Caracol Archaeological Park, Belize

We weren't intending to visit the Mayan site of Caracol in Belize but when we found out that it was an even more important centre than Tikal, and it was only a short distance from where we were staying, we decided to go.

The site apparently occupies 200 square kilometres and, according to Wikipedia, has 267 structures per square kilometre and in its heyday supported over 100,000 residents.

The structures that have been excavated are not as tall  or as impressive as Tikal, but the ornamentation is better - as for example this stone mask on the temple that faces the main plaza and its pyramid.

Like Tikal, the site is in good rainforest and as we approached the temples we watched a party of howler monkeys feeding at the top of a tall tree.