While we were in Belize we had the pleasure of visiting Caracol, one of the Mayan ruins.
We signed up for a tour through MayaWalks in San Ignacio where we were staying. The day we went we were the only two in that tour. We ended up getting a private day long tour.
Caracol is a large area of Mayan history that has only been slightly uncovered. It takes a long, bumpy drive to get up to the city.
Despite the long ride, a two hour journey, the ruins are fantastic and a breathtaking glimpse of Mayan history.
In addition to Caracol we stopped at Rio-on-Pools. More on that later.
The pros and cons of hiring a guide
The knowledge
Our guide was a wonderful source of information we would never have come across otherwise.
He was passionate about his subject and shared about the Mayan culture, history, symbolism as well as the natural environment surrounding the man made structures.
He also gave a great glimpse of Belize’s culture and what life is like for the people living there.
Understanding what you see
Understanding the culture, history and symbolism of the historical sites we visit while traveling makes the experience richer, and adds an element of depth to a fun time.
For instance, we learned that the Maya structures are thought to have been originally stuccoed and then painted red. Imagining these impressively large structures in a brilliant red gives a totally different image than the stone structures represented today.
Colors, numbers, animals, seasons, all had a symbolic meaning for the Mayan people.
The steep stairways up the sides of their temples caused the people to clamber up the stairs in a bowing posture, never looking up at the priests or royalty at the top.
While we could have read these things from a history book, having Anselmo, our guide, explain them to us while we climbed, explored and experienced, gave us a better understanding of what we were seeing.
Constraints
A downside we discovered in having a guide is that you go the pace the guide sets.
It’s harder to move around and see everything and explore on your own as the guide is trying to explain and have you listen.
Related Posts:
What You Need to Know to Plan a Trip to Belize
9 Day Belize Adventure Itinerary
Caye Caulker, Belize – How to Make the Most of Your Trip
Belize’s National Parks {Reserves, Sanctuaries, Monuments, Archeological Sites and Caves}
Everything you need to know about visiting
Where
Caracol is in the Pine Ridge region of Belize.
About a 2 hour drive on rough dirt roads from San Ignacio.
When
The park is open 8am to 4pm.
June through December is considered the rainy season (though Belizean’s say it’s always a rainy season). This means that the roads may be flooded as you get closer to Caracol.
December to May is (maybe) slightly drier and a better chance of getting to the site without hitting standing water.
Cost
Entry fee to Caracol is BZ $15.00
If you choose to hire a tour guide the entry fee is typically included.
The cost of a tour depends on the tour company you travel with. Average price for a day tour is about US $90.
We went with MayaWalks in San Ignacio, which turned out to be a great choice.
Accessibility
This is not a wheelchair accessible spot. The roads are unpaved and often rocky.
There are lots of steps and climbing involved in reaching the top of the Mayan structures.
How long
Visiting Caracol is a full day affair.
Driving from San Ignacio takes 2 hours at least each way.
Caracol is a great place to explore, and it covers a lot of ground. We spend at least four hours walking around, listening to our guide, and taking lots of photos.
How to get there
Public transportation does not go out to Caracol. The roads are rough and half of it is basically off roading. If you choose to rent a car, a 4×4 is your best option.
To get to Caracol you will take the Mountain Pine Ridge Road south from Santa Elena. The way to Caracol is well marked along this road.
There is a military checkpoint about halfway up to Caracol. Check in here, and also check out on your way back. This is to keep track of tourism and also to know who comes back, there is the potential of getting stuck on the road.
A tour guide is another great way to get there without any worries of getting lost.
What to bring
Camera
Don’t forget your camera. This spot has some amazing photo opportunities.
Selfie stick
This might seem a bit cheesy. But there are many opportunities to take photos while visiting Caracol. While your guide is willing and able to take photos of your group, sometimes being able to take them on your own is good too.
Note: When purchasing a selfie stick, be sure to check compatibility. Selfie sticks connect to your phone camera to take photos, and the stick must be compatible with your phone type to work.
Phone battery bank
We took the RAVpower battery bank with us to Belize. It was super helpful in charging up between sightseeing stops.
Taking so many photos drains phone batteries quicker than normal day use.
Being able to charge up on the go allowed us to take all the photos we wanted.
Towel
If you are going to stop at Rio-on-Pools for a dip consider bringing a towel.
A microfiber towel is compact, quick drying, and easy to pack around.
Swimsuit
If you stop at Rio-on-Pools you’re probably gonna want a swimsuit. There is a small, doorless “dressing room” where you can change into your swimsuit when you arrive at the river.
Or you can wear it under your clothes for the day.
Good walking shoes
You will be on your feet most of the day walking, climbing and standing. A good pair of shoes will make this much more enjoyable.
Water
Bring a water bottle or camelback. It’s a long day of exploring, and it will probably be hot.
We like using our Hydro Flask water bottles because they are insulated and keep water cold for the entire day.
Electrolyte drink
Bring electrolyte tablets to put in your water bottle, or an electrolyte drink. On hot days, when you’re moving around a lot it is easy to become dehydrated.
Drinking more water is good, but you can deplete the electrolytes in your body that you need to keep you hydrated and healthy if you aren’t replacing electrolytes.
We like Nuun tablets. Just add them to water. They are sugar-free and come in lots of different flavors.
Nearby
Where to stay
San Ignacio is the largest town near Caracol.
There are several places to stay in the Pine Ridge area, Airbnb’s, lodges and resorts. To get to these places it is best to have a rental car. Though a taxi could probably be arranged, but expensive.
We chose to stay in San Ignacio at a hostel and use a tour guide company to transport us to Caracol.
Hostels: try out HostelWorld a site to search for hostels around the world.
Airbnb’s: a website for searching for vacation rentals or rooms all around the world.
Invest in the local economy and experience a closer glimpse into Belizean life by renting something run by the locals.
Authentic Belize Experience has accommodations and they also run a wonderful restaurant called Authentic Flavors in San Ignacio. Read our post on it here.
Above: Streets of San Ignacio.
Where to eat
Most tours will provide lunch in the tour package.
If you are on your own, without a guide, you will need to bring in your own food. There isn’t anywhere to get food once you’re in Caracol.
In the small towns on the road up to Caracol, there are occasionally small shops where you can buy snacks and drinks.
To do nearby
Rio-on-Pools
One of the most beautiful river spots I’ve ever been is Rio-on-Pools as the sun goes down.
This spot was like walking into a natural water park.
A rock bed with a river running over and through the rounded boulders. A waterfall drops down into a pool leading into more waterfalls and pools as the river flows onward. Words do it an injustice, even pictures don’t tell the full story.
Rio Frio Cave
This is a Mayan cave. A ceremonial spot for the ancient people.
We spent so much time exploring Caracol we didn’t have time to visit this spot. This is a spot typically included in MayaWalks Caracol tour.
Read more on the Rio Frio Cave at Belize Travel Blog.
The combination of Caracol’s towering temples, intricate astronomical structures, and the refreshing waters of Rio-on-Pools creates the perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural relaxation.
The site’s relative remoteness means fewer crowds, allowing for a more intimate connection with history as you climb the layered structures or wander through the ancient plaza.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking to venture off the beaten path, Caracol delivers an authentic Maya experience that surpasses expectations.
As you leave this remarkable site, you’ll carry with you not just photographs, but a deeper appreciation for the architectural and cultural achievements of the Maya civilization that once called these grounds home.
