The Maya Mystique in Belize

Altun Ha

This was the major ceremonial center during the classic period. This was the key trade center which linked the Caribbean shores with other Maya centers in the interior.

The 1968 season brought the project’s most spectacular discovery, in the form of a 14.9 cm-high, 4.42 kg jade head of the Maya sun god, Kinich Ahau. The giant jade lay atop the right wrist of the person interred in the earliest of a series of seven royal tombs encountered in Altun Ha’s Structure B-4, the Temple of The Masonry Altars.

The jade head, famous almost from the moment of its discovery, has now become the national symbol of Belize, and appears on the country’s currency.

Caracol – Snail

This is the largest known Maya archaeological centre in Belize. This provides one of the scenic drives in Belize. The largest pyramid “canaa” is the tallest man-made structure in all Belize. This is located in the rainforest area and hence the flora and fauna are abounding enhancing the natural beauty of this magnificent Maya center. To visit this place, prior permission from the Department of Archaeology and the Forestry Department must be obtained.

Lubaantun – Place of fallen stones

Lubaantun, situated above a tributary to the Columbia River, consists of 11 major structures grouped around five main plazas. The ruin is unique in that it was built entirely without the aid of mortar. There is no public transportation to this ruin. Arrangements to visit this site must be made in Punta Gorda town.

Xunantunich – the stone woman

A stela at Xunantunich, that probably depicts the emblem glyph of the large Peten city of Naranjo, suggests that Xunantunich may have been a sattelite of the former city.  As the authority of Naranjo faltered, the local elite lineage at Xunantunich may have asserted control of the city and expended great effort to develop it.

This was a major ceremonial center during the classic period. The most prominent structure is the pyramid “El Castillo” which rises more than 100 feet above the plaza. This was the tallest structure until the discovery of Canaa. The ruins here can be accessed by public transportation. After ferrying across the Mopan River, you must walk about a mile to reach the entrance whereas tour operators will ferry you direct to the site.

Cerros – maya hills

Cerros was an important trading center during the preclassic period. The tallest structure rising 72 feet above the plaza and visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Chetumal Bay, Corozal town and the mouth of the New River which leads to the ruins of Lamanai. The ruins are accessible by a short boat ride across the bay. During the dry season, visitors can reach Cerros by road.

Lamanai – Submerged crocodile

The ruins of Lamanai are located on the Banks of New River Lagoon. The archaeological reserve contains a museum, remnants of churches and a sugar mill. Lamanai is accessible by road, air and river. Accommodations range from guest houses to full service jungle lodges.

"Getting to Lamanai is half the fun"

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech is a site with an unpropitious Maya name meaning "Place of the Ticks." This ceremonial center includes pyramid temples, palaces, and a ball court. Five stela and an altar (plain) show presence of the stela cult. Some major buildings were roofed with the Maya vault, some apparently not. There was a gradual architectural growth, the occupation probably running through the entire Classic Period, and we have ceramic hints of a longer occupation. Though previously unknown to Archaeologists, it is only about a mile from the suspension bridge at El Cayo.