Cerros (The Hills)

As the only Maya site in Belize situated on the coast, Cerros is located on a northern peninsula in the Bay of Chetumal, across from Corozal Town.

Cerros was a key commercial center during the late Pre-Classic period, with Maya traders arriving by canoe from the coast through the Bay of Chetumal, as well as from upriver on the Rio Hondo in the north and the New River to the south.

Three large buildings dominate several plazas flanked by pyramids. While two of these structures are facades adorned with stucco masks, the masks have been covered to protect them from erosion. With the tallest structure rising 72 feet above the plaza, the panoramic view atop offers the Bay of Chetumal, Corozal Town and the mouth of the New River which lead to the Lamanai temples.

The Maya living in Cerros also built an extensive canal system and utilized raised-field agriculture.

When you go …

The Cerros site is accessible by a short boat ride across the Corozal Bay. During the dry season, there is road access through the scenic villages and lagoons of Chunox, Progresso and Copper Bank.

Visit the official Maya 2012 website to learn more about Cerros.