La Milpa

La Milpa is among the largest Maya sites in Belize, with a great plaza covering several acres, around twenty courtyards, ball courts and a set of stelae, and it is largely as the forest left it: consolidation has been limited and most of the structures are mounds under trees rather than cleared pyramids. That is the appeal. It sits inside the Rio Bravo reserve, reached from the field station, and visits are guided.

Background

The city stands in the Three River region of northwest Belize, between Rio Azul and Lamanai, on a ridge roughly 1 km across that runs from north to south. Only Caracol and Lamanai are larger sites in Belize, and the Main Plaza alone covers 18,000 square meters, able perhaps to hold upwards of 17,000 people. Thompson, who mapped and excavated the Main Center after the site's discovery in March 1938, recorded 12 stelae and read on Stela 7 the date 9.17.10.0.0, which corresponds to November 30, 780. With no natural water sources, the site had two large aguadas that could hold water through the dry season. The La Milpa Archaeological Project, with Boston University, began extensive excavations in February 1992.

Source: Wikipedia, "La Milpa"

What you'll find

• The great plaza - one of the largest Maya plazas known, still under forest.
• The unexcavated mounds - most of the city left as the forest covered it.
• The stelae - carved monuments recorded at the site.
• The forest setting - canopy and wildlife over and around the ruins.

When to go

December to April is the dry season and the practical window. Mornings are best for wildlife on the walk in. The rains make the access roads difficult.

Practical notes

Very little is cleared and visitors expecting standing pyramids find mounds and trees. Access requires booking through the reserve and a guide. Mosquitoes and ticks are heavy.

Nearby

The Rio Bravo field station is nearby, and Orange Walk is east.

Key facts