Caracol, a major and dominant site in Mayan history, is an expansive city covering nearly six square miles. At its peak, Caracol had a huge population center with over 150,000 inhabitants and 30,000 structures, including an astronomical observatory. This is a fantastic site to visit, set high on the Vaca Plateau in the heart of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Caracol is accessed through the Mountain Pine Ridge, a beautiful area with flowing rivers and hidden limestone caves.
To begin, enjoy a drive from San Ignacio up rough dirt roads, passing through small Mayan villages and scenic countryside. Guests will arrive at the sprawling archaeological site of Caracol and learn about the anthropology, archaeology, and flora and fauna of the area, including rare and endangered wildlife. Participants might catch a glimpse of howler monkeys in the mammoth trees towering over the ancient Mayan ball courts and plazas.
Revel at the engineering and architectural sophistication of the Mayan people as guests climb the temple pyramid structure of Caana (Sky Temple), the highest man-made building in Belize to this day. Once at the top, nearly 135 feet above the courtyards below, see impressive panoramic views of Belize and neighboring Guatemala.
After touring the ruins, take time for a refreshing picnic lunch with drinks. Then continue back through the Pine Ridge area and take a break at the Rio On Pools, a series of natural swimming holes, to cool down and relax in the clear water. End with a visit to the Rio Frio Cave which has the largest entrance of any cave in Belize.
Duration: 8 hours
Caracol, a major and dominant site in Mayan history, is an expansive city covering nearly six square miles. At its peak, Caracol had a huge population center with over 150,000 inhabitants and 30,000 structures, including an astronomical observatory. This is a fantastic site to visit, set high on the Vaca Plateau in the heart of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Caracol is accessed through the Mountain Pine Ridge, a beautiful area with flowing rivers and hidden limestone caves.
To begin, enjoy a drive from San Ignacio up rough dirt roads, passing through small Mayan villages and scenic countryside. Guests will arrive at the sprawling archaeological site of Caracol and learn about the anthropology, archaeology, and flora and fauna of the area, including rare and endangered wildlife. Participants might catch a glimpse of howler monkeys in the mammoth trees towering over the ancient Mayan ball courts and plazas.
Revel at the engineering and architectural sophistication of the Mayan people as guests climb the temple pyramid structure of Caana (Sky Temple), the highest man-made building in Belize to this day. Once at the top, nearly 135 feet above the courtyards below, see impressive panoramic views of Belize and neighboring Guatemala.
After touring the ruins, take time for a refreshing picnic lunch with drinks. Then continue back through the Pine Ridge area and take a break at the Rio On Pools, a series of natural swimming holes, to cool down and relax in the clear water. End with a visit to the Rio Frio Cave which has the largest entrance of any cave in Belize.
Duration: 8 hours
Caracol, a major and dominant site in Mayan history, is an expansive city covering nearly six square miles. At its peak, Caracol had a huge population center with over 150,000 inhabitants and 30,000 structures, including an astronomical observatory. This is a fantastic site to visit, set high on the Vaca Plateau in the heart of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Caracol is accessed through the Mountain Pine Ridge, a beautiful area with flowing rivers and hidden limestone caves.
To begin, enjoy a drive from San Ignacio up rough dirt roads, passing through small Mayan villages and scenic countryside. Guests will arrive at the sprawling archaeological site of Caracol and learn about the anthropology, archaeology, and flora and fauna of the area, including rare and endangered wildlife. Participants might catch a glimpse of howler monkeys in the mammoth trees towering over the ancient Mayan ball courts and plazas.
Revel at the engineering and architectural sophistication of the Mayan people as guests climb the temple pyramid structure of Caana (Sky Temple), the highest man-made building in Belize to this day. Once at the top, nearly 135 feet above the courtyards below, see impressive panoramic views of Belize and neighboring Guatemala.
After touring the ruins, take time for a refreshing picnic lunch with drinks. Then continue back through the Pine Ridge area and take a break at the Rio On Pools, a series of natural swimming holes, to cool down and relax in the clear water. End with a visit to the Rio Frio Cave which has the largest entrance of any cave in Belize.
Duration: 8 hours