Andrew and I drove to San Ignacio because we had to be at Pacz Tours early to go see Caracol. I have been dying to see this ruin because it is the biggest one in Belize!!!
Belize lonely planet book says Caracol was once the most powerful cities in the entire Maya world. It is now enshrouded by thick jungle near the Guatemalan border, 52 mile 2 hour drive from San Ignacio. Caracol sits on the Vaca Plateau at 1650ft above sea level and stretching over 70 sq. miles at its peak in AD 650.
At its height, the city’s population may have approached 150,000, more than twice as many people as Belize City has today. Though they had no natural water source, the people of Caracol dug artificial reservoirs to catch rain water. Caracol central area was a bustling place of temples, palaces, busy craft workshops and markets.
Touring the site was wonderful. Our tour guide was so educated and passionate about Caracol. We got to see Plaza A and B, which are still the tallest building in Belize!!! We got to see palace compounds and temples and see the importance of the number three. In addition we saw tombs, residential areas with palaces, shrines, throwns, and a ball court. At the end of the tour we saw some replica and some original stellas.
Caracol was so amazing to see all that was there. All the time I learn more and more about the Maya culture. I had so much fun climbing the ruins with Andrew.
Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
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