Mayan civilization originated in Yucatan in 2600 BC. They became one of the powerful civilization in AD 250. The civilization stretched from Central Mexico to El Salvador to Belize.
Mayan civilization was well advanced in the subjects such as astronomy, mathematics and architecture.
Caracol
A largest Mayan site in Belize dates back to 1200 BC. This Mayan site is located deep inside the Chiquibul Forest Reserve.
The Caana, the tallest man-made structure in Belize has 3 temples and 4 palaces. The height of the Caana is 43 meters tall.
The other structures in Caracol Mayan ruins include reservoirs, ball courts and astronomy observatory.
Xunantunich
Mayan site is located on the Mopan River and borders Guatemala. El Castillo, the second tallest structure in Belize stands at 40 meters.
Between 600 and 800 AD, Xunantunich was a Mayan ceremonial center. Though the excavation work first began in 1800s, archeologists are still making new discoveries.
In 2016, one of the royal tombs containing the remains of an adult male along with numerous artifacts were excavated.
Lamanai
Mayan ruins here are located on the banks of New River Lagoon. Visitors can book a Jungle cruise through the rainforest to visit these ruins.
Lamanai was a major city and played a vital role in Mayan Civilization. Jaguar Temple, Mask Temple and the 3 pyramids are the main attracts here.
Jaguar temple is the tall and got its name because a part of it resembles the head of the jaguar. The Mask temple has faces carved into the structure.
Altun Ha
One of the best restored Mayan ruins in Belize was only discovered in 1963.
Jade Head, one of the artifacts was discovered here during the excavation between 1965 and 1970.
The Jade Head is the carving of "Kinich Ahau," the Mayan Sun God. This artifact is the largest object discovered from the ruins of the Mayan Civilization.
Actun Tunichil Muknal
It is one of the fascinating Mayan ruins in Belize. However, you must be adventurous enough to reach this site.
You need to trek, swim through the water and rock scramble to reach this beautiful site.
The most popular cave here is that of 18-year old girl, Crystal Maiden. It got its name because the skeletal remains are covered in glittering calcite.
The site here is a cave that contains the mortal remains of those who were sacrificed.
Cahal Pech
Located on top of a steep hill overlooking the River Macal. It is a short drive from the town San Ignacio.
Archeologists believe Mayan first settled around 1200 BC and later abandon around 900 AD.
There is an informative museum about the Mayan history at Cahal Pech.
Lubaantun
It is the largest Mayan site in southern Belize. Here the buildings were constructed using black slates with no mortar instead of limestone.
Small ceramic objects were discovered from here. The ruin is surrounded by jungles.
Barton Creek Cave
The Mayan site is a wet cave. From 200 AD to 600 AD Mayans used this cave for ceremonial purposes.
Ceramic fragments and other artifacts along with the skeletal remains of 28 human beings have been excavated.
Cerros
This remote Mayan ruins were once a major trading center. Cerros is located on the coast.
Some parts of the ruins in underwater and you can reach this place via a a boat ride from the town of Corozal. It takes 3 hours long a an unpaved road to reach this ruins.
Nim Li Punit
The ruins are known for the impressive stellae displayed in the on-site museum. This one of the nicely preserved Mayan ruins with ball court and an astronomical observatory.
Another interesting structure here is the Plaza of the Royal Tombs. Treasures of pottery, carved jade figurines, and other artifacts were excavated here.
The disappearance of the civilization after 900 AD is still a mystery to the historians and archeologists.
Mayan Civilization thrived in Belize because of its warm climate and rich marine life. The large cities of this civilization prospered primarily because of the coastal trade routes.
Mayan Civilization was one the advanced civilization in the Ancient world. To get the touch and feel of this civilization you must visit one of the Mayan ruins. Add Belize to your bucket list.