The Maya Ruins of Caracol
The Maya Ruins of Caracol
5
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This 30-acre complex is the largest Mayan ruin in Belize.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- GeneralShamuNew York City, New York1,114 contributionsFull Day TourThe road to Caracol is dirt road for the last 30+ kilometers. If it has been raining it’ll be a nightmare to get through. Even when dry, it is still not particularly enjoyable. They are working on building out the road in full but given the number of workers, or lack there of, just assume that this is a 2027 completion project at the earliest. Definitely hire a guide to take you as they will also then be able to take you to Rio on Pools and Big Rock Falls on the way back. Total time needed at the ruins is about 90 minutes to two hours. The military that monitors the site (no it’s not dangerous just remote) wants everyone out by 2pm so ensure you get there by mid morning to late morning the absolute latest.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 June 2023
- MikeG1234Dorchester, United Kingdom16 contributionsGreat site to visit and easier drive than expectedThe Mayan ruins are fantastic and the site is well worth the 2 hour drive (more on that in a minute). We went on a Sunday and although we were the second car there (at about 9:30) about 15 were there in total by the end, yet it is such a large site that it still felt empty. The entrance fee was only $7.50 (US) as it was low season, which was half price (i.e. it is now $15 US normally). We spent about 2 hours walking around and climbing each of the buildings. There are great views and lots to see. There is a small visitor centre which details a little about the site but it's you want to know more you either need a guide or to do some research first (which is what we did) DRIVING: we had hired a 4x4 specifically to get to Caracol. We read a lot and we're quite worried before we set off, especially as there has been a lot of heavy rain in San Ignacio during the previous 2 days. On the day the weather was dry, although it has rained at least a little overnight. The drive was absolutely fine and not at all difficult. Plus, it is only going to get easier as there is a massive effort to build a new road going on. From the Western highway to about a mile before Rio on Pools the road is new tarmac and in perfect condition. It then becomes a dirt road until a mile or two after the Macal river. For most of this section it is a wide (2 lane) well leveled surface that is being prepared for the new tarmac and so very easy to drive. There are a few spots with more rutting but I was comfortable doing 20-35mph most of this section. The worst part is as you approach and leave the river and was the only bit I was glad I had a 4x4. The final 10 miles or so are an old tarmac surface but this is mostly all eroded and encroached by the jungle. It is still easy to drive but slowly to watch for pot holes. There are sections overall where if it was in heavy rain I can see it would be more difficult, but the road was dry deposit the previous days rain so it drains reasonably well. I really wouldn't worry about this drive except in sustained heavy rain. It is not as bad as you may read, mainly because the improvement works have had a big impact already and even comments from a year ago will be out of date about the state of the road. We even saw 1 local arrive in a normal car. The attached pictures give some idea of the conditions. Also, there was no check point in operation when we drove. There is a spot at the start of Pine Ridge reserve for one but it wasn't in use. I don't know if this was just because it was Sunday.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 July 2023
- Ema_il_viaggiatoreMilan, Italy171 contributions2WD self driving, it is easy!We visited Caracol today, August 9th, on a self-driving excursion. We used a Chevrolet Equinox, a 2WD SUV, for the trip. Maybe thanks to the sunny and dry weather, the journey was surprisingly easy with no issues. The drive took approximately 2 hours. The initial 20 miles were on paved roads, followed by the next 20 miles on unpaved roads and ongoing construction. However, these roads were wide and in excellent condition. The final 10 miles were partially paved and narrower in comparison. Contrary to what some agencies may suggest, the drive isn't an extreme adventure; it's similar to many other streets in Belize. Don't be swayed by emotional manipulation from agencies trying to sell expensive packages or 4x4 rentals. The journey is perfectly manageable on your own. Upon reaching the site, you'll find it expansive and incredibly captivating. The area boasts impressive constructions along with hidden chambers and tombs, adding to its intrigue. I highly recommend visiting Caracol for a memorable experience.Visited August 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 8 August 2023
- Navigate379960689411 contributionDrive to CarocalMy wife, son and I are holidaying from Australia, we hired a 4wd and drove from San Ignacio to Caracol. We read the reports of the poor conditions of the road. However, the roads are rapidly being improved, and it took us approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes to drive to Carocal .The first 50 minutes were on beautifully paved roads, and the remaining journey was on slower bumpy roads, but not difficult or scarey at all. We had nice dry conditions. They are constructing approximately 5 bridges, so I feel the roads are getting better every day. We visited the outstanding, popular Tikal Site in Guatemala the previous day ,however in comparison, upon arrival at Carocal (11am) there were only 10 cars in the carpark. Sensational place , we almost had it to our selves.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 3 December 2023
