With more than 600 known sites, there is no shortage of spectacular Mayan ruins in Belize. The Mayan civilization ruled from southern Mexico to the Yucatan Peninsula for thousands of years. All of what is now modern day Belize was under its rule, meaning that this nation was home to the most spectacular temples, palaces, and other structures in the ancient world.
Although these mighty structures have eroded over the centuries, many are still standing and in impressive condition. If you dream of trekking through jungles to find once-lost architectural marvels, it’s worth seeking out these incredible spaces.
Here are just some of the many ruins in Belize, as well as what you should know before visiting them.
Lamanai Mayan Ruins
Lamanai Mayan Ruins
For 3,000 years before Spanish missionaries set foot on this soil, this mighty settlement was home to a thriving population. Archaeologists believe that people arrived here roughly around 900 BCE. The Maya built truly spectacular temples, adorned with stone carvings and sculptures that are still visible today.
One in particular depicts the mask of an ancient ruler who wears a regal crocodile headdress. The figure has withstood the passage of millennia and remains in remarkably well-preserved condition. Visitors to the site can wander among buildings dating back to the Classic and Pre-Classic Periods of Mayan history.
Part of what makes the ruins at Lamanai so special is the jaw-dropping natural scenery that surrounds them. To reach the ruins, you’ll have to take a boat up the New River all the way from Orange Walk. Keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of wildlife in the jungle along the way, from monkeys scampering through the trees to the flash of color as birds soar above the canopy.
Altun Ha Mayan Ruins
Altun Ha Mayan Ruins
Visiting Altun Ha is one of the best things to do in Belize. Roughly an hour’s drive from Belize City, Altun Ha encompasses the ruins of two temples and 13 plazas spread over 1,500 acres. What you see today, though, is a much smaller area comprising the center of the site, which includes two plazas surrounded by temples.
For 1,200 years, this was a crucial center of trade and culture. Visitors should be sure to check out the impressive Temple of the Masonry Altars, which stands 53 feet high.
Altun Ha is also the site of one of the most important artifacts ever unearthed in Belize: The Jade Head. Known as Kinich Ahau in the Yucatec Maya language, this six-inch-tall carving of solid jade was found buried in the Temple of the Masonry Altars. It was found in remarkably good condition, a testament to the craftsmen who once chiseled it. So culturally important is The Jade Head that it’s depicted on the currency in Belize.
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
El Castillo, Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
Located less than a 30-minute drive from San Ignacio, these are some of the most impressive Mayan ruins in Central America. Xunantunich, or the “Maiden of the Rock,” sprawls over a square mile and was once thought to be home to around 10,000 inhabitants. Today, the remains of 26 palaces and temples can still be seen here.
Part of why this site is in such good condition is that it was inhabited more recently than most other Mayan ruins. Archaeologists believe that Xunantunich was still a powerful force in the Belize Valley a century after many other Mayan cities were in decline.
By far the most impressive part of the site is what the Spanish dubbed El Castillo, or “The Castle.” Standing 130 feet high, this massive temple is the second-tallest structure in the entire country. Exquisite friezes depicting the Tree of Life and various deities decorate the facade.
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve
Cahal Pech Archeological Reserve is one of the oldest Mayan ruins in Belize, deep in the rainforest, although it’s possible to get here on a day trip from Belize City. The settlement is thought to date back to roughly 1200 BCE. Archaeologists believe that this was once a prosperous place with a thriving trade. Items unearthed here were brought from the coast many miles away.
There are 36 surviving structures at Cahal Pech, including multiple temples. The most impressive of them all is the 77-foot-high Structure A1. Interestingly, there are also two ballcourts here, where games were once held.
History
Lamanai Mayan Ruins
From approximately 2000 BCE to the late 1600s, the Maya ruled over large swathes of Mesoamerica. Less an empire than an assemblage of politically distinct city-states, the civilization was one of the most scientifically advanced in antiquity. The Mayan civilization covered all of what is now Belize and Guatemala. It also spanned large parts of Mexico, El Salvador, and Honduras.
The Maya had highly advanced systems of astronomy, mathematics, and written language. Their calendar is still considered to be one of the most accurate ever created. Perhaps most importantly for modern-day travelers to Belize, the Maya were skilled architects. Many of their temples and buildings are still standing to this day.
Read: Unforgettable Adventures in Belize
Travel Tips
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
While most of the Mayan ruins in Belize are pretty easily accessible to travelers of different ages, it’s important to pack smart and plan ahead here. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as you could be hiking or clambering around rocks for some time.
