Caracol Mayan Ruins
Cayo, Belize
Caracol is the largest archaeological reserve in Belize, located within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve in the Cayo District. Belize’s National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) describes Caracol as a major Classic-period Maya city whose Caana (“sky place”) architectural complex rises about 139 feet and is the tallest building in Belize; at its political peak, NICH estimates the city covered ~38 square miles with a population of about 80,000–100,000.
Claims about Caracol Mayan Ruins
- Epigraphic and CAP sources describe an AD 562 ‘star war’ event associated with Caracol’s defeat of Tikal.
- Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) states that the Chiquibul National Park surrounds the Caracol Archaeological Reserve and notes collaboration with the Institute of Archaeology to protect the site.
- A 2025 University of Houston report states archaeologists discovered a ~1,700-year-old royal tomb at Caracol and interpret it as identifying an early dynastic ruler (pending formal publication).
Evidence
- Chase et al. (2022 PDF) states Caracol gained independence from Tikal in 562 CE via a ‘star-war’ event, shifting dominance toward Caracol.
- FCD states Chiquibul National Park surrounds Caracol Archaeological Reserve and mentions cooperation with the Institute of Archaeology for protection.
- University of Houston (2025) reports discovery of a ~1,700-year-old Maya ruler’s tomb at Caracol and interpretive claims about early dynastic history.
- Wikidata provides coordinate location for Caracol (16°45'50"N, 89°7'3"W) and identifiers (GeoNames ID).