- MeMyselfandIldiNew Jersey90 contributionsA must see if you are going to Cayo region!We arranged a trip to Caracol through our jungle lodge and it was incredible! I wasn't sure if we should visit Caracol or Tikal when we were planning our trip but it sounded like Caracol would be less crowded and that was spot on. We encountered a few other small groups over the course of our visit, but it almost felt like we had the site to ourselves! I'd definitely recommend going with a guide, our guide was able to explain a lot of details to us that we would not have understood or been able to discover without a guide. It's amazing to think how long this took to build, and the ingenuity the Mayan had to plan for aqueducts and water collection! We also did a quick trip to the Rio Frio Cave and Rio on Pools in combination with Caracol since they are all close together.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 February 2024
- Christine S29 contributionsGreat ruins- can’t compare them to Tikal as didn’t seeA trek out there but, if dry, roads are fine esp with 4 wheel drive. Drove out there ourselves with a guide, Ronny, provided by crystal paradise. The ruins themselves were impressive and we enjoyed learning about the history and I especially appreciated things he picked out during the hike we would have missed, like some of the buried sites. Also, it makes a great day tour when combined with rio frio cave and a waterfall (we did big rock which was a good one - with places to jump from the rocks).Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 February 2024
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Christine S
29 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
A trek out there but, if dry, roads are fine esp with 4 wheel drive. Drove out there ourselves with a guide, Ronny, provided by crystal paradise. The ruins themselves were impressive and we enjoyed learning about the history and I especially appreciated things he picked out during the hike we would have missed, like some of the buried sites. Also, it makes a great day tour when combined with rio frio cave and a waterfall (we did big rock which was a good one - with places to jump from the rocks).
Written 22 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MeMyselfandIldi
New Jersey90 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We arranged a trip to Caracol through our jungle lodge and it was incredible! I wasn't sure if we should visit Caracol or Tikal when we were planning our trip but it sounded like Caracol would be less crowded and that was spot on. We encountered a few other small groups over the course of our visit, but it almost felt like we had the site to ourselves! I'd definitely recommend going with a guide, our guide was able to explain a lot of details to us that we would not have understood or been able to discover without a guide. It's amazing to think how long this took to build, and the ingenuity the Mayan had to plan for aqueducts and water collection!
We also did a quick trip to the Rio Frio Cave and Rio on Pools in combination with Caracol since they are all close together.
We also did a quick trip to the Rio Frio Cave and Rio on Pools in combination with Caracol since they are all close together.
Written 20 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Navigate37996068941
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Family
My wife, son and I are holidaying from Australia, we hired a 4wd and drove from San Ignacio to Caracol. We read the reports of the poor conditions of the road. However, the roads are rapidly being improved, and it took us approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes to drive to Carocal .The first 50 minutes were on beautifully paved roads, and the remaining journey was on slower bumpy roads, but not difficult or scarey at all. We had nice dry conditions. They are constructing approximately 5 bridges, so I feel the roads are getting better every day. We visited the outstanding, popular Tikal Site in Guatemala the previous day ,however in comparison, upon arrival at Carocal (11am) there were only 10 cars in the carpark. Sensational place , we almost had it to our selves.
Written 3 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ema_il_viaggiatore
Milan, Italy171 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
We visited Caracol today, August 9th, on a self-driving excursion. We used a Chevrolet Equinox, a 2WD SUV, for the trip.
Maybe thanks to the sunny and dry weather, the journey was surprisingly easy with no issues. The drive took approximately 2 hours. The initial 20 miles were on paved roads, followed by the next 20 miles on unpaved roads and ongoing construction. However, these roads were wide and in excellent condition. The final 10 miles were partially paved and narrower in comparison.
Contrary to what some agencies may suggest, the drive isn't an extreme adventure; it's similar to many other streets in Belize. Don't be swayed by emotional manipulation from agencies trying to sell expensive packages or 4x4 rentals. The journey is perfectly manageable on your own.
