22 Mar Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Caracol
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Visiting Caracol
Caracol is hands down one of Belize’s best hidden gems. Once thought to be a tertiary city for the Mayans, we now know it to be a major and dominant site in Mayan history. It is one of the most pristine and well-kept Maya sites in all of Belize – probably because so much is still to be discovered!
It’s the largest Mayan site in Belize — nearly 25,000 acres – and its impressive agricultural field system and elaborate city planning make it a truly special place to visit.
Modern day LiDAR technology uncovered around 35,000 structures – almost all lost to the jungle and time. In fact, what you’ll see at Caracol is just a sliver of what the ancient city once was; most of Caracol is waiting to be excavated. In its heyday, Caracol covered an area much larger than present-day Belize City and supported close to 150,000 inhabitants.
The site, first uncovered in 1937, is still an active archeological site. As Nevadans, we loved learning that the Caracol Archaeological Project is directed by researchers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas! The use of LiDAR technology in 2009 found 11 new causeways, five new termini, and 1,000’s of unmapped, still covered residential groups and agricultural terraces.
Archeologists think that Caracol was likely abandoned by the Mayans around 900 AD due to a lack of resources (namely water).
Exploring Caracol: Guided Tour or DIY?
You can visit Caracol without a tour guide, but I highly recommend finding one to take you. The road to Caracol is long, unpaved, and undeveloped. In addition, once inside Caracol there aren’t many – if any – signs that explain what you’re seeing.
We went with the tour company Mayawalk for our adventure to Caracol and we’re so glad we did! Mayawalk really puts focus on having small group tours, so you’ll never feel overwhelmed.
It was so nice to sit back and learn about the area from our guide Gisell for the two+ hour ride to Caracol. In addition, we made stops at the Rio Frio Cave and ended our day at the Rio On pools – a beautiful cascading waterfall where we had the opportunity to swim.
Gisell was super knowledgeable about the environment, anthropology, and archeology of the Mayan civilization. We left with a much better understanding of the area’s ancient history – as well as some fun facts like that inside one of the structures at Caracol, archeologists found 685 grams of liquid mercury in the floor!
So, in short, can you go to Caracol without a guide?
Absolutely! And you’ll still have a blast! The road trip will probably be fun and you should definitely not be scared of making that journey no matter what other travel bloggers say. If you do the drive on your own you will need to rent a high-clearance vehicle – this is 100% not optional.
Going to Caracol with a guide will help you will leave with a better understanding of the Mayan civilization and the role that Caracol played in the Mayan history.
However, because we didn’t want to rent a vehicle and we love learning as much as we can about the local history and environment, it made sense for us to hire a tour guide. If you wind up hiring a guide, you will leave with a better understanding of the Mayan civilization and culture and the role that Caracol played in the Mayan history.
If that sounds like you, I highly recommend Mayawalk.
Pro Tip: It is unlikely that you will be able to hire a guide once at Caracol. If you think you’ll want a guide, you will need to make arrangements in San Ignacio before you head out. There are a lot of options!
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Exploring Caracol: Guided Tour or DIY?
We met Gisell and our driver Kareem at the Mayawalk office in San Ignacio first thing in the morning. After a quick stop at the Red Creek Express Convenience Store we were on our way. You’ll definitely want to load up on snacks for the day, beers or sodas for lunch, and do not leave without trying their journey cakes and meat pies!
Back on the road, Kareem left the nice paved highway after about 15 minutes and for the next two hours we bumped and thumped our way up and down red dirt roads and one-lane bridges to Caracol.
After spending three days touring this area I can say that the most amazing places in Belize are found at the end of terrible roads. If you suffer from motion sickness, bring along some Dramamine, sit towards the front of the vehicle, and try to look straight ahead.
The most amazing places in Belize are found at the end of terrible roads.
The journey leads you through thick subtropical forests up to a plateau of pine trees (many of which were destroyed by previous fires and pine beetles) and through Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and Chiquibul Forest Reserve.
The Rio Frio Cave
Our first stop was the Rio Frio cave. Researchers have found evidence of Mayan people in this cave, but you’ll also see beautiful stalactites, bat colonies, and – in the dry season – a sandy beach inside the cave. It’s one of the least strenuous caves you can visit in Belize and perfect for first time cavers or those with some physical limitations.
Where we’re from in the southern United States and here in Nevada, cave openings aren’t nearly as impressive as the Rio Frio cave entrance. The Rio Frio cave stands at 65 feet tall (the largest dome in the country!) and is decorated with ferns and long vines that extend down the opening. Don’t be scared; walk inside and explore. The Rio Frio cave is only a quarter mile in length and you can see the exit at the other end.
