Mayan Beauty – Tour Belize
Historically, the most important Mayan site is located in Western Belize, near the border with Guatemala and within the Belizean part of the Peten rainforest. ‘Caracol’ as this is called, was the center of one of the largest Maya kingdoms.
These pre-Columbian Maya Archeological sites in Belize are considered part of the southern Maya lowlands of the Mesoamerican culture area. The list of Mayan Ruins in Belize is very long, and adding with every new discovery.
The Altun Ha, Cahal Pech, Caracol, Cerros, El Pilar, the Lamanai, Louisville, Lubaantun, Nim Li Punit, San Estevan, Santa Rita, Uxbenca, Xunantunich are some of the prominent and popular sites. Other unknown sites are being added almost every other day.
Some Famous Mayan Sites
The Mayan civilization is noted for the only known fully developed written language of the pre-Columbian Americas. Art, Architecture, Mathematical and Astronomical systems had also been substantially organized.
Established during the pre-Classic period (2000 BC to 250 AD), many Mayan cities reached their highest state of development during the Classic period. At its peak, this was one of the most densely populated and culturally dynamic societies of the world.
Caracol
This most important site is located in western Belize. Caracol, the center of Maya kingdoms today contains the extant remains of thousands of structures. This city was an important player in the Classic period political struggles of the southern Maya lowlands.
The urban area of Caracol had a radius of about 10 kilometers around the site’s epicenter, covering a much larger area than today’s Belize City, and supported more than twice the current day population.
Caracol maintained a population of over 140,000 people through the creation of an immense agricultural field system and through elaborate city planning. Caracol was also noted for its prowess in war. These ruins have a great and a wonderful story to tell of the days when it thrived.
Cerros
The site of Cerros is located on Chetumal Bay in northern Belize, and is notable as one of the earliest Maya sites. Cerros is also known for the presence of an E-group, a unique structural complex found in the Mayan architecture.
This Archeological Reserve sprawls over 53 acres atop a hill overlooking Chetumal Bay, close to the town of Corozal. Cerros was an important Mayan coastal trading center during the late pre-Classic period. Cerros is a small but important site, with a classic location.
Today, Cerros is partially underwater and contains five temples, their related plazas, two ball courts and a canal system. One of the temples is 72 feet tall, and provides a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding region including the Chetumal Bay.
The New River flowing nearby supports a variety of wildlife including water-birds, crocodiles and manatee. Cerros has more to say than what it looks like.
Lamanai
Lamanai is located on the New River in the Orange Walk District of Belize. It is known for being the longest continually-occupied site in Mesoamerica. From early pre-Classic through colonization of the area, Lamanai thrived and fought invaders.
The easiest way to get to Lamainai is to take a scenic 26 mile boat ride. Pristine tracts of jungle and savannahs were never cleared for sugar-cane and still surround this Mayan Ceremonial Center.
Lamanai, meaning ‘Submerged Crocodile’ in the Mayan language was occupied continuously for 3000 years. The remoteness of this site however contributed for this long occupation.
This temple complex sits atop the western bluff of the New River Lagoon, and is surrounded by pristine tropical rainforest. These provide a spectacular view from several large temples imparting a unique experience into the Mayan culture and the bio-diversity of the tropical forests.
Lamanai and the Surrounding Paradise
Although hundreds of ruins are said to remain unexcavated in the jungles, the impressive Jaguar Temple, The Mask Temple and The High Temple offer a panoramic view from their summits. A growing number of howler monkeys now live in Lamanai and will most likely be seen peering down through the branches as you wander the trails.
Well kept paths abound the surrounding ancient jungles and which are home to countless species of birds, apart from the Howler monkeys. Crocodiles, turtles and fishes are also encountered if you decide to take a boat ride up the New River to Lamanai.
Maya & The Belize Connection
Mayan beauty is magical & mystifying, and Belize is having one, no matter which side you take a ride. This magical land was once the center of the thriving Mayan culture and which is equally fascinating, even now.
