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Cuello
mound |
Just four miles
from Orange Walk Town on the Yo Creek Road lies the oldest
Mayan Site in Belize. Named after the landowners, Cuello
dates back to the early years of Mayan Civilization, the
Pre-Classic Period (from 2500 BC to 1000 BC). Since the
site is located on private land, visitors must first gain
permission from the Cuello Family who runs the Cuello
Rum Distillery near the entrance of the site. A
short walk over flat savannah is required to access the
site from the entrance. Once there, visitors will encounter
two main plazas each with a small temple structure.
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Side
view of main structure |
The earliest
identified burial in the entire country was found on the
Cuello site. The skeletal remains of a young Mayan woman
was uncovered in a low limestone grave.
Some of the
structures appear to have been destroyed by the activities
of war. Showing evidence of three major wars, archaeologists
believe that this small civilization was run by militaristic
rulers. Also on sight, are two underground compartments
known as ‘chultuns’, which were believed to
be used for storage. Visitors interested in obtaining
the help of a guide can find one in Orange Walk Town.
Places nearby: 
Interests:
