Private Caracol Package | Discover the World of the Ancient Maya
Description
Welcome to the lost city! A place far, far away from home. Caracol Sits in the heart of the Chiquibul rainforest. It is known to be one of the largest Maya cities in Belize. Dominating the centre of this important community is the massive structure known as Caana, “Sky Place.” This immense complex of palaces and temples remains today the tallest human-made construction in Belize. Are you ready for a bumpy ride? Join us as we travel deep into the green dense forest of Belize. Off we go on a three-hour drive to one of Belize’s most prestigious jewels. Up and down, side to side as we drive up the dirt road. Looking through the window and witnessing how the broadleaf forest transitions into a pine Forest then back into the broadleaf forest is alluring. This is quite astonishing as both hold different ambient and different species of wildlife. “Come on, Vamonos!” says Dora La Exploradora, as Belize awaits you.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Rio Frio Cave
Located in the deep green forest is a site called Caracol. This site was found in 1938 by Mahogany hunter, Rosa Mai. That year A.H Anderson visited the site and named it "Caracol" which means "Snail Shell." It is located on the western edge of the Maya Mountains which is found within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. This site sits in a plateau of 500 meters above sea level. Research at Caracol has shown that this large city had a population of some 100,000 inhabitants. Major excavations and surveys have been undertaken, thus revealing a massive central core, and a dense continuous settlement extending out a radius of 8 kilometers. The metropolis is the area with busting markets, through forests, craft workshops and extensive farming. The inhabitants relied on an interdependent system of social and economic networks to maintain it's vitality. Visionary leaders, artists, engineers, farmers, warriors and villagers worked together to create a vibrant community. The people that once lived in his city have left a long lasting impression on the physical and cultural landscape which we now call "Caracol."
Big Rock
After a long day at the Maya Ruins you'll get the opportunity to swim in some Magnificent Natural pools.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Travelers are picked up in Cayo District only. Outer Districts pick ups cost an extra Fee.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(19)
If you book a tour through this company ask for Joe (although I accidentally called him Manny, which made him laugh) Joe was so knowledgeable and so much fun. We learned a lot and laughed a lot. His love for his Mayan culture and heritage is evident when he speaks. His knowledge of the animals, birds and plant life is incredibly impressive. The lunch he provided during both tours was delicious. Thank you Joe!
Thanks so much for your wonderful review! We’re really glad to hear this was the highlight of your trip. Joe will be happy to know you enjoyed his knowledge, humor, and passion for the culture (and he’ll definitely get a laugh about the “Manny” moment!). We’re also happy you enjoyed the lunch, our cook will be glad to hear you loved it. We truly appreciate your recommendation and would be happy to welcome you back whenever you return to Belize!
Joe was an amazing and extremely knowledgeable guide! He taught us so much about the Mayan culture, both past and present! Taking the private tour allowed us to set our own pace and spend time enjoying all the sites. I highly recommend taking this private tour!
It was a great experience. For many years I wanted to go but the bad roads prevented me to go. The road is now great. Oure travel guide was very good and had a great amount of knowledge of the ruins but also about the lifestyle of the Maya population. Highly recommandedGreat
Our tour guide Agusto was wonderful. Our tour was adjusted to me our needs. He was knowledgeable and very helpful
Damien was a wonderful guide. He showed us all around Caracol Ruins and gave us history of the Mayans and the jungle. He set up a nice lunch with the best food we had our entire 8 days in Belize. Then he took us to the cave. We really had the best time and enjoyed the ride to and from Caracol. I definitely recommend doing this tour. Thank you Damien for a memory we will never forget!
What an experience! Our tour guide was Damien, owner and operator of Classic Maya Adventure Tours. He comes from the Mayan culture and local community and is full of historical knowledge and pride for all things Belize. We were a group of three - parents and a 10-y-o - and he made history come alive throughout the entire tour. I cannot recommend this tour enough, and can't wait to come back to Belize and do more tours with Classic Maya (and Damien!).
Damian was an amazing guide. His encyclopaedic knowledge of not only Mayan history and architecture but also the flora and fauna of the jungle made the trip much more than expected. Friendly, funny, professional. Damian was also an excellent driver along some challenging terrain. We felt lucky to have him as our guide
Damian is an outstanding experienced and knowledgeable tour guide. I recommend his private tour for the customized experience you just can't get any other way. It is well worth it. The entire day was tailored to our desires and physical abilities to get the absolute most out of our time. Damian made the trip educational and entertaining with personal touches you won't get without a local guide. I highly recommend this tour!
I can't say enough great things about this tour and the tour company. It is a family owned/run business focused on intimate tours which was right up our alley. The family is of Mayan decent and they have lived in the area for years. Wilton is front of office and handles all of the communication. He is on top of all the details and responds quickly to all questions. Initially we had booked the Xuanantunich tour but due to high water levels on the river we had to switch to the Caracol package and in the end we are thrilled that happened. It is a little bit longer of a drive (on a dirt and bumpy road) from the San Ignacio area, but well worth the effort. Wilton was very helpful in explaining all the details and making sure the switch worked for us. His father Damian was our tour guide. He was kind, extremely knowledgeable and a fun person to spend the day with. I felt like we were on a private tour the entire day. There was only one other couple in the Rio Frio Caves and 4 other small groups at Caracol. Both locations have rich Mayan history and it was fun to learn all about it from Damian (who never seemed to tire of our endles questions). At the end of our Caracol tour Damain set up a lovely picnic with a delicious feast of food his wife had prepared. You will not be disappointed if you book with this company.
Any experience visiting a Maya site is special, but having the right guide makes all the difference. Darwin was knowledgable, professional, kind and charismatic. What more can you ask for? Despite heavy rains prior and tough road conditions, Darwin got us safely to our destinations with a smile on our face the whole way. We had a day we will NEVER forget!
