Archaeological sites in Belize

Belizean Archaeological Wonders

This collection highlights the diverse architectural and ceremonial landscape of the ancient Maya across Belize. It features major urban centers like Caracol, home to the massive Caana pyramid, and Altun Ha, a significant trading hub near the coast. The list encompasses specialized sites such as Nim Li Punit, noted for its extensive collection of carved stelae, and the unique mortarless masonry of Lubaantun. From the hilltop palaces of Cahal Pech to the sacred ceremonial pools of Cara Blanca, these sites offer insight into Maya history from the Preclassic to Postclassic periods.

Belizean Archaeological Wonders — Map

Xenophon / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Caracol

Caracol is a large ancient Maya archaeological site, located in what is now the Cayo District of Belize.

Dylanpack / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Altún Ha

Altun Ha is the name given to the ruins of an ancient Mayan city in Belize, located in the Belize District about 50 kilometres north of…

Maurice Marcellin / Public domain

C

Lubaantun

Lubaantun is a pre-Columbian ruined city of the Maya civilization in southern Belize, Central America.

Thomas Shahan / CC BY 2.0

D

Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve

Cahal Pech is a Maya site located near the town of San Ignacio in the Cayo District of Belize.

Maurice Marcellin / Public domain

E

El Pilar

El Pilar is an ancient Maya city center located on the Belize-Guatemala border.

HJPD / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Cerros

Cerros is an Eastern Lowland Maya archaeological site in northern Belize that functioned from the Late Preclassic to the Postclassic period.

G

Nim Li Punit

Maya site in the Toledo District known for its large collection of carved stelae and its location on a ridge overlooking the coastal plain.

H

Plaza Lec

An architectural group within the El Pilar archaeological reserve, part of a large city center that straddles the Belize-Guatemala border.

I

Cara Blanca Pools

A series of cenotes in the Cayo District where archaeologists discovered submerged Maya ceremonial structures and ritual offerings.

J

M11

Maya structure located within the Valley of Peace archaeological region.

K

M27

Maya structure or mound located in the Valley of Peace region near the Cara Blanca pools.

L

M16

Ancient Maya structure situated in the Valley of Peace area.

M

M29

Maya mound or structure identified during archaeological surveys of the Valley of Peace region.

N

M28

Maya architectural remains located in the central Belize Valley of Peace area.

O

La Milpa

One of the largest Maya sites in Belize, featuring over 20 courtyards, two ball courts, and numerous temples within the Rio Bravo Conservation Area.

P

South Acropolis

A major architectural complex at Caracol consisting of an elevated platform with multiple temples and residential buildings.

Q

Central Acropolis

A central administrative and residential complex at Caracol, featuring several courtyards and palace structures.

R

Barrio Group

An elite residential group within the Caracol archaeological site, organized around a central plaza.

S

Raleigh Group

A group of ancient Maya structures located within the urban core of the Caracol archaeological site.

Other Lists

Belize Essentials: Maya Ruins, Reefs, and Jungles Significant Religious Sites Waterfalls and Caves Lakes and Reservoirs