Vanilla Hills Lodge

Caracol

difficulty level: 3/5 (moderate – optional climbing)
Time: 7:15 am to approx 4:00 pm

Caracol or El Caracol is the name given to the archaeological site located about 25 miles south of the town of San Ignacio. Located in the foothills of the Maya Mountains within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve near the border with Guatemala.

This forest reserve is a largely undeveloped tract of primary and secondary tropical rain and pine forests. Caracol is the largest Maya site in Belize, and one of the largest in the Maya world. It is home to the largest man-made structure in the country. The core area alone is 15 square miles and once supported a population of about 120,000 people.

The tour company will pick you up at Vanilla Hills Lodge and after a 2.5 hours drive up rough dirt roads, passing through small Maya villages and scenic countryside you will arrive at the archaeological site of Caracol.
You will learn about the archaeology and flora and fauna of the area. You can spot rare and endangered wildlife such as Keel-billed Motmots, Tapirs, Oscillated Turkeys, Spider Monkeys and Gibnuts (the “Royal Rat”). The sound of the Oropendula and the Howler Monkeys give this Maya site a special vibe.

After exploring that amazing place of history you will have a picnic lunch.
On your way back to Vanilla Hills Lodge the tour guide will stop with you at the Rio Frio Cave and at the Big Rock Waterfall where you can cool down, relax and swim in the water.

tour details:
duration: full day
difficulty: moderate

tour includes
shuttle
entrance fees
lunch, water
towel provided

what to bring
camera
good footwear
bathing suit
insect repellent
sun protection

important note
optional swimming
in the waterfalls

Please contact us for more information.