Upon reaching the site, you'll find it expansive and incredibly captivating. The area boasts impressive constructions along with hidden chambers and tombs, adding to its intrigue. I highly recommend visiting Caracol for a memorable experience.
Maybe thanks to the sunny and dry weather, the journey was surprisingly easy with no issues. The drive took approximately 2 hours. The initial 20 miles were on paved roads, followed by the next 20 miles on unpaved roads and ongoing construction. However, these roads were wide and in excellent condition. The final 10 miles were partially paved and narrower in comparison.
Contrary to what some agencies may suggest, the drive isn't an extreme adventure; it's similar to many other streets in Belize. Don't be swayed by emotional manipulation from agencies trying to sell expensive packages or 4x4 rentals. The journey is perfectly manageable on your own.
Upon reaching the site, you'll find it expansive and incredibly captivating. The area boasts impressive constructions along with hidden chambers and tombs, adding to its intrigue. I highly recommend visiting Caracol for a memorable experience.
Written 8 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MikeG1234
Dorchester, UK16 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
The Mayan ruins are fantastic and the site is well worth the 2 hour drive (more on that in a minute). We went on a Sunday and although we were the second car there (at about 9:30) about 15 were there in total by the end, yet it is such a large site that it still felt empty. The entrance fee was only $7.50 (US) as it was low season, which was half price (i.e. it is now $15 US normally). We spent about 2 hours walking around and climbing each of the buildings. There are great views and lots to see. There is a small visitor centre which details a little about the site but it's you want to know more you either need a guide or to do some research first (which is what we did)
DRIVING: we had hired a 4x4 specifically to get to Caracol. We read a lot and we're quite worried before we set off, especially as there has been a lot of heavy rain in San Ignacio during the previous 2 days. On the day the weather was dry, although it has rained at least a little overnight.
The drive was absolutely fine and not at all difficult. Plus, it is only going to get easier as there is a massive effort to build a new road going on. From the Western highway to about a mile before Rio on Pools the road is new tarmac and in perfect condition. It then becomes a dirt road until a mile or two after the Macal river. For most of this section it is a wide (2 lane) well leveled surface that is being prepared for the new tarmac and so very easy to drive. There are a few spots with more rutting but I was comfortable doing 20-35mph most of this section. The worst part is as you approach and leave the river and was the only bit I was glad I had a 4x4. The final 10 miles or so are an old tarmac surface but this is mostly all eroded and encroached by the jungle. It is still easy to drive but slowly to watch for pot holes.
There are sections overall where if it was in heavy rain I can see it would be more difficult, but the road was dry deposit the previous days rain so it drains reasonably well. I really wouldn't worry about this drive except in sustained heavy rain. It is not as bad as you may read, mainly because the improvement works have had a big impact already and even comments from a year ago will be out of date about the state of the road. We even saw 1 local arrive in a normal car. The attached pictures give some idea of the conditions.
Also, there was no check point in operation when we drove. There is a spot at the start of Pine Ridge reserve for one but it wasn't in use. I don't know if this was just because it was Sunday.
DRIVING: we had hired a 4x4 specifically to get to Caracol. We read a lot and we're quite worried before we set off, especially as there has been a lot of heavy rain in San Ignacio during the previous 2 days. On the day the weather was dry, although it has rained at least a little overnight.
The drive was absolutely fine and not at all difficult. Plus, it is only going to get easier as there is a massive effort to build a new road going on. From the Western highway to about a mile before Rio on Pools the road is new tarmac and in perfect condition. It then becomes a dirt road until a mile or two after the Macal river. For most of this section it is a wide (2 lane) well leveled surface that is being prepared for the new tarmac and so very easy to drive. There are a few spots with more rutting but I was comfortable doing 20-35mph most of this section. The worst part is as you approach and leave the river and was the only bit I was glad I had a 4x4. The final 10 miles or so are an old tarmac surface but this is mostly all eroded and encroached by the jungle. It is still easy to drive but slowly to watch for pot holes.
