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Belize
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Cayo District
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San Ignacio
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Tours & Activities
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Caracol Maya Ruins Tour Including Rio On Pools, Rio Frio Cave and a Picnic Lunch
1 day
Lunch
About this activity
Caracol is a major and dominant site in Maya history. It is a fantastic site to visit, and it is an expansive city covering nearly 80 square miles and rivaling the ancient metropolis of Tikal in size, power and riches. A subtropical forest south of San Ignacio sits near the Guatemalan border, set high on the Vaca Plateau in the heart of the Chiquibal Forest Reserve. Caracol is accessed through the Mountain Pine Ridge, a beautiful area with flowing rivers and hidden caves.
Embark on a 1.5-hour drive from our office up rough dirt roads and through small Maya Villages and scenic countryside. Arrive at the sprawling archaeological site of Caracol and learn about the anthropology and archaeology, as well as the flora and fauna of the area including rare and endangered wildlife such as Keel-billed Motmots, Tapirs, Jaguars, Oscillated Turkeys, Gibnut (the “Royal Rat”) and Coatimundis.
Caracol had a huge population center at its peak, with over 150,000 inhabitants and 30,000 structures. You might get lucky and see a family of howler monkeys in the trees over the ancient Maya ball-courts, or revel at the engineering and architectural sophistication of the Maya people as you climb up the temple pyramid structure of Caana (Sky Temple), the highest man-made building in Belize still to this day. Once at the top, nearly 135 feet above the plazas, you will get impressive panoramic views of Belize and neighboring Guatemala.
The histories of the inhabitants of Caracol are documented by scribes of the past in hieroglyphics and carvings on the monuments, stelas, and altars that are found throughout the site. Caracol has a very unique history from other major ancient cities in the region, and your guide will illuminate the rich and complicated past of this glorious civilization with a fully guided tour of the excavated portions of the Caracol site.
After touring the ruins, refresh with drinks and a picnic lunch. We then continue back through the Pine Ridge where we take a break at the Rio On Pools, a series of natural swimming holes, and the lush Rio Frio Cave to cool down and relax in the clear water.
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Embark on a 1.5-hour drive from our office up rough dirt roads and through small Maya Villages and scenic countryside. Arrive at the sprawling archaeological site of Caracol and learn about the anthropology and archaeology, as well as the flora and fauna of the area including rare and endangered wildlife such as Keel-billed Motmots, Tapirs, Jaguars, Oscillated Turkeys, Gibnut (the “Royal Rat”) and Coatimundis.
Caracol had a huge population center at its peak, with over 150,000 inhabitants and 30,000 structures. You might get lucky and see a family of howler monkeys in the trees over the ancient Maya ball-courts, or revel at the engineering and architectural sophistication of the Maya people as you climb up the temple pyramid structure of Caana (Sky Temple), the highest man-made building in Belize still to this day. Once at the top, nearly 135 feet above the plazas, you will get impressive panoramic views of Belize and neighboring Guatemala.
The histories of the inhabitants of Caracol are documented by scribes of the past in hieroglyphics and carvings on the monuments, stelas, and altars that are found throughout the site. Caracol has a very unique history from other major ancient cities in the region, and your guide will illuminate the rich and complicated past of this glorious civilization with a fully guided tour of the excavated portions of the Caracol site.
After touring the ruins, refresh with drinks and a picnic lunch. We then continue back through the Pine Ridge where we take a break at the Rio On Pools, a series of natural swimming holes, and the lush Rio Frio Cave to cool down and relax in the clear water.
Included
- National Park fees
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Picnic lunch with a drink
- Rum punch
- Guide
- Round-trip transportation
- Entry/Admission - Caracol Mayan Ruins
Not included
- Gratuities
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- What to bring: Hiking sandals or trainers, towel, small backpack, liter of water, bug spray, snacks, swim wear with shorts, camera
- There is no minimum age. All are welcomed
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Features
Tourism
85%
Cultural
80%
Original
20%
Reviews
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It was a fascinating adventure. We took a 3 hour drive along dirt roads to reach the site but it was well worth the journey. Had a great guide and it was not completely filled with tourists. Other sites have much more traffic. I would definitely recommend this trip to my friends... I look forward to seeing more of Belize.