Ancient Destinations Bolivia

The beauty of its jungles and the legacy of its Maya past still echoes here. Belize provides the ultimate open classroom for students and the adventurous traveller heading to Central America. The country is well suited for outdoor enthusiasts or off the beaten track treks. Belize is a personal and educational discovery for the archaeologist within us all.

Photo: Kelcey Kinjo

Located 30 miles north of Belize city is the Mayan site of Altun-Ha. Occupied by 200 BC this ancient site covers an area of about 5 miles and has more than 500 structures. Many of these structures are still unexcavated mounds. The site's most important and largest temple-pyramid is the Temple of the Masonry Altars. It stands about 60 feet high and contains a round altar on top (Structure B-4). The temple is believed to have been the focus of unusual sacrificial ceremonies. (More Photos)

Aside from several tombs found in this temple there was one significant find that made Altun-Ha one of the top ancient destinations to visit in Central America. This includes a solid jade head of a Sun God called "Kinich Ahau". Weighing about 10 pounds and at a height of 6 inches it is the largest jade piece ever discovered thus far from the Maya and is considered one of Belize's national treasures.

Photo : elevenamx

Situated in the heart of the Belizean Rainforest and not far from San Ignacio Cayo is Actun Tunichi Muknal. It is a sacred cave that was used by the ancient Maya for sacrificial ceremonies (300 - 600 AD). This incredible archaeological site is a living museum of skeletons, ceramics and stoneware that were all preserved in their original context. The most famous human remains here are that of the Crystal Maiden skeleton. The the skeletal remains are that of a teenaged girl who's body became preserved by the natural processes of the cave. (More Photos)

The Mayas believed caves were entrances to the Underworld and sacrifices were carried out there to appease the gods. In the case above, the teenaged girl represented one of those sacrificial victims. The cave was discovered in 1989 and was opened to the public in 1998. Visitors here are accompanied by a licensed tour guide. The tour usually includes a combination of both swimming and walking on slippery paths. Many travellers who visit here consider the journey to the cave a real adventure.

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