Emy Cooks: Maya Route in Belize/Routa Maya #CentralAmerica #Caribbean #Travels

One of Belize's main attractions are the Maya Ruins that tells so much about their cultural heritage.

The mayans are considered mysterious as they dissappeared abruptly and they span five countries:- Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and southern Mexico. Most of the ruins are found near a river which is also a means of transportation. There are approximately 16 ruins in Belize and probably more to be discovered.

Lamanai- Orange Walk

Lamanai, meaning submerged crocodile in Maya. This ruin can be found in the Orange Walk district.
This site was occupied long after others were abandoned. Although, many ruins have not been excavated, there is still a lot to see where and can enjoy a panoramic view. For many tourist the jungle that surrounds it is as impressive as the ruins.

Xunantunich and Cahal Pech are both in San Ignacio(one of the twin towns in the Cayo District.)

Cahal Pech in San Ignacio

Cahal Pech means"Place of Ticks" in modern day Maya. This is considered a royal palace and the surrounding are was used as pasture land. This site is 2 acres and consists of seven plazas. The Mayan eleive in after life and many objects were found in the burial place such as pottery vessels and jade objects.

Caracol in San Ignacio District

Caracol means snail in Spanish based on the fact that the archeologist found many snails in the area. Caracol in maya means "Three Hill Water" Caracol is in San Ignacio on the highlands known as Vaca Plateau.Caracol is considered the most magnificent in Belize and the largest in the Maya world. At Caracol a 100 tombs have been found. This is one of many ruins that is not close to a river, no water source and somehow they maintained the civilization. For more information about Caracol here.

There are many more ruins in the country of Belize. We will continue this journey in another post.

To be continued.......