Caracol Natural Monument Reservation

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

I wandered around for hours and never saw a sign saying no or a barrier. Off the beaten path but at the end of a brand new nice road this is a great ruin to get lost in. Had very little people, and you can climb to the top of everything. Definitely worth a trip.

2nd visit, still plenty to discover. The new road makes the road to the site significantly easier but might loose the hidden gem feel. Stay wild Caracol! :)

Wow—what an experience. Caracol is absolutely breathtaking and well worth the effort to reach. From San Ignacio, plan for a 2-hour drive. The road is currently undergoing major upgrades thanks to significant government investment, so all vehicle types should likely be able to access the site in the near future. As of now, an SUV is still recommended, especially during the rainy season. Some sections are still unpaved and can become slippery when wet. We were fortunate to visit after several dry days, and our 2017 Kia Soul made it without issue. If traveling during or after heavy rain, check with the park entrance before continuing. Important tip: Download the Belize Institute of Archaeology app before you go. There is no signal at the site. The only QR codes are located at the small museum near the entrance, where you can view the stelae and other artifacts. There are no QR codes at the main ruins. The site is vast, and you’re free to explore and climb all the structures, including the main temples. Wooden staircases are available on the steeper climbs. However, there is very little signage or interpretation on-site, so come prepared with research or consider hiring a guide to fully appreciate what you’re seeing. When we visited, we saw only two other groups. It was peaceful and uncrowded. The view from the top of the main pyramid is stunning—you can see nearly to the Guatemalan border on a clear day. Bonus stop: On your way back, we highly recommend stopping at the Rio On Pools. It’s a beautiful natural swimming spot with smooth rock basins and small waterfalls. It’s free to access, safe for swimming, and has basic change rooms and natural-style bathrooms. Bring a swimsuit for a refreshing post-ruins swim. Final thoughts: Caracol was a highlight of our trip to Belize. If you’re into history, archaeology, or nature, it’s a must-see. Just plan ahead: • Gas up fully in San Ignacio before heading out • Cash only for park entry (you can buy online, but we chose to pay on-site after confirming road conditions) • Check with the gate security for the latest road status before proceeding With the right prep, it’s an unforgettable experience.