San Ignacio: Caracol Mayan Ruins Day Trip with Lunch

Discover the ancient Mayan city of Caracol on a full-day tour from San Ignacio. Explore the sprawling archaeological site, learn about the anthropology, archaeology, and flora and fauna of the area, and enjoy a picnic lunch and a swim in the Rio On Pools.

After a 2.5-hour drive from San Ignacio, arrive at the sprawling archaeological site of Caracol. Learn about the anthropology, archaeology, and flora and fauna of the area, including rare and endangered wildlife such as Keel-billed Motmots, Tapirs, Jaguars, Oscillated Turkeys, Gibnut (the “Royal Rat”) and Coatimundis.

Caracol was a huge population center at its peak, with over 150,000 inhabitants and 30,000 structures, including an astronomical observatory. It was the largest metropolis in the Mayan Lowlands during the Classic Period, built with elaborate city planning and complex agricultural systems.

Climb the temple pyramid structure of Caana (Sky Temple), the highest man-made building in Belize to this day. Once at the top, nearly 135 feet above the courtyards below, get impressive panoramic views of Belize and neighboring Guatemala.

The history of the inhabitants of Caracol is documented by scribes of the past in hieroglyphics and carvings on the monuments, stelae, wall facades, and altars that are found throughout the site. Caracol has a very unique history, different from other major ancient cities in the region, and your guide will illuminate the rich and complicated past of this glorious civilization with a fully guided tour of the excavated portions of the Caracol site.

After touring the ruins, refresh yourself with drinks and a picnic lunch. Continue back through the Pine Ridge area where you take a break at the Rio On Pools, a series of natural swimming holes, to cool down and relax in the clear water. Visit the Rio Frio Cave, which has the largest entrance of any cave in Belize.