CARACOL
"The Snail"

Located on the Vaca Plateau of the Cayo district, Caracol is the largest archaeological site in Belize. Its original name is still unknown but currently it is named after a long access road that’s twists and turns are similar to a snail’s shell. It is also home to one of the largest man-made structure in Belize, a pyramid called Caana (sky place). From the top of this pyramid there is a magnificent view of the surrounding forest and ruins.

The residents at Caracol were known for their military victories. It is speculated that in about AD 562 they defeated the most powerful city of Tikal and in AD 631, they conquered Naranjo (Guatemala). The city had approximately 10 kilometres around its epicentre in AD 650. At the height of its powers Caracol was larger than Belize City and supported twice its population.

Rising majestically above the surrounding forest is the pyramid of Caana. At 145 feet it is the tallest Mayan structure in all of Belize, even eclipsing Xunantunich´s pyramid El Castillo. The center of Caracol has about 20 plazas all surrounded by temples. Outside of the ceremonial center there are no pyramids or temples but many acropolises that appear unexpectedly out of the dense brush.

Caracol was discovered in 1938 and later excavated in the 50s. At first it was considered to be not much more than a major ceremonial center. Then in 1986 a carved alter stone describing Caracol’s victory over the city of Tikal was discovered. A simple ceremonial center’s victory over Tikal, the most powerful Mayan City of all, did not make sense. More sensible was to theorize that the leaders of Caracol were warriors, not priests.

Caracol is located 30 miles south of D’Silva. If you are not with a tour or guide, check with the D’Silva Forest Station before setting out. A 4-wheel drive is necessary during the rainy season and even then roads may be impassable. It is best to visit the site in the dry season so that you have a better chance of seeing it. At Caracol you will find a guard station with a staff from the Department of Archaeology to show you around.

Caracol is located in the Chiquibul Rain Forest. It is surrounded by a rich variety of flora and fauna. Howler monkeys, birds, and felines all inhabit the surrounding forest and even some of the ruins. You might even see some scarlet macaws flying trough the forest canopy and one bird, the keel-billed motmot, has taken to inhabiting the pyramids. The ruin of Caracol is still teaming with life even though it was deserted centuries ago.