Caracol
Belize’s largest Maya city, which once defeated Tikal. Caana, the Sky Palace pyramid, is still the tallest structure in Belize.
Caracol lies deep in the Chiquibul Forest. At its peak, it had a population of more than 100,000. In 562 CE it defeated its powerful neighbor Tikal. Its main structure, Caana (the “Sky Palace”), is about 43 m tall. From the top you can look out over endless rainforest, and howler monkeys and toucans are often seen around the site. It takes 2 to 3 hours one way from San Ignacio. For safety, most tour groups travel together, and many also stop at the waterfalls and swimming holes of Pine Ridge. Admission is about US$15.
Opening hours
08:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Rio Frio Cave
- Rio On Pools
- Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
- Big Rock Falls
- Xunantunich
- Belize Botanic Gardens
- Cahal Pech
- Green Iguana Conservation Project