Looking for some exciting new ways to learn about history? Belize has more than 600 ancient Maya sites, the most of any country in the MesoAmerican region.
Here are 5 majestic Maya sites you should definitely visit in Belize this fall:
1 – Xunantunich
Despite having been excavated for over a century, Xunantunich still has many secrets to reveal. In fact, in 2016, a team excavated the largest Maya tomb ever discovered which was hidden inside the main temple. Since the 1890s, visitors have reported seeing a ghostly woman in white near the famous “El Castillo” (The Castle) building, an enormous structure covered in large friezes depicting ancient Maya mythology.
2 – Cahal Pech
Although relatively small in size, Cahal Pech is a stunningly beautiful cliffside residence located just across the river from the modern town of San Ignacio. Originally built for members of the royal families and Maya elite, Cahal Pech is believed to have been a kind of “gated community” for the upper crust of Maya society. In the Maya language, Cahal Pech means “Place of the Ticks” because the area was previously used to graze cattle. The original name for the site is unknown.
3 – Altun Ha
One of the smallest ancient Maya sites, Altun Ha is a great introduction to classical architecture. Located just a few miles outside of Belize City, Altun Ha’s most iconic building is the Temple of the Masonry Altars which is used as the logo by domestic brewer Belikin Beer.
4 – Caracol
One of the largest ancient Maya sites ever discovered, Caracol was lost for more than a thousand years until it was accidentally rediscovered in 1937. The most impressive building on site is the magnificent Caana (Sky Palace) which remains one of the tallest and biggest human-made structures in Belize. It is believed that over 100,000 people lived in Caracol at the height of its power in the fifth century AD.
5 – Tikal
Technically, yes, Tikal isn’t located in Belize, but this UNESCO World Heritage Site is located just a few miles over the border in Guatemala. Used as a backdrop for many iconic movies, including the original Star Wars, Tikal is home to more than 300 different buildings and is surrounded by a vast nature reserve teeming with exotic flora and fauna.
If you’re interested in visiting ancient Maya sites this fall, book your tours and accommodations with Ian Anderson Caves Branch, a top jungle lodge in Belize.