10 Mind-Blowing Maya Ruins in Belize To Visit At Least Once In A Lifetime

December 4, 2022
by roshesgodfrey@gmail.com +

The enigmatic Maya empire left behind many ancient ruins in Belize – a country of just 8,867 square miles. The country boasts over 600 Maya ruins and we have narrowed down the 10 most impressive ruins to visit at least once in your lifetime.

#1: Caracol Maya Ruins

Once a major prehistoric Maya city, Caracol today is an archaeological site situated in the Cayo District of Belize. In fact, you might choose to visit this along the way to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Caracol holds the title of the largest Maya city in Belize. Caracol has majestic Maya temples where visitors can walk to the top. You will see a view of the Chiquibul forest reserve.

#2: Cahal Pech Maya Ruins

Located in the town of San Ignacio, Cahal Pech consists of several plazas and 30 structures that include residential buildings, temples, an altar, a sweathouse, and a ballcourt. Cahal Pech stands for, “Place of Ticks,” and it refers to the surrounding area that they once used as a pastureland.

#3: Xunantunich Maya Ruins

Sitting 70 miles to the southeast of Belize City, you want to visit Xunantunich because of its gigantic temple referred to as “El Castillo.” In Spanish, that word means “The Castle.” It clocks in at 130 feet tall, making it the second tallest building in Belize. Over 1,000 years ago, the Mayas abandoned it, and no one knows why.

#4: Lamanai Maya Ruins

Once a major Maya city, you can find these ruins to the north of Belize. Lamanai is called the high temple because you can see above the jungle canopy, and it has three large pyramids and open plazas.

#5: Altun Ha Maya Ruins

Situated along the west shore of the Caribbean Sea, Altun Ha covers an area of 3.1 square miles. At one point, the city was the site of an affluent ceremonial center. Archaeologists know this because they excavated a famous jade head here.

#6: El Pilar Maya Ruins

Right along the Belize-Guatemala border, El Pilar is one of the most prominent Classic Maya sites ever found. It once held an estimated population of 20,000 people. You have an area with a well-defined ceremonial section. Some buildings here can reach between 50 to 60 feet in height.

#7: Nim Li Punit Maya Ruins

Another one of the Maya ruins from the Classic era, Nim Li Punit means “Big Hat.” The site became famous for its intricately carved stelae that they found here. They first discovered it in 1976.

#8: Lubantuum Maya Ruins

Archaeologists date Lubantuum to the Late Classic era. You would want to see this site because it represents a small minority of Maya sites where the architectural style only exists in southern Belize. They primarily used this place for religious and sports events. The site consists of 11 structures with five main plazas and three ball courts.

#9: Cerros Maya Ruins

Most archaeologists believe the Mayas abandoned the Cerros Maya ruins because of economic growth in the cities inland. Cerros was famous because it was a jade and obsidian trading center. This was also the longest-occupied Mayan site in Belize, which makes it worthy of mention.

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#10: Santa Rita Maya Ruins

Archeologists believe that the Santa Rita ruins belong to the ancient Maya city of Chetumal. This was the birthplace of Mestizo culture. The site sits close to the border with Mexico. It has uniqueness because it survived the collapse of the Maya society and into the days of the Spanish conquest. The city allowed access to the inland Maya cities, which made it well-placed. Keep in mind, that this is a smaller archaeological site but worth the visit.

The Maya left a rich heritage of art, science, and mathematics that continues to astound us even today. Did you know that the Mayas were behind the invention of the number zero in 3 B.C.? India also developed it, but it was later in the 5th century.

Visit Belize, and you will see the highest concentration of Maya sites. Their rich cultural heritage is worthy of your attention. You can visit here in the summer, fall, winter or spring. It will always be a memorable experience.