Caracol Natural Monument Reservation

Archaeological site · Cayo ·

Caracol Natural Monument Reservation

Archaeological site · Cayo ·

Massive Maya ruins in jungle, tallest building in Belize, wildlife

Information

QV7J+6VM, Chiquibil Forest Reserve, Belize Get directions

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

A Top Travel Advisor's Favorite Central American Trips

"For archaeological exploration on the Belize mainland, I recommend visiting the Mayan ruins at Caracol as a top historical site." - Katrin Kirchhoff

https://www.travelandleisure.com/central-america-panama-costa-rica-nicaragua-belize-11785932

Caracol Natural Monument Reservation

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"Encountering Caracol The massive ruins of Caracol were once a major Maya metropolis in prehispanic Belize, during the Classic Period. The majority of the site is yet to be reclaimed from the forest, but the structures that have been uncovered are truly impressive. The main structure is still the tallest building in all of Belize and places you "on top of the world." The jungle surrounding the site is teaming with wildlife, and a pair of binoculars come in handy. The ruins are located south of San Ignacio along the rough Mountain Pine Ridge Road. There are several worthwhile stops on the way, such as Rio Frio Cave and Rio On Falls, but the best stop is a cool libation at the Blancaneaux Lodge Bar. By Dijedal"

Seven Maya Sites to Visit in Belize

Caracol Natural Monument Reservation

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

Two Weeks in Belize

Caracol Natural Monument Reservation

Brian F.

Google

A most excellent daytrip from San Ignacio with our tour guide and driver Selwyn, of Belize Caving Expeditions. Along the way we also stopped at Rio Frio Cave on the way there and a swimming hole on the return trip. Caracol itself was uncrowded, expansive and just as impressive as other more visited sites. Size wise similar to Tikal and Chichen Itza but not quite as much finished restoration of the buildings, more like Palenque or Copan in that respect, though it's been a long time since I visited any of those sites. Impressive as any is what I am trying to say, though obviously an ongoing archeological project. Selwyn was one of the more informative tour guides that I have ever had the pleasure of traveling with, highly recommend him. Would do again. Bonus points to the ants marching the trails with all their bits of leaves. #BelizeCavingExpeditions.

Camila M

Google

The road is fully paved (just a few gravel only sections remaining) making it a smooth and easy ride. We had the place almost all to ourselves (felt like this place is flying under the radar still making for great photos!). Definitely go with a guide you will learn lots and spot birds / animals (we saw spider monkeys) when touring around the grounds.

Geoff M.

Google

A wonderful example of mayan ruins that has been off the map because of the difficult road, but is now accessible via a far better one. Definitely worth the trip. Majestic and quiet and surrounded by jungle.

Diogi B.

Google

Well worth the drive which is absolutely beautiful and the road is almost completely paved now. We thoroughly enjoyed the site and it is so well kept. We took our lunch and had a nice picnic in the picnic area by the entry. There are quite a few BDF and tourism police on site so you are very safe there. We will visit again!

Sean S.

Google

The road is completed all the way to the site now so you don’t need a 4x4 to get there anymore. It was much faster to get there than Google Maps says due to updated roads. Can stop at Rio Frio Cave and Big Rock falls on way back, just use maps to get you to those places. Great Mayan site that is quiet and crowd free and worth exploring. You can hike up to the top of the big temple for views. We saw a family of Howler monkeys there as well.

Naveen P.

Google

As of late November, the road to Caracol has been greatly improved. Most of it is freshly paved, with only a small section still under construction, so the drive is much easier than what older reviews describe. There are two checkpoints along the way, and you simply sign in at one of them. Military presence is normal and is there for protection due to iillegal logging near the boarder, but the entire journey feels safe. The archaeological site itself is massive, and large areas are still covered by dense rainforest. Exploring the huge Maya pyramids rising out of the jungle is an incredible experience. Plan for roughly 3 hours to walk and climb the main structures. Last tour/entry is at 2:00 PM. Facilities at the site include a ticket office, washrooms, and a small eating area, but you must bring your own food, as none is sold inside.

Charikleia K.

Google

Very nice! Maybe the nicest maya ruins I have seen. You need cash for the ticket. 25$ Belizean. The road is perfect.

callum W.

Google

It's a full day of your life, it's an ocean of jungle and takes a while to get there, but once you're there! It's the most mind-blowing site, endlessly it seems to go on forever, your feet and your eyes will be tired before you finished. Truly a spectacle to behold and I was very lucky to be one of six people in the whole park.