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 Belize and the
Mysterious Mundo Maya
The Maya are more than legend in Belize. The imposing monuments of this ancient mystical
civilization are found throughout the country; some ruins are still under excavation today. In Belize, history
unfolds before your eyes.
Nestled on Central America's Caribbean coast just south of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Belize has the highest concentration of
Maya sites among all Central American countries. It is believed to have been the heart of the Maya, who settled
in this tropical setting as early as 1500 B.C. Although the civilization began its decline in 900 A.D., some Maya
centers were occupied until contact with the Spanish in the 1500s. During the classic period (250 A.D. to 900A.D.),
there were a million Maya in Belize. Their descendants remain today an integral part of the Belizean population.
Belize has joined with El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico to establish Mundo Maya (World of the Maya),
a program dedicated to the preservation of Maya culture. A visit to Belize's Maya ruins is a fascinating excursion
to another time. Most sites are readily accessible, with guided tours available; some may involve climbing to fully
appreciate their full majesty.  Belize's rich Maya heritage includes:
Altun Ha (Water of the Rock), the most extensively excavated ruin in Belize, was a major ceremonial and
coastal trade center. The ruin consists of two main plazas with some thirteen temple and residential structures.
It was here the Jade Head representing the Sun God, Kinich Ahua, was found. It is the largest carved jade object
in the whole Maya area, and has become a national symbol of Belize.
Caracol (The Snail) is the largest of Belize's Maya ruins, reached by a spectacular scenic drive through
the Chiquibul Rainforest. Currently under excavation and restoration, Caracol's importance as a major ceremonial
center has only been recently discovered. The largest pyramid in Caracol, "Caana" (Sky Place), rises
140 feet high, and is the tallest man-made structure in Belize.
Cerros is located on a peninsula across from Corozal Town in the Bay of Chetumal; it served as a coastal
trading center in the late Pre-Classic Period (100 B.C. to 250 A.D.). New forms of art and architecture that were
crucial to the civilization were established here. Cerro's tallest temple rises 72 feet high above the plaza and
offers a panoramic view of Corozal Town and the Bay.
Lamanai (Submerged Crocodile), among the largest of the Maya ceremonial centers, is located on the banks
of the New River Lagoon. With one of the longest occupation spans, (1500 B.C. to the 19th century), the ruins of
Lamanai include the remains of two Christian churches and a sugar mill, along with distinctly exotic examples of
Maya art and architecture. The scenery around Lamanai is of particular beauty, and there are spectacular views
from several of its large pyramids.
Lubaantun (Place of Fallen Stones) is a late Classic ceremonial center that lies above a tributary to the
Columbia River. It has eleven major structures, grouped around five main plazas. Lubaantun was uniquely built entirely
without mortar; each stone was carefully measured and cut to fit with its adjoining stone.
Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock) was a major ceremonial center during the Classic Period. The site overlooks
the Mopal River, and is composed of six major plazas, surrounded by more than twenty-five temples and palaces.
The site is currently undergoing excavation.
Snuggled between Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south, relaxed, English-speaking Belize is only
a two-hour plane ride for the continental United States. Adventure into a land rich in natural beauty and steeped
in the magic of its Maya past. Renowned for pristine waters, exotic marine and wildlife, lush unspoiled landscapes,
and superb diving, Belize is Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret.
For visitor information, visit the BELIZE TOURIST BOARD online at www.travelbelize.org or contact the BTB at Level 2, Central Bank Building, Gabourel Lane, PO Box 325,
Belize City, Belize. Telephone: 1-800-624-0686. Fax: 501-2-31943. E-mail: btb@btl.net.
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