Mayan Ruins
Remnants of the ancient Mayan civilization, dominant in Belize from approximately 200 AD - 1000 AD, are found throughout the Central American countries of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Within the country limits of Belize are multiple sightings of Mayan mountains, sculptures, temples, buildings, and artifacts (focusing on ceremonial artifacts) left over from the Mayan Indian civilization. Today in Belize, the Mayan people still make up 11% of Belize’s population, dwelling in the ancient villages of the Mayan Indians.
By studying these ancient artifacts, geologists have to come to know a little about the Mayan Indian civilization. Although nothing is known for sure, more is being discovered about the people, culture, lifestyle, and history of the Mayan people.
Below are some of the most popular Mayan Ruin destinations:
Actun Tunichil Muknall - Deep in the jungle, a group of ancient caves, equipped with burial chambers and remains.
Althun Ha - Just north of Belize City, this ancient ruin is famous for the discovery of a carved jade head, which is now a national symbol of Belize.
Baking Pot - Not yet fully landscaped and discovered, this vegetation mountain is currently under evaluation.
Cahal Pech - A palace structure just outside the town of San Ignacio in southern Belize stands among many beautiful structures of Cahal Pech.
Caracol - Being the largest Mayan site in Belize, Caracol was a giant Mayan city, dotted with agricultural grounds, and provided a safe haven for the Mayan people in times of war.
Cerros - Once used as a trading center, this Mayan temple is located near Corozal.
Chan Chich - Preserved Mayan tropical forest full of extreme wildlife.
Chechem Hah - This ancient Mayan cave is filled with Mayan artifacts, including ceremonial pieces and alters from thousands of years ago.
Cuello - One of the latest discoveries, these ceremonial artifacts and buildings prove the even earlier civilization of the
El Pilar - Shared by Belize and Guatemala, El Pilar is a peaceful jungle full of ancient artifacts.
Lamanai - Means "submerged crocodile" and is the largest ceremonial architecture piece of the Mayan world.
La Milpa - One of the greatest Mayan sites, this gathering of courtyards and constructions shows the great architecture of the Mayan people.
Lubaantum - Meaning "the place of fallen stones" and was one of the major Mayan ceremonial centers around 700 AD.
Marco Gonzalez - Located on Ambergris Caye, and named after it’s founder, these Mayan sites are completely hidden by jungle.
Nim Li Punit - Known for its famous discovery of large, intricately carved stele (beam used for commemorative purposes) near Indian Creek.
Nohmul - A large ceremonial center in northern Belize, found in the middle of a sugar cane field.
Pacbitun - A ceremonial center in central Belize, once used for trading, is one of the oldest Mayan sites.
Pusilha - Hard to get to, this ancient Mayan ruin, once held up a bridge spanning the Moho River.
Santa Rita - Many ruins of an ancient Mayan city remain, making this one of Belize’s most accessible artifacts.
Tikal - Once an ancient Mayan city, artifacts still remain of temples, the center acropolis, and miscellaneous buildings.
Uxbenka - Located in the Toledo district of Belize, this "ancient place" was a ceremonial site for the Mayan Indians.
Xunantunich - Meaning "stone woman" this artifact was another ceremonial site, which was very important to the Mayan civilization.
