Best Mayan Ruins in Belize
If you are looking for the best place to take a vacation and you want beautiful weather, pristine beaches, and a rich culture, then you should consider visiting Belize. Belize is one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean. From coral reefs, to wildlife, to people, you'll be blown away by the amazing things this country has to offer. Belize is an amazing country because it's filled with beautiful things and more importantly, history. The best way to learn about the history of Belize is to visit the Mayan Ruins around Belize City.
Belize is full of wonderful attractions and cultural sites. If you are planning a trip to Belize and want to visit Maya ruins, then this list of the best Mayan Sites to visit (from the article Ten Top Maya Sites in Belize) is for you.
Xunantunich
Xunantunich, a Classic Period ceremonial center, is the highest ruin and is the second tallest temple in Belize. The site of Xunantunich is less than one mile from some lovely rapids of the Mopan River and provides an amazing view of the river valley. The name Xunantunich means "maiden of the rock" or "stone woman" in Maya, and this ceremonial center was built on the Western Highway across from San Jose Succotz village. The main palace building on site displays an astronomical carved frieze.
Altun Ha
Located 31 miles north of Belize City and accessible via a two-mile dirt road, Altun Ha is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. There are lots of animals around Altun Ha and there are many birds that can be seen as well. One of the crown jewels of Belize is its Mayan Jade Head which represents Kinich Ahau (the Mayan Sun God) and was carved from jade; it's the largest object made out of jade ever found in Mayan civilization.
Caracol
Caracol is the largest Maya center in Belize. Although the trip to Caracol may be challenging, the drive is scenic. It is Belize's largest known Maya center and holds "Canaa" the country's tallest man-made structure at 140 feet. Researchers have yet to unearth a large part of Caracol, but numerous carved monuments populate the area and the main reservoir is an engineering masterpiece.
Cahal Pech
Situated on a hilltop, Cahal Pech overlooks the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. Its name means “Place of Ticks” in the Yucatec Maya language, which was coined in the 1950s when the area around the site was used for pasture. Excavations since 1988 have revealed ten mounds and thirty-four structures, including temple pyramids, two ball courts and an altar. The central part of these ruins provides a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Lamanai
Lamanai, which means “submerged crocodile” in the Mayan language, is a ceremonial center and one of the largest Maya sites. It was occupied for over 2,000 years and features two 16th century Christian churches and an intact 19th century sugar mill. The site’s original name was recorded by Franciscan missionaries in the 17th century.
Cerro Maya
Located on a peninsula across from the town of Corozal, Cerro Maya is a stunning site to see. Archaeologists believe that the city did not survive long because of a shift in trade routes. However, what remains is stunning — including five temples (one that is 72 feet high) and related plazas, a large canal system and a beautiful panoramic view from the top of the temples.
Barton Creek Cave
The cave of Barton Creek is a popular tourist destination in the Cayo District. The cave contains a wide range of cultural remains that were left as offerings by the ancient Maya, including artifacts, hearths, modified cave formations, and human remains.
Nim Li Punit
Nim Li Punit, located in the Toledo District of Belize and named for a carving on one of its stelae, is an archaeological site known for its stelae. One of these monuments is also the tallest carved example in Belize. The ruins overlook the coastal plain, milpas and rain forest. They are smaller than other sites but boast a large number of stelae—twenty-five large, often huge stone slabs and pillars—eight of them carved.
Lubaantun Maya Ruins Toledo
Lubaantun is a Late Classic ceremonial center in southern Belize, also known as “Place of the Fallen Stones”. Lubaantun is located north of the Colombia River, one mile past the village of San Pedro Colombia, in the Toledo District. Lubaantun is famous for its unusual style of construction. The large pyramids and residences are made of dressed stone blocks with no mortar binding them together.
These are just some of the best Mayan Ruins to visit in Belize! There are many more to explore. The Mayan Ruins in Belize are well known for being some of the most beautiful and interesting Mayan ruins in the world. Belize is an absolute paradise for people who love to explore history, nature and wildlife. The Mayan ruins in Belize are among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. These ancient structures have been attracting visitors from all over the world for many years.
There is so much history and wonder in the world of Belize. This history is just part of the overall experience that you can find when visiting Belize. There are plenty of awesome things to do throughout your vacation, but seeing one or more of these mayan ruins might be exactly what you need! Belize is one of the best places to visit because it has a great variety of tourist attractions. There are many Mayan ruins and historical sites for tourists to see.
In the end, there are many reasons why tourists love visiting Belize. When it comes down to it, though, the most important thing is that this country has tons to offer travelers. Just take a look around, and you'll find fascinating history, traditional culture, and wonderful beaches. In other words, whether you want to learn and explore something new or just relax on white sand beaches, you'll have a great time visiting Belize.
