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Caracol A visit to Belize's largest
Maya Ruin
and a cool-down at the Rio On pools
 Occupied
as early as 1200 BC, Caracol has revealed an extensive and varied
history. The true name of this ancient city, found in hieroglyphics
throughout the site, has not yet been successfully deciphered. Its
modern name is Spanish for "snail," the derivation of which is not
entirely clear. The comprehensive work done by archaeologists
Diane and Arlen Chase, of the University of Central Florida, tells
us that in 650 AD, a population exceeding 150,000 was occupying the
epicenter of the site. [Source: D. & A. Chase: http://www.caracol.org
& Belize Dept. of Archaeology]
The ruins lie deep in the heart of the Belizean jungle in the
Mountain Pine Ridge, at an elevation
 of
1500 feet, on the Vaca Plateau in the Cayo District. As the crow
flies, Caracol is only 25 miles due south of San Ignacio, but you'll
travel 50 miles of road to access the site (doing the rain season
the road my not be accusable). Although the ruins were first
discovered by a logger in 1938, excavations did not begin until
1950. The most intensive work has taken place since 1985, when the
Chases undertook the "Caracol Project."
 Lately,
much attention has been placed on this mighty site. As part of the
Ministry of Tourism's vision for the industry, the Caracol
Archaeological Reserve will be developed into an "anchor" site for
Belize, to be marketed much in the way of Tikal in Guatemala, and
Copan in Honduras.
Situated within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, the area surrounding
Caracol is rich in flora and fauna. During our visit, the air was
filled with wild calls of exotic birds, and howler monkeys roared in
the distance. One of the highlights of a visit here, is standing at
the base of a ceiba tree that is over 500 years old. It towers over
the site, with its leaves in the clouds and its huge, wrinkled roots
spreading out like the foot of a dinosaur. The central core of the
site is what most visitors will see today. It consists of three
plaza groups, surrounding a central acropolis, dozens of structures,
two ball courts, and
 reservoirs.
The largest structure of Caracol is the Caana pyramid, which reaches
a height of almost 140 feet, and remains one of the tallest man-made
buildings in Belize. Over 200 burials have been excavated here. One
ball court marker gives an account of two separate battles with
Tikal. It has often been said that Caracol once conquered Tikal, but
this has not actually been verified.
On the Way back of the tour of Caracol you will stop at Rion on
Pools and visit a cave.
Discription by Mopan River Lodge
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