Park or nature areaOutline guide

Caracol

Maya archaeological site in Belize

Photo: Devon Jones, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Caracol is a Maya archaeological site in the Cayo region of Belize. It is a large site with many restored and documented structures, but is in a remote area near the Guatemala border.

Where to eat, drink and stay

Sleep1 place

Table Rock Camp & Cabanas
Excellent eco-lodge on the road to Caracol. Located on the Macal River.
Website
tablerockbelize.com

Getting there and around

Getting there

The easiest way to visit Caracol is to arrange a tour frome Belize City, Belmopan or San Ignacio.

Read in the guide

Getting around

Caracol is explored primarily on foot. Vehicles park near the archaeological core, after which trails and grassy plazas connect the principal temples, residential complexes, ball courts, reservoirs and carved monuments.

Read in the guide

Airports and nearby hotels

Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.

Mundo Maya International Airport

San Benito · Regional · FRS

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Read before you go to Caracol

Articles and travel topics about Caracol and Belize.

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Full travel guide

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UnderstandThe Maya called the city Uxwitza. Spanish conquistadors named it Caracol because of the circular roadway leading to the ancient city.

Get inThe easiest way to visit Caracol is to arrange a tour frome Belize City, Belmopan or San Ignacio.

Fees and permitsThe park entrance fee is BZ$15. Cash is preferred and foreign currency may not be accepted. Local guides are not available for hire at the site.

Get aroundCaracol is explored primarily on foot. Vehicles park near the archaeological core, after which trails and grassy plazas connect the principal temples, residential complexes, ball courts, reservoirs and carved monuments.

SeeThe dominant landmark is Caana, or “Sky Place”, the monumental palace-temple complex at the centre of Caracol. Rising roughly 42–43 m (139–143 ft) above the plaza, it is the tallest ancient structure in Belize.

DoTake a guided archaeological tour.

BuyShopping at Caracol is extremely limited. Do not rely on finding groceries, medicines, batteries, insect repellent or other travel supplies at the archaeological site.

EatThere is no dependable full-service restaurant at Caracol, so visitors should arrive with food or join a tour that provides lunch.

DrinkBring plenty of drinking water. Belize Tourism specifically recommends carrying ample water for a Caracol visit, and the combination of tropical heat, humidity and climbing can cause dehydration quickly.

Sleep

Stay safeCaracol is deep within the Chiquibul Forest and far from major towns, fuel stations and medical facilities. Bring plenty of drinking water, food, a first-aid kit and any necessary medication.

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Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Caracol" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Caracol", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Devon Jones, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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