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La
Milpa Field Station |
Hidden within
the lush tropical forests of the Rio Bravo Conservation
Area, is one of Belize's largest Maya sites. La
Milpa Archaeological Reserve is the third largest site
in the country, after Caracol and Lamanai.
Even though
the site has not been excavated, archaeologists have identified
twenty-four plazas and about eighty-five major structures.
Because of its location near the great Rio Hondo River,
it is believed that the site was a major trading center,
controlling the nearby cities. Walking through the site,
it is obvious that some of the temples were looted in
earlier days, as the evidence of broken entrances into
the structures still exist. Trees and plants have taken
over much of what is left, but huge mounds of sand and
rock, together with tilted stelae tell a story of a civilization
past.
Even though
the site has not been excavated and restored, it is a
very important site that is visited often by student groups.
Programme for Belize has a comfortable Field Station at
La Milpa, perfect for students and visitors. The
vastness of the ancient city is unbelievable, and the
uncovered mounds leave much for the imagination.
When visiting the area, don’t miss a visit to this
site.
Places nearby: 
Interests:
