The Caracol in Belize Maya ruins are the biggest you wll find in the country. Know about ths history of El Caracol Belize and the sights that you can expect in this place.

Caracol in Belize is the biggest

The Mayan ruins of Caracol in Belize are the most extensive in all of Belize. Following a victory over Tikal in the 6th century, Caracol flourished, rising to become one of the biggest Mayan cities. Following its decline, the city lay hidden in thick, high-canopy jungle for centuries up until a native logger came across it in 1937. One year later, two archeologists visited the ruins. The named the site Caracol, which is Spanish for ‘snail’ because of the big number of snail shells they found. The ancient Maya name of the city was Oxwitza or ‘three hill water.’ Excavations of the ruins did not start until the 1950s while most of the work took place since 1985. The excavations have uncovered royal tombs, monuments, dwellings and ball courts.

The earliest habitation of Caracol happened between 900 BC and 600 BC, while the first Mayan temple called the Temple of the Wooden Lintel, dates from around 70 AD. The Caracol royal dynasty was founded in 331, and the city rose to power over the next two centuries. At first, Caracol was an alley of Tikal witnessed by the appointment of a new lord over Caracol by the king of Tikal, Double Bird, in 553 AD. However, the relationship between the former allies turned hostile when Caracol switched alliancs from Tikal to Calakmul. An angered Double Bird declared war against Caracol and defeated it, although not decisively.

In 562, Lord Kan of Caracol, along with his allay Calakmul planned war in accordance with astrology against Tikal. Double Bird was captured and sacrificed, and Caracol experienced a boost in their power and wealth. At its peak, Caracol maintained a population of more than 140,000 people through the creation of a bug agricultural field system and through elaborate city planning. It covered an area that is much bigger than present day Belize City and might even have exceeeded that of Tikal.

During the later years of reign, the residents of Caracol in Belize carried out a series of attacks on another former Tikal ally Naranjo, with mixed success. A period of decline followed because of Tikal’s resurgence and the downfall of Calakmul and its alliance. Caracol returned shortly because of a major power around 800 AD during the reign of K’inich Joy K’awiil, who resumed both royal monuments dedications and construction activities. The last recorded date at Caracol is 859 AD found on Stela 10.

Evidence on the destruction of El Caracol points to a big fire in 895 AD. Its inhabitants slowly dwindled away until the city finally abandoned around 1050. The biggest and most impressive structure in Caracol in Belize is a hillside temple called Caana Caracol, which literally translates to ‘Sky Place.’ It rises at 143 feet above the jungle, making it the tallest building in Belize. Today, it still remains as one of the tallest structures in the country.

Many people are visiting and exploring Caracol Mayan ruins Belize on a guided tour

but it is possible that you can drive there on your own; just be sure that you are prepared for a crazy, bumpy and muddy ride. All the groups, individuals and visitors travel to Caracol in a convoy that departs Douglas D’Silva ranger station at 9:30 in the morning. On the return trip, the convoy departs at two in the afternoon. Call a reputable touring company now and ask about their Caracol tour Belize packages.