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Mayan Ruins in Belize

Belize is a rich destination for exploring the ancient Maya civilization since it features dozens of sites that range from towering cities to sacred ceremonial caves. For a time during the Classic period (A.D. 250–900), Belize was considered the heart of the Maya world, with an estimated population over one million.

Featured Maya Sites

Caracol
Caracol was the largest Maya city in Belize. It is located deep within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve in the Cayo District, near the border with Guatemala. Caana ("Sky Palace") is the highlight, a massive pyramid complex that stands at over 140 feet (43 meters) tall, making it the tallest man-made structure in all of Belize to this day.

Xunantunich
Located in Cayo District, its access involves a scenic ride across the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry. El Castillo, a 130-foot (40-meter) pyramid offers one of the best panoramic views of the entire Maya valley.

Lamanai
Located on the banks of the New River Lagoon in the Orange Walk District it can be reached via a scenic riverboat trip, which is also a popular wildlife viewing opportunity. It has impressive carved facades, including the Jaguar Temple and the Mask Temple, which features colossal stone masks of a Maya king.

Altun Ha
Altun Ha is famous as the site where archaeologists discovered the Jade Head of the Maya sun god Kinich Ahau—the largest carved jade object found in the entire Maya region and a national symbol of Belize (featured on the national currency). It served as an important ceremonial and trading center, connecting inland Maya communities with the Caribbean coast.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave)
Deep within the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve (Cayo District), Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) is only accessible via a licensed guided tour. It consists of an immense, sacred cave system used by the Maya for rituals. The cave contains numerous ceramic vessels and the calcified skeletal remains of at least 14 individuals, most famously the fully crystallized 'Crystal Maiden.'

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