There are sections overall where if it was in heavy rain I can see it would be more difficult, but the road was dry deposit the previous days rain so it drains reasonably well. I really wouldn't worry about this drive except in sustained heavy rain. It is not as bad as you may read, mainly because the improvement works have had a big impact already and even comments from a year ago will be out of date about the state of the road. We even saw 1 local arrive in a normal car. The attached pictures give some idea of the conditions.
Also, there was no check point in operation when we drove. There is a spot at the start of Pine Ridge reserve for one but it wasn't in use. I don't know if this was just because it was Sunday.
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GeneralShamu
New York City, NY1,114 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
The road to Caracol is dirt road for the last 30+ kilometers. If it has been raining it’ll be a nightmare to get through. Even when dry, it is still not particularly enjoyable. They are working on building out the road in full but given the number of workers, or lack there of, just assume that this is a 2027 completion project at the earliest. Definitely hire a guide to take you as they will also then be able to take you to Rio on Pools and Big Rock Falls on the way back. Total time needed at the ruins is about 90 minutes to two hours. The military that monitors the site (no it’s not dangerous just remote) wants everyone out by 2pm so ensure you get there by mid morning to late morning the absolute latest.
Written 22 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rtaba285
Philadelphia, PA162 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
My wife and I went on tour in a van (company chosen by our resort, Sweet Songs) for a full day trip. The guide picked up three other people at hotels in San Ignacio. The road is under construction, and as of the end of January probably 20 miles were quite rough. I certainly would not consider it for an ordinary car. However, we had a great experience because our guide (of Mayan heritage) had a lot of information and explantions. Even if you get to the site on your own, this is almost impossible to understand without a professional. Aside from a tiny gift shop, restrooms,and picnic area near the entry, there is a single large mounted map. Unlike some other historic sites, there are almost no signs, labels, translations of inscriptions, or explanations. If you wander around by yourself, you might say "that's a pyramid, that's a big structure." For example, an explation of how the observatory worked and how different sections lined up with the equinoxes and solstice came from our guide. This was also true for the ball game court, and an explation of the likely role of ecological collapse (over cutting of forests) played in the decline of this city centuries before the Spaniards invated. The site has a small, sad, dated musuem area. The labels are so faded (on the objects and photos that have them) they are illegible. The interpretation of the site --which is only a small percentage of a much larger "buried" city--made this really interesting and educational.
The tour included food (and Sweet Songs resort had packed more food). We stopped for a swim at Rio Ono on the way back, which has changing rooms and barely usable toilets. Make sure you bring food and beverages. There is no vending at this remote park. When the road is completed, its isolation will surely change, but right now in January there were probably not more than a dozen visitors exploring the largest period at mid-day.
The tour included food (and Sweet Songs resort had packed more food). We stopped for a swim at Rio Ono on the way back, which has changing rooms and barely usable toilets. Make sure you bring food and beverages. There is no vending at this remote park. When the road is completed, its isolation will surely change, but right now in January there were probably not more than a dozen visitors exploring the largest period at mid-day.
Written 18 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Family A
Birmingham, AL5 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Go with a guide, picnic lunch, plenty of water and do the climb to the top.
Don’t miss the Mayan carvings you can actually touch in the covered open-air building on site.
Don’t miss the Mayan carvings you can actually touch in the covered open-air building on site.
Written 3 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cjlthehappytraveler
Santa Fe, NM66 contributions
Feb 2023
Caracol is a beautiful, set of ruins that are also the biggest in Belize. Previous year's safety concerns about traveling to this remote site have dissipated. There are now many road crews at work along the route, a military checkpoint where visitors check in and check out. Also, Belize is paving the road into Caracol, which will dramatically increase ease of access. Most of the road is in good shape now. I also visited the Rio On pools, which was quite nice after the hot day at the ruins. I recommend traveling with a guide because the turnoffs on the roads into the site are unmarked and it seems quite easy to get lost. There was no cell service so if you broke down or got lost you'd be in some trouble.
Written 15 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy M
Ojuelos de Jalisco, Mexico41 contributions
Feb 2023
Caracol, less-known but largest of the Belizean Maya ruins, is amazing! Once you navigate the road (which is being improved) to reach Caracol, the site is magical - well-marked, easy to walk, and devoid of crowds. Climbing the various temples is well worth the effort. Stay in the Mountain Pine Ridge area if you are self-driving.
