Nim Li Punit, Maya archaeological site in Toledo District, Belize

Nim Li Punit is a Maya Classic Period site of low stone walls and plazas in Belize's Toledo District, with structures grouped around three plazas. Its tallest step-pyramid rises 11 meters, and the stonework is set with Maya mortar rather than dry-stone jointing. In the photograph, rough greyish-brown stones laid in horizontal courses form broken walls around a flat, grass-covered plaza, with a low squared stone platform set into the lawn.

Nim Li Punit flourished from the 5th to the 8th century AD, with carved stelae recording activity between 721 and 790 AD. Its population reached 5,000 to 7,000 in the Late Classic period, then occupation ceased suddenly in the 9th century. Archaeological exploration began in 1976, though locals already knew the site.

The name Nim Li Punit is Kekchi Maya for "Big Hat", taken from the headdress carved on a stela depicting one of the site's kings; the site is also called Big Hat or Top Hat. The stelae record Maya calendar dates from 721 to 790 AD, and some were left unfinished.

The site is located north of Punta Gorda and is accessible by car with fairly straightforward access. Visit during daytime hours and bring comfortable shoes and water, as you will be walking on uneven ground.

The stelae at Nim Li Punit were carved from local sandstone taken from nearby stream and river beds. At least six of them carry actual Maya calendar dates, spanning 721 to 790 AD, which is how the site's period of activity is fixed. Some stelae were left unfinished.