Caracol Mayan Ruins

Oxwitza, once the epicenter of the most powerful Maya kingdom on earth, thrived with a vibrant population that outstripped today’s Belize City. Now, its ruins–named ‘Caracol,’ or snail, for the empty shells scattered all over the site–lie quietly at the foothills of the Maya Mountains. This ancient city is nestled about 25 miles south of the bustling town of San Ignacio, hidden within the vast expanse of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve in western Belize, close to the Guatemalan border. Surrounded by a lush tapestry of primary and secondary tropical rainforests and pine woods, Caracol is accessible only via a narrow access road that snakes through this verdant wilderness.

At its zenith, Caracol was home to approximately 150,000 people, marking it as the largest Maya Centre in Belize and asserting its dominance in Maya history. The grandeur of its past, now whispered by the ruins and the forest that has claimed them, continues to echo through the centuries, attracting those who seek to uncover the mysteries of a once-mighty civilization.

In the main plaza, you’ll follow in the footsteps of kings up the nested stairways of Caana, the ‘Sky Palace‘–at 140 feet, still one of the tallest human-made structures in Belize–at the top of which you can see right over the border into Guatemala.” This central acropolis, encircled by three distinct plaza groups, embodies the heart of Caracol.

Adjacent to this central area, you will find two ancient ball courts where Mayan rituals once played out under the watchful eyes of deities carved in stone. The central core is not just about these larger, well-known features; it hosts a number of smaller, yet equally fascinating structures that contribute to the overall understanding of Mayan life.

Each of these buildings, including the residences that once housed the elite, still bears the marks of their former grandeur. The rooms of the palaces, originally coated with white stucco and decorated with red paint, whisper tales of a vibrant, ceremonious past. Furthermore, the site encompasses overgrown causeways and an eerie reservoir, each adding layers to the story of this once-thriving kingdom.

Moreover, the excavation of more than 100 tombs and the discovery of a rich array of hieroglyphic inscriptions provide an invaluable glimpse into the sophisticated social and religious dynamics that guided the ancient Maya. These elements, coupled with the primary structures, offer a comprehensive glimpse into the historical significance of Caracol’s central core.

Secluded location means it is teeming with wildlife, including the ocellated turkey, the keel-billed toucan, and the legendary mot-mot. Much of the city still lies buried underground, similar to the famous buried city of Cumae in Italy, with only a fraction of its buildings currently exposed to the air. Yet, even this small visible portion powerfully testifies to the city’s historical and architectural significance.

As you stand amidst these ruins, close your eyes and try to imagine the landscape as it once was: cleared of jungle, with farmland stretching to the horizon, supporting a vibrant, bustling city. 

This is Caracol, a remarkable testament to the ingenuity and spirit of the Maya.