Overview:

Marco Gonzalez is an archaeological site located in the Corozal District of Belize. The site is located approximately 17 miles south of the border with Mexico and 30 miles north of the border with Guatemala. Originally known as Cuello, the site was occupied from approximately 1200 B.C. to 250 A.D. and is thought to be one of the earliest Maya settlements. During its peak, the site was believed to have housed anywhere from 600 to 2000 people. The remains of two small temples, two ball courts, and numerous mounds are among the artifacts that have been discovered. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

Some of Marco Gonzalez's most notable features include; 1. Being the largest mangrove forest in Central America, the 500-hectare (1,240 acre) Marco Gonzalez Maya site is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System – a World Heritage Site. 2. The area is an important breeding ground for manatees, dolphins, fish, sea turtles, and other aquatic creatures, making it the only area with permanent mangrove coverage in Belize. 3. A wide variety of bird species can be found along the shore, including pelicans, great egrets, herons, and sandpipers. 4. Marco Gonzalez is home to a child-friendly beach and a well-maintained ecological center that offers free guided boat tours along the rivers and lagoons. 5. The region also has archaeological significance, as the area was formerly inhabited by the ancient Maya civilization and is now home to a variety of artifacts. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Marco Gonzalez is a small village located on the mainland of Belize, near the Corozal Bay in northern Belize. The village was founded by a Mayan pre-Columbian settlement but the inhabitants were of predominantly Mestizo ancestry. During the 16th century, Marco Gonzalez was the origin of the Epulum Mayan dialect and was part of the Corosal District of the Yucatan peninsula. The village had a strong presence in the agricultural trade between northern Belize and Yucatan as the village gained a reputation for its various value-added items such as jungle honey, sea salt, fish sauces and cigars. This industry was almost completely destroyed in the Second World War, but a few villages were saved. During the 1950s and 60s, the village began to specialized in growing vegetables for export. This industry experienced a revival in the early 1990s, and today Marco Gonzalez is home to some of the best organic produce in all of Belize. In recent years, the village has become a popular tourist destination with visitors coming to enjoy its cultural attractions and unique rural atmosphere. Marco Gonzalez is home to several restaurants known for their excellent local dishes prepared with fresh ingredients grown in the village. There are also several lodges in the area that offer accommodations for visitors. The village is also popular among bird watchers as it is situated among the Bay of Chetumal Wildlife Reserve, a sanctuary that attracts many migrating species of birds. Marco Gonzalez is a great place to explore traditional Central American culture and its history. The village has a proud past and continues to be an important part of Belize’s rich cultural heritage. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour

Interesting facts:

1. Marco Gonzalez is known as the Father of the Territory, because he was instrumental in Belize's push for independence in 1981. 2. Marco Gonzalez was born in Corozal Town, Belize in 1932. 3. In 1961, he was among six men arrested in connection with the burning of the Governor's house in Belize City, in protest of the British Colonial rule. 4. He was a leader in the Belizean Independence Movement. 5. He served as a Member of the House of Representatives from 1969 to 1979 and as Minister of Natural Resources from 1970 to 1972. 6. In 1985, he was awarded Belize's National Hero award for his commitment to Belize's independence. 7. He is credited with helping to make the English language the official language of Belize. 8. He authored the book, "So Far, So Near: A Belize Autobiography" which was published in 1987. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belize with your friends and family.