverse Mayan site set deep in the jungle along the banks of the New River Lagoon. One of the longest-occupied Mayan sites in Belize, Lamanai served as home to up to 35,000 Maya from 500 B.C., up until the beginning of the Spanish colonial period in the 17th century.
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Nim Li Punit Ruins

Nim Li Punit Ruins

The Mayan site of Nim Li Punit is easily accessible from the Southern Highway and sits on a ridge 220 feet (67 m) above sea level. On a clear day, the Caribbean Sea is visible from the site. A series of plazas and platforms are built into the hillside.
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Lubaantun Ruins

Lubaantun Ruins

Lubaantun (“The Place of Fallen Stones”) served as the home to 20,000 Maya during the Late Classic Period from AD 730–890. Although the lifetime of Lubaantun’s occupation was short, lasting between 130 and 180 years, discoveries of basalt grinding stones, seashells, and obsidian indicate that Lubaantun was once a major trading site. Located in the southern foothills of the Mayan Mountains in the Toledo District, the rich soils here also supported productive farming operations for cacao.
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