Caracol
Background Information
Caracol is located within the Chiquibul reserve just on the border with Guatemala and is a major site in the Mayan History. This tour walks you through history, it was founded before the Common Era around 1200 years between 600 and 900 AD known as the classic period. Caracol was one of the largest Mayan Cities ever built, with more than 65 square miles and home to at least 150,000 people.
Caracol has about 30,000 structures and is home to three large plazas that contain two ball courts and scattering of smaller building and an acropolis. Photographs, diagrams and recovered artefacts from the site can be seen at the visitor center.
The Caracol Mayan Ruin Tour is a moderate tour for kids 12 years and older. The entire tour takes approximately 8 hours (full day tour) and departs at 7:30am from San Ignacio it includes transportation, guide, park entrance fees and lunch. On the way back a stop is made in the Mountain Pine Ridge (Rio Frio Cave and the Rio On Pools) to cool off and enjoy a picnic lunch.
The Rio Frio Cave is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. It was used as a sacred burial site for the ancient Maya. It measures more than 65 feet high and is a popular natural attraction known for its enormous front entry. It is a quarter mile filled with natural wonders, inside the cave are giant stalactite, enormous colored boulders, stone chandeliers, water pools and waterfalls. This popular destination can be toured by individuals of different ages especially on a hot day.
The Rio on Pools is located 15 miles off the Western Highway from the Santa Elena Town in the Mountain Pine Ridge and is surrounded by 300 square miles of Caribbean Pine and forest reserve. It is famous for its fresh-water pools and appealing waterfalls which makes it the perfect picnic location with a beautiful view of the area from the riverbank. This natural beauty is easily accessible and can be enjoyed by anyone, for the different sizes and depths of the pools. This tour is a day filled with sunbathing, water massages, relaxation and swimming at a natural spa.
Things to Know
Opening Hours of Caracol: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm
Estimated time of tour: Approximately 8hrs
Meeting / Pickups
Meetings/Pick ups
- Hotel
Amenities
- Local souvenir vendor
Tour Package Includes
- Tour of Caracol
- Admission fee
- Tour guide
- Bottled water
- Lunch (Dietary restrictions can be accommodated)
What to Bring
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Binoculars
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Bathing suit
What to Wear
Belize has hot and humid temperatures year-round. If you are unsure of what the weather might be like when you are visiting, a good recommendation is:
- Drifit clothing or comfortable clothing
- Covered Shoe
- Rain coat or jacket (depending on the time you are visiting)