Cuello, Maya archaeological site in Orange Walk District, Belize.
Cuello is an archaeological site near Orange Walk Town with remains of residential platforms, burial grounds, and a temple structure spread across multiple excavation areas. The site reveals multiple layers of settlement, documenting how this early Maya community developed and expanded over many generations.
Archaeological excavations in the 1970s and 1980s revealed settlement evidence dating back to 1200 BC, placing this among the earliest known Maya locations. The layers show continuous occupation spanning hundreds of years, demonstrating the early development of Maya society in the lowlands.
Excavations uncovered Swasey pottery, jade ornaments, and ritual objects that reveal how early Maya communities organized their daily and spiritual life. These artifacts show the craftsmanship and religious practices that defined the people who settled in this region centuries ago.
The site sits on private land about four miles west of Orange Walk Town and requires advance arrangement with the landowners. Visitors should hire a local guide and prepare for wet terrain, especially during the rainy season.
The site contains one of the oldest known steam baths in the Maya lowlands, dating to 900 BC with walls made of poles and lime-coated clay. This structure offers insight into the bathing and wellness practices of early Maya communities.
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