Seeing photos of pristine archaeological ruins still standing after thousands of years gave me that all too familiar travel itch. I knew the Mayan Ruins of Central America was a place I had to visit. Walking on the grounds of locations I’ve only read about is one of the biggest reasons I travel. There’s nothing more fulfilling than standing on the same piece of land iconic civilizations developed themselves thousands of years ago. I felt that way and more while visiting Nim Li Punit in Belize, part of the Mayan ruins in the southern Toledo district.
Here’s all about Nim Li Punit: Mayan Ruins of Southern Belize:
Getting to Nim Li Punit
Nim Li Punit is located just off the Southern Highway in the Toledo District of Southern Belize.
Read More: The Toledo District of Southern Belize: Where, What & Why You Should Visit
Another ruins site is only 15 miles from Nim Li Punit so it’s easy to visit both in one trip. Lubaantun was probably my favorite of the two and you can read more about my visit to Lubaantun here.
The eco-adventure resort, Cotton Tree Lodge, hosted me for a couple of days during my stay in Belize. They provide excursions to these sites as most other hotels or tour companies do. Since we rented a car, we drove ourselves, taking about 45 minutes from the Cotton Tree Lodge.
Read More: Renting a Car in Belize: Costs + Tips
Admission to Nim Li Punit
Entrance to Nim Li Punit is $10 BZ ($5) per person. Pulling up to the parking lot next to the vendors, walk the stairs to the desk to pay the fee.
A room with various artifacts and stone carvings taken from the site are on display to view. The most popular pieces are the 25 stelae, some standing 33 feet high. One of the stelae is the largest ever recovered from the Mayan world and depicts a massive headress on a ruler during a ritual offering. This carving is where Nim Li Punit or “The Big Hat” gets its name.
Historical Significance
Nim Li Punit was strategically built between the mountains and the coast of the Caribbean Sea. This allowed the communities to trade easily with nearby cities and villages. SItting in the foothills of the Maya mountains, it drains into the basin of the Rio Grande River. Mayans always constructed their sites within close proximity to a fresh water source, like a river. On a clear day, you’re able to see the Caribbean Sea from the elevation up here of about 220 feet.
Historians believe that the Mayans of Nim Li Punit mainly focused on politics and religion. Pieces recovered from the site suggest the main goal was to pass that on to future generations.
Exploring the Grounds
Arguably the best part of these lesser-known Mayan sites in southern Belize is the lack of constructive tours. You’re free to roam the areas on your own without adhering to any sort of itinerary or guidelines. After paying the entry fee, a pathway leads uphill through the lush jungles.
East Group
The east group, northern terrace and the plaza are the first sites to stumble upon. It’s unfathomable this iconic civilization had the ability to construct structures so linear and pristine back in those times.
The east group near the plaza is a collection of buildings functioning as an astronomical observatory. With the terrace’s special arrangement, it’s the perfect location for viewing the moon, sun and stars.
Most of the stelae comes from this area, indicating the site had prominence in religious and political life. The Mayan calendar date carvings suggest that Nim Li Punit came into existence more than 2500 years ago. Some time at the end of the 700s AD, the civilization mysteriously disappeared.
The ballcourt is known as the best quality of all Mayan ruins sites. The location is central to the astronomical and burial grounds, showing it’s a sort of mediator between life and death.
South Group
Possibly the most fascinating part of Nim Li Punit is in the South Group. You can see the Plaza of the Stelae, the Royal Residence and the Plaza of Royal Tombs.
Historians believe the Plaza of the Stelae helped align the sunrise with the equinoxes and solstices. This way for the Mayans to create their calendars and keep tracks of days, weeks, months and years. The Stelae are in close proximity to the Royal Residence, the home of the ruling family.
The Plaza of Royal Tombs is what came of the three excavations performed here at Nim Li Punit. Archaeologists uncovered four members of the royal family in Tomb 1, along with items made from jade and 37 ceramics.
Estimates for the peak population of Nim Li Punit is in the range of 5000 to 7000 people. This overpopulation is one theory to have contributed to the demise of this site as famine was the result of a drought.
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Thank you so much for this! We plan on going to Mexico later in the year, so have been reading blogs for inspiration. Mayan Ruins is now 100% on our bucket list. I am going to make it my job to find suppliers that included these ruins in their tours
Thanks x
Yes! Definitely throw some Mayan ruins into your trip you won’t be disappointed! It’s incredible to see these perfectly-constructed sites that were of utmost importance to that region thousands of years ago. Hope you have an amazing time in MX!