Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

Cayo's Caracol, the biggest Mayan site in Belize, made it on the top 10 less crowded Mayan sites list.  Lamanai is the other Belizean Mayan site that made it.  Ca'ana is still the tallest man made structure in Belize. 

"Once you turn off the main road, it will take you over 2 hours by 4-wheel drive to arrive at Caracol, but VirtualTourist members promise it is worth the trip!  Despite being located along the Guatemalan border and about 80 km (50 miles) from the nearest town of San Ignacio, there are 11 causeways into Caracol, signifying the importance of transportation routes throughout the site.  Additionally, the excavation data collected in Caracol suggests that the social organization of the settlement included not only elites and specialists living in the urban centres with peasants living on the peripheral, but also a sizable "middle class."  There is also evidence of artesian specialization, similar to the guilds found in the European Middle Ages, making this site a very unique find and of great anthropological significance."

Caracol is mentioned as the ruin to see in Belize.  The article mentions how Caracol isn't overcrowded with guests.

"The largest site in Belize, it is believed Caracol once defeated Tikal in war!  Quite an achievement considering Tikal is known as one of the most powerful Mayan cities ever.  The tallest pyramid, Caana, stands 140 feet tall and overlooks the jungle canopy.  There is a lot of archaeological work continuing at the site.  It is expected to proceed into the years ahead.  If you get there in the dry season, chances are you will see a few hard working archaeologists floating about.  While a lot of excavation work has been completed, you can still expect many of the structures to be engulfed in jungle.  Remember, this means means more wildlife and more feeling like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft."

The Culturist has some cultural questions for the owners of Ka'ana.  Cayo is highlighted, so they mantion escabeche and the roadside BBQ, and Xunantunich is mentioned, although it's NOT the tallest temple; ironically, that would be Ca'ana.  Orange Gifts is mentioned as having the best artisan handicrafts.  Of course, they have to talk about the end of the Mayan calendar, and the celebration at Caracol.

"For a glimpse of daily life, I recommend this form of transportation: Hiking.  Over 40 percent of Belize is national park, and Belizeans are brought up with a respect for the outdoors, so many of the hidden natural gems have been preserved and are located just on the far end of a short (or long) hike.  Whether you’re heading to a hidden waterfall, an inland cenote, a partially excavated ruin site, one of the many caves, or just enjoying nature, it’s a great outdoor pursuit that will give you a taste of the true Belize."