Overview:

is a large protected area covering more than 160 square miles in Belize. It lies within the Maya Mountains in the country’s Cayo District. The cave system is one of the most important archaeological reserves in Central America. It contains the longest underwater river system in the region, providing important archaeological research potential. Within the system are many ancient Maya ceremonial sites and residential settlements, along with several cave formations. The reserve is a popular destination for caving and cave exploring as well as for visitors interested in Maya culture. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

1. Decades of archaeological research: Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve has been the site of decades of archaeological research, providing vital information about the ancient cultures of the region. 2. Network of caves: The reserve is home to an extensive network of caves, including more than 20 caves, many of which have been explored and are considered sacred sites. 3. Wildlife species: The reserve is also home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including many rare and endangered ones. 4. Maya Rituals:The reserve is also steeped in Maya rituals and spiritual ceremonies, providing visitors an opportunity to observe unchanged ancient customs and beliefs. 5. Unique ecosystem: The reserve is home to a unique ecosystem with its own unique flora and fauna. 6. Variety of activities: Visitors to the reserve can also take part in a variety of activities, including spelunking, bird watching, and exploring the Maya ruin sites. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve is a Maya archaeological site located in the province of Belize. The site consists of well-preserved archaeological ruins from the ancient Maya civilization and is the largest known example of a single Classic Period Maya site in the country. The site has been an important archaeological and historical research site since its discovery in 1969. Since then, researchers have uncovered a variety of artifacts and evidence of ancient Maya culture, such as pottery, ceramics, lithics, as well as evidence of human sacrifice and ritual activity. In 1999, the Government of Belize declared Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve a protected reserve, thereby preserving the site and its archaeological remains. The site is managed by the Institute for Social and Cultural Research (ISCR), which is charged with the responsibility of protecting and conserving the site. The ISCR has opened the site to visitors, who can tour it and view the ancient remains. Visitors are also able to hike and explore the area and learn about Maya culture through interactive exhibits. Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve is also home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered spider monkey and howler monkey. The reserve has become an important conservation site and serves as a sanctuary for endangered species that would otherwise be unable to survive in the wild. In 2015, the site was added to the Tentative List for World Heritage by UNESCO, recognizing the site for its archaeological and cultural significance. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour

Interesting facts:

1. Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2018 and is one of only six sites in Belize that are part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage List. 2. Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve spans over an area of 52 kms and is home to many of the Belize’s ancient and historic archaeological sites, including two of the largest caves in the country. 3. The largest of these caves is Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM), which features the famous human skeleton known as the ‘Crystal Maiden’, discovered in 1989. 4. The Reserve also contains an ancient Maya city known as X-puhil, as well as other pre-Columbian artifacts such as pottery and stonework. 5. Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve also offers guided tours of the sites, caving activities and other outdoor recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belize with your friends and family.