There’s an easy hike around the area and Gisell was good to point out bromeliads, sapodilla trees – used to make chicle (gum), and wonderful smelling allspice trees.
We didn’t get a chance to do visit Big Rock Falls but I wish we’d had time. It’s located in the Mountain Pine Ridge area and is a local favorite! If you have time and like hidden waterfall gems like me, definitely add it to your list!
What to See at Caracol
Caracol truly is one of Belize’s best hidden gems and is one of the most under-touristed Mayan sites. Why is that? It’s simply due to its location. It is off-the-beaten-path to the extreme. It takes all day to drive there, see it, and drive back.
From our last stop at the Rio Frio cave, it took a little over an hour to arrive at Caracol. (Our entrance tickets were included in our tour price, but Caracol only takes cash. So be prepared if you’re visiting without a guide.)
As Gisell lead us to the first site in Caracol, I was distracted thinking about the traditional Belizean lunch that Kareem was setting up for us. But then the howler monkeys started making all kinds of racket! It really set the stage for our visit.
Surprise! Here’s a little howler monkey trivia. Did you know howler monkeys are the second loudest mammal in the world behind the bulldog bat? Well, if you’ve heard one, you’ll believe it; their call can be heard three miles away!
The sheer size of Caracol’s grounds makes it difficult to see everything. But with the right tour guide – no matter how much you’re able to see in your visit — you’ll leave with a wonderful sense of the Mayan civilization. Here are the memorable highlights from our tour.
Caana “Sky Palace”
The first stop – and the biggest draw for most visitors at Caracol — is Caana or “Sky Palace.” The pyramid, which is the tallest man-made building in Belize, is 143 feet tall and houses four palaces and three temples. You can climb the pyramid structures here in Caracol. Head to the top and look out at the impressive panoramic views of Belize and Guatemala.
Ball Courts
Harry Potter fans, think about the Mayan’s game like quidditch.
Stelaes & Hieroglyphics
Check out the stelae (carved wall) on the temple in Plaza B overlooking Canna. There is also a reproduction near the ball courts that shouldn’t be missed.
Astronomic Observatory
Alters
Water Reservoirs
Pro Tip:
It’s good to have a small daypack with you at Caracol. I love this pack from Osprey which is perfect for traveling! Definitely have your water and sun protection on hand. Bring shoes – like these hiking sandals – that are comfortable for walking all day on uneven ground. If you’re traveling without a guide, you will want to make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas and bring cash for the admission fee and your lunch. There are no vendors at Caracol, so you’re on your own.
Rio On Pools
After we ate lunch, we headed back towards San Ignacio – with a fun stop at the Rio On Pools. Located within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, the Rio On Pools are a series of refreshing little swimming holes created by a scenic cascading waterfall. It was the perfect end to the day! The granite rocks that make up the area are super slippery when they get wet, so step with caution. Make sure to take your GoPro, bathing suit, and towel. There are six cabana-style changing rooms available at the end of a short trail that leads to the Rio On Pools.
I got this bathing suit from Amazon for $29! Then I loved it so much, I got it in another color (teal)! It’s seriously the most flattering bathing suit I’ve ever owned!
What to Wear & Bring to Caracol
Bugs like mosquitos and sand flies can be annoying and persistent, so wear a pair of lightweight, long pants and a long-sleeve shirt if you’re like me and biting insects can’t get enough of you. This also helps you not have to reapply sunscreen and bug repellent (these Deep Woods Towelettes are perfect for travel!) all day. Wear a pair of comfortable athletic shoes or hiking sandals and clothing that won’t show sweat.
Do you like exploring ancient sites like Caracol?
Frequently Asked Questions
Caracol was occupied as early as 1200 BC, however its greatest boom was in the “Maya Classic” period — between 600 and 900 AD.
The Spanish translation of “Caracol” literally means snail — but is not the word that the Mayans used for this area. The site was named Caracol to reference the windy road that leads to the ruin.
Caracol is the largest ancient Mayan site in Belize. In its heyday, Caracol covered an area much larger than present day Belize and supported more than twice the population of today’s Belize city.
You won’t be able to see everything in the country in 7 days, but that’s a good amount of time to visit Belize’s highlights: ATM, Mayan ruins, San Ignacio, Caye Caulker…
Belize is known as having the world’s second largest barrier reef but it is also home to jungles, pine forests, waterfalls, and caves – all ready for you to explore!
Late November to mid-April (the country’s dry season) is the best times to visit Belize.
I got absolutely eaten alive by mosquitos and sand flies in Belize. They apparently love early mornings and late evenings; keep that in mind and have bug repellent (or a freakin’ blow torch) ready.
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