Nim Li Punit, a small Mayan archeological site discovered in 1976 and known for it's stelae.
Nim Li Punit is from the Late Classic Period. The site features the tallest remaining carved
stelae found to date in Belize. (Second-tallest
in the Mayan world). Carvings on the tallest
stelae, shows a person wearing a very large headdress. The
Maya name for the site, Nim Li Punit, translate
to mean "Big Hat". |
Burning Copal |
Mayan Ball Court |
This site is partially cleared
with work
still in progress. Excavations so far have
revealed twenty five stelae. Stelae are stone
slabs set within ceremonial centers depicting
aspects a rulers life.
Nim Li Punit is a great place for birding either early am or towards dusk. Groups of a dozen or more keel-billed toucans have been spotted.
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After visiting this site (traveling from Placencia), some tours
travel to Blue Creek Cave for a hiking
and caving adventure experience. Another option is to visit Lubaantun,
where the famous crystal skull was found. |
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Blue Creek Cave
 The Maya name
is "Hokeb Ha"
or "Where the water enters the earth". This very
large cave begins near the village of Santa Cruz,
where the river rushes under ground, resurfacing five
mile later near the village of Blue Creek. The cave
is classified as a wet cave with dry routes.
, you will hike/swim to a waterfall inside the
cave. You have entered the mysterious underworld of
the Maya.
Enjoy the cave's colossal beauty as you
float out the cave.
Lubaantun ~ Maya Archeological
Site
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The largest archaeological site in
the south and one of the last major settlements built
in Belize, prior to the collapse of the Maya. This
short lived Late Classic site,
first reported in the 1800's and formally investigated in 1903, was built and occupied
from 730 AD to 890 AD.
Structures were constructed of cut stone,
fit without the use of mortar. These "pyramids" served as platforms for the more detailed perishable buildings on top. The largest rises 36 feet above the plaza floor.
There are eleven major structures grouped around five
main plazas and three ball courts. A controversial
Crystal Skull was found here in 1926. |
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Carved Whistle
next to cut Stone
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A carved whistle fashioned after a Maya
women grinding corn with child. This once common "Maya
whistle toy" was crafted by the site caretaker
from photos of artifacts taken at the site.
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Day tours originating from both Placencia and the Toledo District allow time for visitors to choose between visiting 2 of the 3 above attractions.
Visit Belize as part of a duPlooy Travel
Belize Vacation Package
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