Caracol
is the most extensive
Maya site known in Belize ....
Caracol, a Classic
Period complex, covers
30-square
miles of thick, high-canopy jungle,
and includes
five plazas, an astronomic
observatory and over 35,000 buildings which
have
been identified. The loftiest among
them,
a massive pyramid (Caana) which is capped
by three temples and rises over 140 feet above
the jungle floor.
Caracol's central
core today, as seen by visitors, consists of
three plaza groups surrounding a central acropolis
and two ball courts, along with a number of smaller structures.
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View from atop Caana |
The Visitor's Center exhibits a number of photographs and diagrams of the site, along with artifacts, including a recovered ceremonial altar.
Caracol History
Discovered in 1938 by loggers, excavations did not begin until 1950, with most of the work having taken place since 1985. Caracol can truly be described in superlatives: Largest archeological site in Belize - One of the largest in the Maya world - Tallest man-made structure in Belize (Caana) - Most structures, largest area, largest population, most hieroglyphics etc ...
Caracol was linked together by more than 20 miles of roadways that radiated outward from its epicenter like the spokes of a wheel and it is estimated that 200,000 or more Maya lived in the area when this important City-State reached it's peak around 700 A.D. |
Click to Enlarge |
Many hieroglyphic texts have been found on stelae, alters, ball-court-markers, capstones and wall facades. The discovery of an elaborately carved ball-court-marker dating back to the end of the early Classic Period has been interpreted as Caracol claiming a military victory over Tikal, located more then 60 miles away in Guatemala.
Evidence of Post-Classic occupation is lacking, thus presenting a similar situation to that found at other Classic sites in the region. |
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Situated within
the Chiquibul Forest,
Caracol archeological
site and the surrounding area are rich in tropical
flora and fauna.
Today, Caracol is a Maya city
in the process of being recovered from the
jungle. Excavation in and around Caracol and reconstruction of the
Caracol site itself are ongoing during the dry season.
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Along the Way ....
MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE RESERVE
Rio On Pools, located
are a continuous series of pools formed
by large granite boulders. Many of the pools
are connected by small waterfalls. The smooth
surface of the boulders make natural water slides
and a great place for a swim or a hike.
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Click to Enlarge |
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Rio
Frio Cave and
it's 65-foot arched entryways leave
you in awe. Openings at both ends
makes flashlights
unnecessary for viewing the cave's
formations during daylight hours. Close-up View
More about The Mountain Pine Ridge
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