Belize, situated in northern Central America, lies just below Mexico.

It borders the Caribbean Sea to the east and Guatemala to the west.

Known as the heart of the ancient Mayan civilization, Belize boasts numerous historical sites like cities, temples, and pyramids.

It's home to over 2 million Mayan Indians. Besides ancient ruins, modern Belize landmarks include Government House and St. John's Cathedral.

The Mayan civilization has left a lasting imprint on the landscape, which is evident in some Belize Mayan sites.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha, located 31 miles north of Belize City along the Old Northern Highway, is accessible via a short dirt road, Belize.com noted.

The area is abundant with diverse wildlife, including armadillos, bats, squirrels, and over 200 bird species.

Large crocodiles inhabit man-made water reservoirs nearby. During the Maya Classic Period, Altun Ha flourished as a significant ceremonial and trading center, featuring two main plazas.

One of its most renowned treasures is the Maya Jade Head, a monumental artifact depicting the Sun God Kinich Ahua, revered as Belize's largest jade object and a highlight of Maya civilization.

To visit Altun Ha from Belize City, travelers should head north on the Northern Highway for approximately 30 minutes beyond Sandhill Village.

Upon reaching the Old Northern Highway, turn right and continue for 14 miles.

Then, turn left onto Rockstone Pond Road and proceed 2 miles to arrive at the reserve.

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Caracol

Caracol, located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve on the western edge of the Maya Mountains, sits atop a plateau 500m above sea level.

Discovered in 1938 by logger Rosa Mai, it was named 'Caracol' by Archaeological Commissioner A.H. Anderson that year.

Despite its remoteness, Caracol offers a scenic drive, currently being paved as of 2020, according to Adequate Travel.

It's Belize's largest Maya center, featuring "Canaa" (Sky Place), a towering pyramid standing at 140 feet.

Ongoing excavations uncover numerous carved monuments and an impressive main reservoir, highlighting advanced ancient engineering.

Caracol has a historic rivalry with Tikal in nearby Guatemala.

To reach Caracol from San Ignacio town, a journey of approximately 2 and half hours via Cristo Rey Road and Mountain Pine Ridge leads to Douglas D'Silva Forest Station, then another 45-minute drive to the Caracol Archaeological Reserve.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich, known as "maiden of the rock" in Maya, is located on the Western Highway across from San Jose Succotz village.

Accessible daily via ferry from 8 am to 5 pm, it offers views of the Mopan River and spans a core area of 300 square meters with extensive surrounding grounds.

The main palace features an astronomical frieze, and its tallest ruin reaches 133 feet, the second tallest in Belize.

Adorned with well-preserved sun god masks, Xunantunich includes six major plazas, over 25 temples and palaces, and a new museum, drawing many visitors.

The Belize Tourism Development Project has invested significantly in excavating and improving access to the site, per Travel Drafts.

To visit, take the Western Highway 70 miles to Santa Elena, then head towards Succotz village before Benque Viejo del Carmen.

Cross the free ferry and drive three minutes to reach Xunantunich.

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Written by: Ross Key

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