Irreplaceable Caracol

The city that is located in Belize will let you take glimpses of many magnificent tombs, breathtaking pyramids and the place will also not fail to introduce you with the Mayan art. Regarded as an imperative Mayan city, its exact location is Cayo District of Belize. The city is said to be located in a jungle till its discovery. During Mayan era, it was known as Oxwitzá however, the name changed to Caracol, a Spanish word that means ‘snail’ as during the time of its location many snails were located. Surrounded by the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, the city is blend of both natural as well as man-made miracles. The spot is frequented by more than 30 travelers everyday. However, the best season to explore the region is dry season and the excellent time is around Easter, when the number of tourists throngs the vicinity. You must have at least entire one day in hand to take glimpses of the ruins as well as its wildlife.

The city ascertained

The place was founded by a local resident when he was searching for mahogany hardwood trees. A native namely Rosa Mai, who discovered the city, informed about the discovery to British Honduras’s archeological commission. Consequently, the concerned authorities visited the site and started calling it ‘caracol’.  Spreaded around 65 square miles, its number of  inhabitants slowly  grewn upto 175,000.

Archeological findings

It got its recognition as being archeologically-rich during the year 1937 and Linton Satterthwaite from University of Pennsylvania, is known for performing many explorations of it. Tasks relating to its archeological findings began during 1985 and it still continues. The site is looked after by Belize Institute of Archaeology.

Helping hand for the tourists

The spot contains a visitors’ center that will help you to know about the place and the recently opened Monument museum will also enlighten you about it through its demonstrations of many ancient artifacts.  The place also contains a guard station to keep you informed about the tourist spot. However, if you want a guide than locals who know the place better will help you out in a reasonable prize. However, to be there you have to take prior permission form Forest Station at D’Silva or the Department of Archaeology.

Why be there?

You have to be there to take a look at the ancient Mayan ruins. More than 100 tombs are discovered so far from the site and the biggest tomb found with the date carved on it as 634 AD. The premises also contain ‘the pyramid of Canaa’ that stands tall at 136 feet and is regarded as one of the biggest structures of Belize. The research work of the site is going on from last 25 years by archeologists.  The jungle area will lwt you to peep into its wildlife.

Reaching there

You can reach Caracol from D’Silva as the place is around 30 miles away from the area.