Mayan Ruins

Mayan Ruins

On this site we focus on the Mayan Ruins that are near to Hopkins, Belize.  There are more further away.

Each of the Ruins has a different character.  You can hike a lot or a little when you go to a ruin.  Be prepared to chill out and try to think about how things must have been.

At the peak there were way more Mayans in Belize than current inhabitants.  For instance, Caracol was twice the size, with twice the population, of modern Belize City.  
From Hopkins people typically go to one of 3 different trips.  All of these ruins are detailed on this website in the land destinations section.
  1. Large Ruins near San Ignacio (in the western Cayo District) - 
    1. Xunantunich - This ruin is a bit over 2 hours away from Hopkins.  This is a large ceremonial Ruin.  You can squeeze in another activity in the day which could include visiting a second ruin. 
    2. Cahal Pech - This ruin is where rulers lived and is a lot different than Xunantinich.  You can visit San Ignacio at the same time.
  2. Caracol (in the western Cayo District) - This is about 4 hours away from Hopkins.  This is a tougher ruin to get to because it is a long trip down a bumpy road.  You can now drive there on your own, although a guide is recommended.
  3. Southern Ruins (in the southern Toledo District) - There are 2 ruins about 2 hours away from Hopkins, on the way to Punta Gorda.  They are:
    1. Nim Li Punit - The ruin is just .5 miles off of the highway.  The ruin features a royal tomb.  It is not a giant monument, but it is nice.
    2. Lubaantun - The site consists of 11 large structures, 5 plazas, and 3 ball courts.  This ruin is built using cut stones without mortar which is in contrast to the other Mayan ruins.  
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