Lubaantun, meaning "place of the fallen rocks" in Mayan, is the largest Maya site in southern Belize, and it is unique for a number of reasons. Believed to have been built and used between A.D. 700 and 900, Lubaantun is thought to have been a ceremonial and commercial center that was primarily used for sports and religious events. The site consists of 11 large structures set over five main plazas and three ball courts.
Architecturally, each structure was built of hand-cut stones made of black slate rather than the limestone more commonly used in the area. The stones were fit beside one another without the use of mortar. Over time, the ground shifted and caused the buildings to fall out of place. This is how Lubaantun was given its name. The original name is unknown. Many of the buildings feature rounded corners, which is a unique feature among known sites in the area.
There are no stelae at the site, however, an abundance of pottery and primitive whistles have been found at the site. Some of these are on display in the small visitor center located at the entrance to the site. Despite its size, Lubaantun's location in southern Belize means that it receives far fewer visitors than more northern Maya sites, and it's likely that visitors will find themselves wandering the grounds without anyone else around.
Very little informational signage is present at Lubaantun. Visitors may want to look into visiting the site with a guide to get the most from a visit. Admission fees are $10BZ per person. The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. A bar and gift vendors may be found near the parking area. The site lies near the town of San Pedro Columbia and requires several miles driving on rough dirt roads to reach.
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