Lubaantun

About this place

Lubaantun is a Maya city in Toledo District in southern Belize, about 42 km northwest of Punta Gorda. Its modern name means «place of fallen stones», while its ancient name is unknown. Its buildings differ from most Maya sites, built of large stone blocks without mortar, mostly black slate rather than the usual limestone. It flourished in the Classic period, from the 730s to the 890s, and seems to have been abandoned soon after. Dr Thomas Gann visited in 1903, and R. E. Merwin of Harvard mapped it in 1915. A famous tale of a «crystal skull» is tied to the site, but there is no evidence it was found here, and the expedition's official reports never mention it. You walk on a green lawn among low pyramids with unusually rounded corners, each course of stone set slightly beyond the one below, so they look almost like upturned baskets. No stone buildings stand on top, as these were probably of perishable materials. The site has three ball courts and a large raised platform between two small rivers, and it is known for its many tiny ceramic figures. It is about 3.2 km from San Pedro Columbia village, best reached by car or a tour from Punta Gorda. Do not climb the walls, as the unmortared stone can shift. Bring water and insect repellent, as it is hot and humid, and start in the morning. Local roads can flood in the rainy season, so ask about them before setting out.