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When it comes to Mayan archeological sites, most people are familiar with  Tikal Guatemala, one of the largest Mayan sites in South America.    But just east of Tikal, in the small country of Belize, are a number of Mayan temple sites that are worth a look.  Three of the most popular sites are located in Northern Belize.

Canaa at Caracol, Belize

The Cayo district is home to two of Belize’s favorite  Mayan archeological sites.  Caracol and Xunantunich.  Caracol is the largest of the Mayan sites in Belize. And despite being difficult to get to, it is also one of the most popular. Excavation is continuing at Caracol and it is common to see archeologists at work while you visit the site. Caracol is also home to the tallest man made structure in Belize,  the Maya temple Canaa. Climbing 140 feet to the top of Canaa you are treated to fantastic views of the Chiquibul forest.

El Castillo in Xunantunich, Belize

25 miles north of Caracol is my favorite Mayan site,  Xunantunich.  Part of the fun of getting to Xunantunich is the ride across the Mopan River on a hand cranked ferry. Ask nicely and the ferry operator will let you run the crank!  After the ferry takes you and your car across the river,  it is another mile uphill to the ruins of Xunantunich.  Here you will find one of the taller temples in Belize, El Castillo.   Climbing the steep steps to the top of El Castillo you are treated to panoramic view  of  the jungles of the Cayo district, and the nearby country of Guatemala.

Hand Cranked Ferry on the way to Xunantunich

A favorite temple site to visit in northern Belize is Lamanai.   Lamanai is found in the Orange Walk District of Belize.   Like many Mayan sites in Belize, many of the temples of Lamanai are still waiting to be excavated.  However, the Jaguar temple, the Mask Temple and the High Temple are restored and waiting to be explored.  Also at Lamanai are the remains of two Catholic missions.

Visiting the Mayan ruins of Northern Belize is a facinating look into a once powerful culture that has now all but disappeared.

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