Caracol Natural Monument Reservation
A ancient Maya archaeological site
Explore the Majesty of Caracol & Discover History in the Making
Driving up into the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, guests experience the dramatic transition from lush broadleaf jungle to the high-elevation pine savannah. Along the scenic route, stop at Rio Frio Cave, an immense walk-through cave famous for its towering limestone columns and natural formations—one of the most photogenic sites in the Cayo District.
Continue on to Caracol, the largest and most awe-inspiring Maya site in Belize, once home to an estimated 150,000 people in a vast metropolis. This active archaeological site recently made international headlines with the discovery of the tomb of Te K’ab Chaak, the first known ruler of Caracol and founder of its royal dynasty. Uncovered in 2025 by a team from the University of Houston in collaboration with Belize’s Institute of Archaeology, this tomb contained jadeite ornaments, carved bone tubes, spondylus shells, and a stunning mosaic jadeite mask—evidence of Caracol’s elite status and its ancient diplomatic ties to Teotihuacan in central Mexico.
Guests will walk in the footsteps of Maya royalty, view ancient residential complexes and burial grounds, and can even climb Caana (“Sky Palace”), the tallest structure at Caracol rising 42 meters high, for sweeping jungle views—or simply take in the grandeur from below.
After a refreshing picnic lunch onsite, the adventure continues with a dip in the Rio On Pools, a natural playground of granite boulders, waterfalls, and cool swimming holes. The final highlight is Big Rock Falls, a 150-foot waterfall that tumbles into a crystal-clear pool—an unforgettable slice of paradise to end the day.
