Belize 2012 the Maya Heartland - where will you be when the world begins anew?

"Snail" (25,000 acres)

Located on the western edge of the Maya Mountains within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Caracol lies on a high plateau of 500m above sea level that drops into a deep valley to the northwest and rises into hilly terrain to the southwest. The site was discovered in 1938 by Rosa Mai, a logger looking for mahogany. That same year the Archaeological Commissioner, A.H. Anderson, visited the site and named it 'Caracol' (Spanish for 'snail'). This site is also where Caana,; Caana in Maya means "sky place." It is made up of palaces and temples.

Directions

From the town of San Ignacio, Caracol is a 2.5 hour drive. Take the Cristo Rey Road and drive towards Mountain Pine Ridge until you reach Douglas D'Silva Forest Station. Drive another 45 minutes until you reach the Caracol Archaeological Reserve.

Opening Hours

365 days in the year from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fees & Reservations
Belizeans: BZD$5.00
Non-Belizeans: BZD$10.00
Belizeans enter FREE on Sundays and Public and Bank Holidays
School, Church and Government Groups need to contact the IA office for official Pass to visit this site.

Caracol Overnight Stays

The Maya site of Caracol shall be the venue of four overnights of camping, music, presentation, and history to commemorate the ending of the 13 Baktun on December 21, 2012. The overnights shall take place on the following four dates to coincide with the annual solstices and equinoxes:

March 20-21
June 20-21
September 21-22
December 20-21

The tickets are priced at 150USD per person and include an evening meal, breakfast, a Maya fire ceremony, as well as a tour by. Dr. Jaime Awe. Visitors to this event are responsible for their own camping gear as well as transportation to and from the site. View Spring Equinox itinerary.

This event is a once in a lifetime experience for any visitor, to not only take part in a momentous occasion in both Maya and Belize history, but to live the wonders of a Maya site at night. Come be a part of it.

For more information or to reserve your spots now, email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Amenities

Free Parking

Visitors Center & Museum

Trails

Picnic Pavilion

Restrooms

Giftshops

Flora & Fauna

Filming /Permits

All Commercial Filming requires a Film Permit. For further information contact the Institute of Archaeology.
Wedding Ceremonies – Fee & Permit required contact the Institute of Archaeology.