Breathable, lightweight clothing is going to be a real lifesaver, as are bug spray and sunscreen. Be sure to pack plenty of water in order to stay hydrated for the journey. Although the weather in Belize is generally quite pleasant, note that it can often soar up to 95°F in the afternoons. There isn’t always a lot of shade at some of the ruins, so try to arrive earlier in the day to avoid the crowds and the higher temperatures.
That being said, because Belize has a tropical climate, the weather patterns often change rapidly throughout the day. Showers are a reasonably common occurrence. Stuff a foldable poncho in your backpack in case of unexpected downpours. If it does start to sprinkle, fear not—the rain rarely lasts long, and it can also be deliciously cooling.
FAQs
Which is the best Mayan ruin in Belize?
Altun Ha Mayan Ruins
The answer to that question really depends on your individual travel goals. Both Xunantunich and Altun Ha are spectacular. If you’re working with a tighter time frame, opt for Altun Ha, which is closest to Belize City. Any of the Mayan ruins in Belize make for a wonderful day out, though; the history, the sheer drama, and the remote settings are breathtaking.
What is the best way to visit Mayan ruins in Belize?
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
The best way to visit Mayan ruins in Belize is on a guided day trip. To be clear, this isn’t the only way. With a little determination and internet or guidebook research, it’s perfectly possible to take a self-guided tour of these remarkable sites.
Yet as visually evocative as these spaces are, looking at any ruins is really just seeing the tip of the iceberg. Without historical knowledge or context, these may as well be great crumbling piles of stone. By the end of the day, even the most enthusiastic travelers may find themselves running out of steam.
A well-informed guide can help bring the entire site to life. You want to be able to imagine these magnificent palaces, homes, and temples as they once were, not just as they are today. The best guides incorporate storytelling to take you back to one of the mightiest civilizations in Mesoamerica. Especially if you’re traveling with kids, it’s worth shelling out for a full tour.
How many Mayan ruins are in Belize?
Lamanai Mayan Ruins
No one knows definitively how many Mayan ruins are in Belize, because some may still be waiting for an archaeologist to unearth them. We do know that Belize was once a powerful point in the Mayan network of city-states. Its mighty temples and grand edifices would have been the envy of the ancient world. Even though only a fraction of them have survived the millennia, that’s still quite a few to explore.
At present, there are over 600 recorded ancient Mayan sites, with potentially many more hidden out there in the jungle. While not all of these are open to the public, many do welcome visitors to embark on a deep dive into history.
What is the largest ruin?
Covering an area of more than 25,000 acres, Caracol is both one of the largest and oldest sets of Mayan ruins in Belize. More than 100,000 people once inhabited this great city, which is still considered an architectural masterpiece. Caana, or the “Sky Palace,” is the tallest structure in the country to this day. At 143 feet high, it looms over the surrounding landscape.
Caracol, however, requires a long journey, as the ruins lie deep in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve near the Guatemalan border; it’s not really a viable option if you’re based in Belize City and only have a day.
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
If you’re looking for more accessible Mayan ruins, the second largest, Xunantunich, is also genuinely awe-inspiring in terms of scale. El Castillo, the 130-foot-tall pyramid temple at the heart of the complex, sports a series of impressive friezes depicting Mayan history.
Are the Mayan ruins worth visiting?
Lamanai Mayan Ruins
Absolutely. Belize is home to truly awe-inspiring ruins, which offer a glimpse of the heyday of the Mayan civilization. Whether you’re looking for a history lesson or simply a chance to admire these spectacular locations, the archeological sites of Belize are more than worth the trek.
Is it safe to visit ruins in Belize?
Altun Ha Mayan Ruins
Yes, although as with any hike, you’ll want to exercise common sense. Terrain can often be uneven around ruins, and there may be loose rocks. Be careful to stay on marked trails and areas designated for walking. This is both for the protection of visitors and the ruins themselves, which have endured enough without the erosion of thousands of humans stomping on them.
Wear closed-toe shoes to visit rainforest locations, partly because you could be scrambling over rocks, and partly as protection against any wildlife. There are snakes and spiders in Belize, as there are in any other country with rainforests.
The safest way to visit ruins is with a trained guide, who will know the best walking routes. If you’re planning to visit unescorted, ideally plan to travel with a hiking buddy. While the ruins in Belize are not particularly dangerous, it’s always possible for someone to sprain an ankle or trip on a stone. It’s always smart to have someone on hand to run for help if necessary.
What is the oldest ruin?
Cahal Pech
There are ancient ruins in Belize thought to be more than 4,000 years old. That said, archaeologists do not consider all of these to be Mayan. Cahal Pech is often thought to be the oldest Mayan ruin in the country. Strategically perched on top of a hill, this settlement dates back to roughly 1200 BCE. The massive ruin of Caracol is also thought to date back to the same century.
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