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Caracol Natural Monument Reservation Description
Deep in the jungles of the Chiquibul National Park lie the ruins of the Mayan city Caracol, the largest archaeological site in Belize. Situated on the Vaca Plateau 500ft/152m above sea level, the vast site reveals 37mi/60km of internal roadways and transportation routes, and was once home to an estimated 150,000 people. Approximately 36,000 structures comprise the entire city. Trails lead throughout Caracol, which has acropolises and several plazas and temples. First discovered in 1938, Caracol has been excavated several times between 1950 to the present.

The Maya inhabited Caracol as early as 300 BC, but the city flourished after a series of wars with other Mayan centers in the Late Classic period (550AD - 700 AD). The warriors of
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Hobbies & Activities category: Archeological site or ruin;  Hiking opportunity;  Natural area;  Wildlife area, bird sanctuary
Caracol Natural Monument Reservation Highlights

Ball Court & Altar 21

Caracol's ball court has been extensively excavated. Found here is Altar 21, a marker commemorating Caracol's defeat of Tikal, which is believed to be the Mayan's most powerful city located in present-day Guatemala

Caana Pyramid

The Caana (Sky Palace) pyramid is Caracol's tallest structure. Reaching 141ft/43m, it is also the tallest human-made structure in all of Belize. The pyramid was constructed over several years until
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Central Acropolis

Archaeologists believe that an elite group of Maya lived in the Central Acropolis. Excavation of a royal tomb found here revealed four sets of human remains and more than 20 pottery vessels.

South Acropolis

Archaeologists believe that an elite group of Maya lived in the South Acropolis.

Temple of the Wooden Lintel

Built with wooden crossbeams, the Temple of the Wooden Lintel dates to the 1st C AD. One of the oldest and longest-used buildings at Caracol, excavation of the temple revealed a storage cache containing 684g/1,9542oz of liquid mercury.
Address
Belmopan Archaeology Department
Independence Plaza
Belmopan, Cayo
Belize
Hours
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Open8:008:008:008:008:008:008:00
Closed16:0016:0016:0016:0016:0016:0016:00
Always open, even if weekly hours indicate otherwise
New Year's Day (January 1)
Baron Bliss Day - Belize (March 9)
Easter - Christian
Commonwealth Day - Belize (May 25)
National Day - Belize (September 10)
Independence Day - Belize (September 21)
Pan American Day - Belize (October 12)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
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Tips
Guides will show visitors around for free, however tipping is common.
Toilets are the only available facility. Bring lunch, refreshments and a spare tire.
Caracol can be reached via a rugged road from San Antonio, taking about three hours.
Attractions Near Caracol Natural Monument Reservation, Chiquibul National Park, Mountain Pine Ridge Area
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