Cayo District, Belize: Caracol Archaeological Site, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve & Rio On Pools. Situated high on the Vaca Plateau deep in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Caracol is the most extensive Mayan site in Belize and was only rediscovered as recently as 1936.
The site of Caracol covers over 80 square miles with 30,000 structures and at its peak supported a population in excess of 150,000. Situated at 1600 feet above sea level (one of the highest located sites of the southern uplands region) with no natural water body close by, it remains a mystery why such a huge population center like Caracol evolved where it is. However, the close proximity to both extremely hard stone and copal, two commodities highly prized by the Mayas may help ex-plain this enigma.
At the heart of the site lies the massive pyramid of Caana (Sky Palace) which is now almost fully restored and reaches a height of over 135 feet. From the top you can enjoy breath taking panoramic views over the forest clad mountains.
On the return, you will stop at the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve and the Rio On Pools for a rewarding picnic lunch and a refreshing dip before heading back to the resort.
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