Altun Ha-
The ruins are about 30 miles from Belize City and because the site is less than 10 miles from the sea, Altun Ha was probably more important for trading and agriculture, rather than as a ceremonial center. The Temple of the Sun God was named for the sites' focus of worship, the sun. The most remarkable artifact excavated at the site is a spectacularly carved jade replica of the head of Kinich Ahua, the Sun God. The jade was mined in Guatemala and other artifacts found at the site emanate from as far away as ruins near Mexico City. Altun Ha was occupied from 350BC to about 950AD. There's also great birding at the ruins. Altun Ha is a 1/2 day tour and can be combined with more intensive birding and wildlife viewing on the boat trips at Crooked Tree lagoon. Day trips emanate from Belize City, San Pedro ( Ambergris Caye) and Caye Caulker.

Lamanai-
Lamanai had the longest continual occupation of any ruin, extending from 500BC until Spanish missionaries arrived in the 16th century and built a church at the site. Archaeologists guesstimate the peak population at a million people. The artifacts left behind suggest that the residents were merchants. The vistas of the surrounding jungle and lagoon from atop the 112 foot high pyramid are just wonderful. This pyramid was constructed in 100BC and is thought to have been the largest pyramid in the Maya world at the time. Lamanai translates to 'submerged crocodile', in deference to their healthy numbers found in the lagoon at the base of the ruins. The on-site museum has an impressive collection. You'll certainly hear, if not see, roving troops of howler monkeys and spider monkeys. The birding here is great and the ruins are remote enough that all types of wildlife roam the parameters. This is one of the better day trips, combining ruins, jungle and wildlife. Day trips emanate from Belize City, San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Although you can reach the ruins by road, it is quicker and much more pleasurable to catch a boat at the Tower Hill Bridge outside of Orange Walk for the 25 mile journey through waterways to the ruins.

Xunantunich-
Xunantunich was an important city and yielded a fair amount of influence in the politics of the day. It's a beautiful site and the first one excavated and opened to the public. The largest pyramid, El Castillo, looms 130 feet above the jungle floor and is an icon to the people of Belize. Its most remarkable feature are the stucco friezes that band two sides of the pyramid. It depicts symbols of the sun, moon, venus, days of the week ,a human face and jaguar. Xunantunich was first occupied in 150AD and deserted sometime around 850. It was determined that an earthquake shook the area and may have been the reason it was abandoned. Xunantunich , or "Stone Maiden," lies above the Mopan River and across from Succotz, a village inhabited by the present day Mopan Mayas, many of whom work at sites as guides or excavating with archaeologists. Xunantunich is in the Cayo district. Day trips to the ruin emanate from Belize City and it's one of the most popular 1/2 day trips for visitors based in the Cayo district.

Tikal-
We feel compelled to include Tikal, even though it lies across the border in Guatemala. Tikal is the most magnificent excavated site in the entire Maya empire. Its reign lasted from 300BC and 900AD and it is architecturally impressive. You can easily see the highlights in one day or spend days exploring the site in more detail. The museum is well worth your time. The ruins are situated in a protected reserve in bountiful jungle with a lot of wildlife roaming the area. You can overnight at the lodges in the park, on the lagoon in the surrounding area or on the nearby island village of Flores. There are four fifty minute flights each day between Belize's International Airport and Flores airport and daily trips by road from the Cayo area.

Caracol-
The jungle and it's remote location shielded the largest known ruin in Belize from the ravages of time and human intruders. Serious excavations began in 1985 and unearthed a city that is nearly twice as large as Tikal, with more than twice as many structures. Archaeologists found a glyph depicting Caracol's victory and rule over Tikal. Caana is the tallest structure in Belize and the views from the top are breathtaking. Green jungle carpets the landscape for as far as your eyes can see. It seems Caracol was a well-to-do city, with a strong middle class. Day trips to Caracol can be arranged from Belize City and the Cayo district. It's a beautiful, if sometimes bumpy ride through the Mountain Pine Ridge and into the Chiquibul Forest to the ruins.

Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit-
These two ruins are located in the Toledo district and it is assumed they served different functions but were interconnected in some way. Lubaantun was a Classic ceremonial center and possibly served as their mint, cultivating cacao, an important local crop and used for currency. The cacao was reserved for the elite, who made beverages from them. The botanical name for cacao is theobroma, which translates to 'drink of the gods'.

Lubaantun is constructed much differently than the ruins to the north. The large blocks were meticulously cut from limestone and the Mayas did not use mortar to fuse the blocks together. The most mysterious and controversial artifact in Belize was unearthed at Lubaantun in 1926. The 17 year old daughter of archeologist Mitchell-Hedges uncovered a replica of a human head perfectly carved from an eight inch chunk of pure crystal, a near impossible feat using the tools of the day. Some say it's a hoax, some say it's from the lost continent of Atlantis. The Crystal Skull is still in the hands of Mitchell-Hedges and the government has been negotiating for its return. Nim Li Punit doesn't have high structures, but it does have impressive stone stellae, including one exceeding 31 feet. No one knows what exactly was the function of the site ,but most agree it may have provided support services for Lubaantun. Both ruins are situated in Maya villages and guided tours emanate from both Punta Gorda and Placencia.

The preceding information was a brief synopsis of the ruins you are most likely to visit. We regret we can not include all the known ruins in the country and their omission should by no means reflect upon their importance, beauty and the stature they enjoyed in their day. New discoveries of ruins and caves with artifacts and petroglyphs are frequently found. If you have any questions about a ruin you don't see listed here, email us and we'll be happy to provide you with whatever information you request.

For those of you with a keen interest in the Mayas, we can design a well rounded itinerary to suit your interests. Simply contact us with your requests.