Written 15 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cacao G
New York City, NY222 contributions
Blancaneaux Line, Belize Can this be accessed by other airport in Belize? Are their charter flights? Which ones?
I would like to visit Caracol in August but we do not have a 4wheeldrive (SUV). Do you think that would be a problem.
Terry C
Los Angeles, California9 contributions
Don’t try it—it rains in August and if you get caught in a flash storm you won’t make it there or back. You’ll be stranded with no cell reception and no other cars on the road. I had a 4x4 and I still got stuck in the mud twice during a storm.
Rent a 4x4 or hire a tour guide to drive you (most of them drive 4x4 pickup trucks for a reason).
JBenavides
San Salvador Department, El Salvador2 contributions
Hola, me interesa saber cuál fué el precio que pagaste por esa excursión?
jbushman2017
Nipomo, CA492 contributions
Any place for a large group of folks to get lunch near the ruins?
DurkDurkn
Vancouver, Canada104 contributions
Nope
dunger99us
canada215 contributions
hi, how much time do we need to explore the site: let's say from 9.00 am onwards?
Is it possible to drive in? do we leave cars outside?
My plan is:
San Ignacio->Caracol-> 3 hours( enough?) ->rio frio (1 hour max)--> rio on Pool ( 1 hr ) -> 1000 ft falls( 30 min there)- big rock Falls ( 1 hr) -San Ignacio
Pleas let me know if this is possible in 1 day - we will have a 4x4 car :)
vdempsey
Quincy, IL177 contributions
We walked around 3 hours on site including climbing the tallest pyramid and were tired and hot. Enjoyed a picnic lunch under the pavilion (there is a nice new restroom). We stopped at the Rio on Pools just for a view but if we had more energy and had brought swimsuits it would be nice to take a dip.
Vincey91
23 contributions
Hi does anyone know the cheapest way to see these ruins (from San agnatio)?
WonderingMomma
Norfolk, VA140 contributions
Not only is taking a tour guide the safest way to get there and back, but the guides know the social, historical and architectural context of the ruins as well as a ton about the the wild life and indigenous plant life there. I found our guide to be almost as interesting as the ruins and he pointed out a few good places to stop on the way there and back.
I am planning on going in July, just myself and another female. Is the convoy necessary or can you make the drive alone? We are renting a jeep and I grew up driving on logging roads in WA state. Also, is the waterfall stop on the way clearly marked and/or easy to find?
sam_alex_ace
Torrance, CA21 contributions
convoy is a must. Waterfall is hard to find.
Hope u had fun.
Mary Jo B
3 contributions
Hi, Mary Jo. What would you like to know about this attraction?
I want to see Caracol, Rio Frio Cave, Rio Frio on the Pools, Big Rock Falls all in one day. The tour companies exclude Big Rock Falls from the itinerary. Is there any way after my tour can I go see Big Rock Falls on my own without paying to get into the park again?. How long does it take to get there from the entrance?
Thank you,
Cricket
Jarko2015
Amsterdam, The Netherlands1,757 contributions
I'm not entirely sure, as the Big Falls wasn't on the itinerary I booked, nor in fact, was it ever mentioned! But... I think you'll find your guides very helpful and willing. There were only 3 of us on our tour and I imagine you may find if you book a guide/tour, you'll also be a very small group, so... why not ask your guide and your fellow visitors if you can take in the falls? I am pretty sure my guide offered us an 'add on' trip, but I can't for the life of me remember what it was or why the three of us said no. It might cost you a few $BZ, but it's always worth asking. However, you most certainly do not want to do anything on your own in this area. It's not exactly dangerous, but it certainly isn't entirely safe. There are many, many military groups in the area doing exercises as well as being their to protect tourists. There were British, US and Dutch troops in significant numbers when I visited. They are there for a reason. Chat with your guide. See what they say. I'd bet they'd say yes. Cheers, Jarko
Judith G
Saint Louis, MO141 contributions
I am still curious as to the actual leaving time with the convoy. Here is the question from a previous message, "When does the convoy actually leave: the official info (as of Oct 2014) says that it leaves at 9:00. while the Lonely Planet guide and a reviewer on TA (March 2014) say it leaves at 9:30."
Marilyn A
New York City, NY483 contributions
We went with BMZ tours on our own. No convoy
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