I'm Going To Belize, And Am Looking Forward To See Its Mayan Ruins. What Can You Tell Me About Them?

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is fast becoming an ecotourism destination. But unlike its tourism rival, Costa Rica, Belize has several impressive Mayan ruins.

Belize is a very poor nation, and is just starting to maintain its ruins. As such, when I was there in 2002, sometimes only two of a pyramid's four sides were reconstructed. Public transportation would often leave me short of the actual attraction; I became adept at forcing myself on minibuses of Germans too polite to refuse my requests for a ride back to the bus line.

Belize has had a very bad time with "pothunters" illegally removing Mayan art-facts from the country, but that is improving.

Mayan ruins of note are:
Altun Ha: the most visited site in Belize was a major religious center. The large site is mostly unexcavated, but the temples and pyramids that are are impressive. The most impressive of the grass- covered pyramids in two plazas is the Temple of the Masonry Altars. A cement-line pond provided water for up to 10,000 people. The Temple of the Green Tomb had skeletons and artifacts made of jade and green obsidian. Lamani: This site is reached by a birdwatcher's-dream boat trip up the New River. The s
its is on a scenic lagoon with tall trees. The ceremonial city has impressive ball courts, pyramids, and mysterious, 6-foot-tall stone masks.

Xunantunich: The 135-foot El Castillo is partly excavated but fun to climb for jungle views. It has an extensive stucco frieze with scenes of court life. Carved stelae dot the plaza. To get to the site, you must cross a river on a fun, hand-cranked ferry then walk about a mile.

Caracol: This site deep in the jungle has a 136-foot pyramid on a broad base. Giant calendar glyphs are carved not circular stone altars. A ball court is partially excavated.

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