Caracol in Belize is a big and important Mayan City in the west-central part of the country. Learn about its history and what you can expect from this site.

Caracol in Belize is an important Mayan site

Caracol in Belize is an important Mayan City that flourished during the 6th century AD. It now lies in ruins in the west-central part of the country, near the border with Guatemala. The city lays hidden in the jungle until it was discovered in 1938 and is home to many pyramids, dwellings, royal tombs and other structures. It also has a large collection of Maya art.

What History Tells Us

Considered as the largest Mayan site in the country, Caracol once occupied a big area of 88 square kilometers, supporting a population of about 140,000 people. Its Mayan name was Oxwitza, which literally translates to ‘three hill water.’ The name Caracol means ‘snail’ in Spanish, and came about because of the large number of snails found in this area during the early explorations.

The earliest known habitation of Caracol was during 900 BC, but the first ever known Mayan ritual complexes date from about 70 AD when the Temple of the Wooden Lintel and Iocus B34 burial were built. Another elaborate burial was added to the same site at around 150 AD. The Caracol royal dynasty was founded in 331, and the city rose to power over the next two centuries. Caracol flourished from the 6th to 8th centuries before it rapidly declined.

By 562, Caracol defeated the Mayan sity of Tikal and assumed leadership of the region. It went on to defeat Naranjo, another rival city in 631. The last date recorded on a stele at Caracol was in 859 and the city was completely abandoned by 1050. This ancient Mayan city was overtaken by the jungle and forgotten until it was discovered by a woodcutter in 1937.

Archaeologists first arrived in Caracol in 1952 to 1953 and started preliminary studies. But extensive clearing of the jungle and dedicated archaeological work did not start until 1985, under the leadership of archaeologists Arlen Chase and Diane Chase of the University of Central Florida. In 1998, an on-site museum was opened and excavations continue to this day.

What to Expect to See

Caracol is located in the Chiquibil Forest Reserve in the west-central portion of Belize, just 47 miles from the Mayan city of Tikal in Guatemala. Designated the Caracol Archaeological Reserve, the site is not as extensively cleared than the other ones in the region, but this allows for more wildlife and atmosphere spotting.

So far, the archaeologists working at El Caracol Belize have uncovered two ball courts and three main plazas that are surrounded with pyramid temples and other structures. More than 100 tombs have also been found in Cayo Mayan ruins, along with a wide range of hieroglyphic inscriptions that reveal the interesting history of this lost Mayan City.

The most impressive sight at Caracol in Belize is a hillside complex called Caana, which translates to ‘Sky Place.’ Rising 43.5 meters above the plaza below, Canaa has foud palaces and three tamples. It is one of the most elaborate complexes found so far in the south Maya region. The palance rooms were originally coated with white stucco and decorated with red paint.

The biggest tomb discovered so far was hidden deep below the Caracol Structure B19. The tomb chamberis coated with white stucco and decorated with a thick red line around the center and a big red panel at one end. Inside this red panel is an inscription showing the date 634 AD. The only occupant of hte chamber is an adult female bundled in cloths and accompanied by ceremonal vessels.

Any Belizean native would tell you that Caracol Mayan ruins Belize is a place worth visiting, with all its sights and sounds. So on your next visit to Belize, consider adding this amazing spot in your itinerary. Call touring companies in Belize now and ask about caracol tour Belize packages so you can make the most of your whole vacation.