The splendor of the Maya: Four ancient metropolises in Central America

A trip to Central America always means a journey to an ancient and important culture.

In the countries of the natural land bridge between North and South America, visitors can discover the remains of a vast empire and learn much about one of the most advanced and powerful civilizations of antiquity – the Maya – in archaeological sites.

Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador are home to four ancient Mayan metropolises where the history of the culture comes alive.

XUNANTUNICH – MAYAN HERITAGE IN BELIZE’S JUNGLE

In addition to its natural wealth, Belize offers extraordinary Mayan ruins amidst its tropical jungle. The country is home to Central America’s highest concentration of Mayan ruins.

While immersed in the cloud forest, adventure seekers can discover one of the most beautiful places in the world – the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich. This Mayan site is home to, among other things, El Castillo, a temple over 40 meters high that housed various Mayan sanctuaries.

In addition to Xunantunich, Belize is also home to the Caracol archaeological site, where various Mayan structures can be discovered over 200 square kilometers; 150,000 people lived here during the heyday of the largest Mayan site in Belize.

The second largest Maya city was Lamani, on the Laguna New River. Researchers found the most copper artifacts of any Maya culture here.

MAYAN CAPITAL TIKAL  – THE LARGEST PREHISPANIC SETTLEMENT IN GUATEMALA

One cannot miss a stop in Guatemala on a journey through the history of Central America. Here lies ancient Tikal, once the largest Mayan city in the world. The capital of the Mayan kingdom has been inhabited since the 6th century BC.

Declared by UNESCO as the first World Heritage Site, the site is home to various magnificent temples and palaces. Thus, more than 5,000 prehispanic buildings can be found here in an area of about 16 square kilometers.

The architectural style characteristic of the central Maya lowlands, with its temples in the typical stepped pyramid form, makes a special appearance here and transports its visitors to ancient times.

HONDURAS – LITTLE MAYAN PARADISE

Besides beaches with turquoise waters and a lush jungle, Honduras has an extraordinary Mayan heritage. The country’s main attraction is the ancient and majestic Mayan city of Copán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.

Known as the “Alexandria of the Mayas,” the city is home to more than 3,400 structures and stretches for about 24 kilometers.

Located in the heart of the tropical rainforest, visitors can admire remains such as the freestanding stelae or the staircase completely covered with writings and symbols in a breathtaking atmosphere.

The oldest site in the region consists of more than 4,500 mounds on which Mayan history lies. The enigmatic caves here are believed to be the starting point of the Mayans’ last journey.

3,200-YEAR-OLD MAYAN SITES IN EL SALVADOR

In El Salvador, the remains of the southernmost colonies of the Mayan world are surprising. Not far from the capital, those interested in history and culture can visit the three most important Mayan sites in one day.

Joya de Cerén, the “Pompeii of the Americas,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the village, visitors can learn above all about the daily life of Mesoamerican farmers of that time.

Traces of an agricultural community destroyed by a volcanic eruption around 600 BC can be discovered here. The ruins of San Andrés are another important Mayan political-religious site in El Salvador. Here visitors can see an impressive acropolis with several structures.

At Tazumal, explorers will find El Salvador’s most important and best-preserved ruins. Virtually intact since 1,200 AD, they offer a fantastic glimpse into Mayan ceremonial architecture.

A special highlight at Tazumal is the largest pyramid in the country, with a unique drainage system created by the Maya.

With information from Latina Press