- The Central American jungles hide the legacy of one the oldest civilizations in Middle America.
- Different archeological sites that cradle the heritage of the Mayan culture have been declared Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO
One of the greatest privileges of Central America is to be part of the ancestral treasure left by the Mayan civilization. Throughout history and the region, the work of numerous archeologists discovered hundreds of cities and other interesting sites that through the passing of time contributed a differential value to this scenario filled with magic and splendor.
The Mayan route flows through Central American jungles and conquers the traveler with the richness of its enigmatic monuments and its cultural heritage; a gift to those who seek to enjoy the millenary lineage of one the most ancient civilizations in Middle America. These are its most impressive cities:
The great Caracol, Belize
46 meters high, ‘Canaa’ is the highest structure in Belize. Considered one of the most important temples in the country it has five plazas, an astronomic observatory and thousands of structures. Its great altars also distinguish it; in fact it has 18 enormous glyphs to date.
Within the history of cultural heritage the important role that Caracol meant for Mayan cities and ceremonial centers in Peten, Guatemala stands out, since it changed the balance of ruling power.
Located in the area of Chiquibul, surrounded by an exuberant jungle, Caracol was discovered by the modern world in 1938. The complex of immense dimensions covers approximately 170 square kilometers (its population is calculated at 200.000 people) and it has numerous steles that make reference to the dynasty of rulers that directed the city.
The legacy of Joyas de Ceren, El Salvador
In La Libertad, El Salvador, 30 minutes from the capital city, is one of the most important archeological sites in Middle America. Joyas de Ceren presents different uncovered structures that show the every day nature of an agricultural Mayan village, forced to abandon their homes because of a volcanic eruption that occurred approximately in the year 600 A.D.
The archeological site has three excavation areas that uncovered ten structures that show dormitories, clay plates and kitchens. UNESCO declared it Patrimony of Humanity in 1993.
The enigmatic ruins of Copan, Honduras
For the ancient Maya civilization, the Copan ruins, located in the Western part of Honduras, represent an archeological site of utmost importance. This place was known as one of the main scientific centers of the Classic periods, it served as an astronomic observatory as well as a ceremonial center. Known as the “Athens of the Maya” the ancient Copan was declared Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1980.
The giant Tikal, Guatemala
The most important stages of the Mayan civilization developed in Tikal, Peten. Besides housing some of the most important temples in Guatemala, this archeological site is known mainly for its famous Temple IV or “Two Headed Snake”, the second tallest Mayan pyramid in the country (65 meters tall), after “Danta”, a temple buried in El Mirador. It is interesting to point out the construction techniques, based on different series of platforms of different levels, placed on over the other.
A very important historical legacy can be appreciated in the Mayan route, for the region as well as for all of humanity.