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Description
Taken in Caracol, Belize.

The drive to Caracol was one to be remembered. Before ever voyaging into the jungle, it was heavily advised not to venture to the site without an armed guard escort. Alarming.
The road is so extensive and unmaintained that it was a known for violent crime against locals and tourists, including muggings and murders.

At 5am we set out on our 4 hour drive along a dirt road lined with deep trenches, with the intention of meeting our guard at the beginning of the site.

There was even signage along the road (the only billboards we'd seen in miles) advising that the guard left at 9am sharp and if you were not with them, you were at risk of robbery.
(as a car full of people who were running behind, we discussed the fact that as a thief, the most opportune time to strike is likely just after the guards have left with their caravan)

About half way down the road we met the ranger at the first guard tower, who let us know they had no longer required an armed escort since 2016ish, due to increased military presence on the road and the armed patrol's diligence.

This was small comfort due to the previous warnings we'd received, but we continued onward (with caution in our minds).

We made it to Caracol successfully and spent the day admiring and exploring the beautiful Mayan site tucked into the jungle of Belize.
This site is known to be largest ancient Mayan archaeological site, and was one of the most prominent political centers during the Mayan Classical Period ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caracol)

Grateful to Belize for taking such could care of their people and those that visit. It was well worth the visit.

Description
Taken in Caracol, Belize.

The drive to Caracol was one to be remembered. Before ever voyaging into the jungle, it was heavily advised not to venture to the site without an armed guard escort. Alarming.
The road is so extensive and unmaintained that it was a known for violent crime against locals and tourists, including muggings and murders.

At 5am we set out on our 4 hour drive along a dirt road lined with deep trenches, with the intention of meeting our guard at the beginning of the site.

There was even signage along the road (the only billboards we'd seen in miles) advising that the guard left at 9am sharp and if you were not with them, you were at risk of robbery.
(as a car full of people who were running behind, we discussed the fact that as a thief, the most opportune time to strike is likely just after the guards have left with their caravan)

About half way down the road we met the ranger at the first guard tower, who let us know they had no longer required an armed escort since 2016ish, due to increased military presence on the road and the armed patrol's diligence.

This was small comfort due to the previous warnings we'd received, but we continued onward (with caution in our minds).

We made it to Caracol successfully and spent the day admiring and exploring the beautiful Mayan site tucked into the jungle of Belize.
This site is known to be largest ancient Mayan archaeological site, and was one of the most prominent political centers during the Mayan Classical Period ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caracol)

Grateful to Belize for taking such could care of their people and those that visit. It was well worth the visit.