Expedition Caracol

Belize

Caracol is the most extensive Maya, site known in Belize, covering 30 square miles of thick, high canopy forest and comprises a Classic-period complex that includes a number of pyramids, five plazas, and an astronomical observatory. It is estimated that 180,000 or more people lived in this area at the city-state's peak around 700A.D. Over 35,000 buildings have been identified with the loftiest pyramid reaching 139 feet, Belize's tallest building. The site was discovered by a logger in 1938. Excavations did not begin until 1950 and most of work has only taken place since 1985. The central core today, as seen by visitors, consists of three plaza groups, surrounding a central acropolis, two ball courts, along with a number of smaller structures. Situated within the Chiquibul Forest, the site and surrounding area are rich in tropical flora and fauna. Sightings of exotic birds, howler monkeys and other wildlife in the reserve as well as in route are common. Caracol today, is a Maya city in the process of being recovered from the jungle. Excavation and reconstruction of the site are ongoing during the dry season. A new Visitor's Centre exhibits a number of photographs and diagrams of the site, along with artefacts and a recovered ceremonial altar.

The Itinerary

Day 1:
Full day tour to Gales Point Manatee to view birds and see the gentle Manatee. Lunch at Gale Point. This area is an important breeding ground for waterfowl. Many of the surrounding shorelines are feeding grounds for ibis, egrets and herons. In Northern Lagoon lie two islands protected as crown reserves for nesting waterfowl. Ibis nest in large numbers here. Smaller numbers of egrets and herons also nest here. Land transfer with stop at the Inland Blue Hole National Park. The Blue Hole is a sinkhole filled with flowing water on its way to the Sibun River. The collapsed karst sinkhole is thought to be about 100 feet deep and roughly 300 feet in diameter. The pool near the sinkhole is about 25 feet deep and is coloured a beautiful sapphire blue, for which the area is named. Dinner and Accommodation at Cayo area resort (L D).

Day 2:
After breakfast, we tour the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest. The area is dotted with beautiful waterfalls, streams and caves that you can walk through. The geology of the Mountain Pine Ridge is dominated by massive uplifting of ancient rock. These rocks are among the oldest formations in the Americas. Some geologists theorize that when the entire Central American isthmus was covered by the sea, only the Mountain Pine Ridge region lay exposed as an island. From here, we drive to Caracol, the ancient Maya Site. Caracol was not the Maya name for the site. What the original name was is still unknown, though the hieroglyph for the site is prominently displayed on many monuments. The name Caracol, meaning "snail", comes from the long winding access road, which twists and turns much like the spirals on the shell of a snail. The center of the site has about 20 major plazas surrounded by temples, the largest of which is known as Caana (meaning "room with a view" in Mayan) that rises 145 feet above the forest floor. From the top of Caana, one has a commanding view of the surrounding forest and other temples. Return to Cayo area resort for the night (B L D).

Day 3:
After breakfast, we leave direction international airport or Belize City for the continuation of your journey (B).

General Information

Rated: Easy

Included:
Private transport, meals mentioned in itinerary, accommodation with private facilities, bi-lingual guiding service, transfers and excursions according to itinerary, all entrance fees and local guide.

Not included:
Meals not mentioned, personal expenses, tips, beverages.

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