There are so many Belize Mayan sites that you can explore in this beautiful country, with some even yet to be discovered. Know some of the best ruins in Belize that you can visit now.

Some Belize Mayan sites are undiscovered

Belize is home to more than 600 ancient Mayan sites. Archaeologists believe that, at one time, Belize was the center of the lowland Mayan Empire. It is possible that, during the time of Christ, a million people could have been living in what is present-day Belize. Most of these sites still remain buried and unexplored, ranging from small mounds of ceremonial caves, that are still being discovered up until this day. Of the sites that have been discovered, there is a list of major sites that are available for tours today.

Mayan tribes inhabited Belize from 1,000 BC onward. This civilization was quite primitive until around the fourth century. The Mayans of Belize flourished between 300 and 900 during what is dubbed as the Classic Period and the Mayan Golden Age. Around this time, principalities and kingdoms of the Maya gave rise to huge cities and ceremonial sites. The fertile climate and location of Belize along the coast of the Caribbean Sea made it an important hub for Mayan development.

The Golden Age came to an abrupt stop at around 900, and the once-glorious pyramids and temples of the Maya sank into the jungle where they would stay hidden for hundred of years. Most of these ruins have now been discovered, but many sites remain lost in the forests of Belize. Today tourists have the chance to travel to some of the most important sites of the ancient Mayan world as part of their trip to Belize. Of these archaeological site, the mosti impressive ones to see on your holiday include the following.

1. Actun Tunichil Muknal

An archaeological cave of great significance, many artifacts remain here, most famously the crystal maiden among other remains of sacrifice.

2. Altun Ha

This is the closest and the most accessible Mayan ruin site from Belize City. The famous ‘Jade Head’ was discovered at the site , but now is in the national archives in Belize City. The meaning of Altun Ha is ‘Rockstone Pond.’

3. Cahal Pech

The closest site to the town of San Ignacio, this is a short walk from town. You can walk to this Belize Mayan site from the downtown core.

4. Caracol

Rumored to be the biggest site in Belize, it still remains largely excavated. Its remote setting in the Chicibul Rainforest Reserve makes it one of the more adventurous sites to explore. This is one of the most popular day trips from San Ignacio.

5. Cerros

This is the northernmost sites of Belize, the Cerros Mayan ruins Belize has an impressive relief that has been restored, overlooking the Chetumal Bay.

6. Lamanai

One of the best ruins in Belize, it was occupied for the longest length in history. Lamanai is both a colonial history site and an ancient Mayan site, making it a fascinating day trip. The ruins can be accessed by road, or by taking the more popular river trip down the New River to the banks of the New River Lagoon that sits under the site.

7. Lubaantun

Literally translating to ‘Place of Fallen Stones,’ the name reflects that many of the big stones were cut to fit one another, rather than mortared together. This site is also famous for its big collection of ceramic charms or objects that were found on the site. Its most popular find is the Mitchell-Hedges Crystal Skull which has drawn much controversy on whether it was actually found on the site.

8. Nim Li Punit

A medium-sized site, this has several pyramid structures. The most interesting artifact of the site include a range of stellae that remain in both finished and unfinished states.

9. Xunantunich

The closest site to the Guatemalan border, this has the second biggest pyramid in Belize. El Castillo has been refurbished with a very impressive relief carving that appears in many pictures of Mayan sites of Belize. Translating to ‘stone women,’ the name is rumored to be after a ghost that has been seen on the site.

There are many other Belize archaeological sites that you can find and explore in this beautiful country. A well-experienced guide should help you point out the best ones to go to. You can contact a touring company to help you create an itinerary that will make you experience the best of Belize.