The Sites of Toledo, Belize

Lubaantun (Place of the Fallen Stones) is located near the village of San Pedro Columbia. The site is well known for its mass of ceramic whistle figurines and three major ballcourts. Given its size and complete lack of carved stone monuments (stelae) is a curious point of interest. Lubaantun is alleged to have been the place where the Crystal Skull was found by F.A. Mitchell-Hedges.
Lubaantun is located north of the Colombia River, one mile past the village of San Pedro Colombia, and is accessible by public transportation. From Belmopan, take the Hummingbird Highway for 45 miles to the junction of the Southern Highway Exit. Turn right unto the Southern Highway and travel an additional 70 miles (2 hours) until you reach the Silver Creek cut off. Travel through the villages of San Miguel and San Pedro Columbia. Exit right on the all weather gravel road and continue for about 1 1/2 miles until you reach the reserve.

The name Nim Li Punit is derived from a carving on one of the site's twenty six stelae, which depicts a figure wearing a large headdress. In the Maya Kekchi language, Nim li Punit means "the big hat." The monument on which this carving appears is the longest stela in Belize (Stela 14), originally located in an area called Plaza of the Stelae.

Nim Li Punit is a small site in the Toledo District. It is situated on a ridge in the foothills of the Maya Mountains just off the Southern Highway, 25 miles north of Punta Gorda. Nim Li Punit is regarded as a ceremonial center consisting of two plazas, one higher than the other. There are 25 stelae of which 8 are carved. The largest structure is 33-40 feet above the plaza level and is constructed of dry, sandstone typical of sites in southern Belize. There are 3 plaza areas and a ballcourt. The concentration of so many stelae makes this a unique site.
From Belmopan, take the Hummingbird Highway for 45 miles until you reach the Southern Highway Exit. Turn right onto the Southern Highway and travel an additional 50 miles (1 ½ hours) until you reach Indian Creek Village. Exit to the right on the gravel road and continue for about 1/2 mile until you reach the reserve.

Recently discovered in 1984, Uxbenka is noted for its more than 20 stelae, at least 7 of which are carved.  One of these carved stelae is dated to the Early Classic period, an otherwise non-existent date in Southern Belize, and a rare date for stelae in all the Maya area.  The name is Maya for “Old Place” and was given to the site by the people of Santa Cruz where the site is located.

Pusilha translates into "Dirty/Muddy Water.”

Pusilha is a mid-size population and political center located in the extreme southwest of Belize.  The site is known principally for its many carved monuments dating to the Classic period and a unique architectural feature: a triple-span bridge over the Pusilha River and two artificial diversion canals.