| For centuries the magnificent ruins of the ancient Maya | | | | in Belize. |
| civilization have fascinated mankind. With its intriguing | | | | Caracol is in the Cayo District. Many tour guides are |
| temples and spellbinding architecture, Maya ruins in | | | | available to take you to this fantastic Mayan site. If |
| Belize have attracted generations of vacationers as | | | | your Belize vacation is taking you to the Cayo District, |
| well as archaeologists, explorers and history lovers. | | | | Caracol would be a great choice to visit. |
| It is believed that Mayans had discovered and used | | | | Lubaatun |
| the zero even before the Europeans. Their | | | | This is an interesting site in the south of Belize. It is |
| magnificent, breathtaking architecture is awe-inspiring. | | | | noted for the curvature of it architecture that was |
| Several archaeological sites are open to the public and | | | | amazingly assembled without mortar. Lubaatun is also |
| four of them are most visited by the public. Let's | | | | in the center of the Crystal Skull controversy. A British |
| discuss some of the more famous Mayan structures | | | | explorer allegedly discovered a crystal skull at this site |
| in Belize: | | | | in the 1920's. To this day modern science is unable to |
| Altun Ha | | | | duplicate such a skull. The largest structure at |
| Located north of Belize City, Altun Ha is called water | | | | Lubaantún rises 36 feet above the plaza floor. |
| of the rock. The ruins of Altun Ha are famous for | | | | From the summit of this structure there is a beautiful |
| various reasons. The largest and unique Jade head | | | | view of the foothills of the Maya Mountains and the |
| sculpture of Kinich Ahau which symbolizes the Maya's | | | | Toledo coastal plains. The center of the site lies along |
| Sun God, was found here during excavations. | | | | a ridge top twenty miles from the sea. In contrast to |
| During the Classic Period (from 250 to 900 A.D), Altun | | | | other sites, the Maya of Lubaantún took to |
| Ha was the main ceremonial center as well as a key | | | | shaping the ridges and slopes of the hilltop rather then |
| trading center connecting the Caribbean shores with | | | | leveling it off. The ceremonial center of this site has 11 |
| Maya's prime areas. The largest temple of the | | | | major structures grouped around five main plazas. |
| Masonry Altars in Altun Ha is 54 feet high. Altun Ha is | | | | While on your Belize Vacation Lubaatun is a must see. |
| a favorite to many who vacation in Belize. | | | | Xunantunich |
| El Pilar | | | | It is known as Maiden of the Rock. The 135-foot tower |
| Visited by many vacationers, El Pilar is unique in that it | | | | "El Castillo" in Xunantunich is the second tallest |
| has only been partially excavated to intentionally allow | | | | structure in Belize after Canaa in Caracol. Xunantunich |
| visitors to experience the vastness of the jungle that | | | | is a short drive from San Ignacio and is near the |
| has overcome this once large and important site. The | | | | Belize-Guatemala border. It is a favorite of thousands |
| site is on the Belize-Guatemala border with entry to | | | | of Belize vacationers every year. The site is well |
| the site being only 7 miles from Bullet Tree Falls, Cayo | | | | cared for and a great place to learn of the mysterious |
| District. | | | | Mayan and have a great day exploring. From atop El |
| El Pilar consists of several excavated chambers and | | | | Castillo you can gaze across miles of beautiful jungle |
| court yards that are open to visitors, as well as many | | | | and into Guatemala. Another favorite of visitors to the |
| temples and mounds left as they were discovered. El | | | | site is the ride across the Mopan River on a hand |
| Pilar is also popular with birders on a Belize vacation | | | | cranked auto ferry. |
| and the Emerald Toucanet is commonly sighted. In the | | | | These are many more Maya ruins in Belize. Whenever |
| canopy Howler Monkeys can be observed lounging | | | | you are on vacation in Belize make it a point to |
| tranquilly. El Pilar is an excellent choice for those on a | | | | explore the magnificent structures and architecture of |
| Belize vacation in or around San Ignacio. | | | | Maya ruins. Allow reliable and efficient Belize Vacation |
| Caracol | | | | Planners to provide a great vacation packages and to |
| This a very popular site with Belize vacationers. | | | | arrange a comfortable hotel or vacation rental in Belize |
| Surrounded by jungle, the ruins of Caracol contain | | | | for you. |
| enormous structures, haunting tombs and fascinating | | | | Belize is very easy to reach. In fact major airlines such |
| carvings which give a glimpse of the people who lived | | | | as American, Continental, US Air, Delta, and Taca |
| in this intriguing city. Caracol, meaning snail, was | | | | Airlines run daily flights of about two hours from |
| discovered in 1938 though its excavation started only in | | | | several U.S. cities to Belize International Airport. |
| 1985. The largest pyramid in Caracol, the Canaa, | | | | Belize is a year around destination. |
| standing at 140 feet, is the tallest man-made structure | | | | |