Situated in the Cayo District of Belize, Caracol is situated at an elevation of 1,500 feet above sea-level in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. Thought to have been occupied as early as 1200 BC, Caracol reached its height during the Maya Classic period between 485 and 889. It was one of the largest ancient Maya cities, and is Belize's largest Maya ruin, with an area of 65 square miles and a peak population of about 140,000. Caracol is Spanish for "snail."

At the site are three plaza groups that surround a central acropolis. The largest structure is the Caana pyramid, which reaches a height of almost 140 feet.

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Situated about 50 miles south of San Ignacio by road.

Last edited on Jun 30, 08 6:57 PM.
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First To Review:

Olga A.

May 2, 2010

The road is a nightmare and you can only get there if the police escorts you. Other than that it's one of the most amazing places I've ever seen. The Maya ruins are awesome and the natural setting is so beautiful I can't even begin to describe.

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