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Nim Li Punit

 
Nim Li Punit
 
Nim Li Punit
 
Perched high upon a hilltop overlooking the Maya village of Indian Creek with the silhouette of the Seven Hills defining the distant horizon, the Ancient Maya city of Nim Li Punit affords the adventurer one of the all time best views from any of the known Maya archaeological sites in El Mundo Maya.

It was discovered by outside oil company workers in 1976 who informed the Archaeological Commissioner who in turn asked Norman Hammond, then director of the British Museum-Cambridge University Corozal Project to investigate the site. Excavations at Nim Li Punit were active throughout the 1980's.

In the Maya Q-ekchi language of the Ketchi people, Nim Li Punit translates into English as "the big hat". The area was so named for the carvings that reflect in part the tribal headdress which was worn by a great Maya leader etched into the longest of the twenty-six stelae discovered on site including the largest in Belize, and one of the largest in the entire Maya world.

 
Nim Li Punit
 
Nim Li Punit
 

Nim Li Punit

Nim Li Punit is located literally in the foothills of the southern extension of the Maya Mountains in the Toledo District, the land of the Maya. Countless rivers and tributaries that litter the region along with numerous unexcavated archaeological sites lie buried deep in the overgrowth of some of the thickest remaining parcels of jungle in Central America. Inside the Nim Li Punit compound, the site is comprised of three main areas. They are referred to respectively as the west group, the east group, and the south group where the 26 stealae were located.

I will always remember from my visit seeing that big Ceiba tree laying flat on it's side. For after having stood proudly for hundreds of years, the Ceiba was fallen in less than ten seconds by the sheer force of Hurricane Iris as she made her way ashore on October 8, 2001.

 
Nim Li Punit
 
The Hours of Operation: As early as the site manager arrives in the morning, the welcome centre opens. The manager will seemingly tour you for free, but you should tip him the equivalent of the entry fee, plus what ever your budget allows over and above. Remember, sites are jewels; therefore people are needed to be paid to polish and preserve their beauty.
 
Nim Li Punit
Recommendations for Local Food, Lodging & Trekking near the Site: For some of the finest lodging in Southern Belize, check out The Lodge at Big Falls, the Tranquility Lodge, or the Indian Creek Camp of Belize Lodge & Excursions. All afford exceptional Belizean cuisine, comfortable and well maintained housing, and a serving staff that will assist in fulfilling your every wish.

For the truly budget minded, contact the Airport Hotel in Punta Gorda. Also, Nature's Way Guest House in Punta Gorda coordinates a local village ‘home stay program’. You can also simply ‘wing it’ by getting off the southbound bus from Belize City or northbound from PG, and introducing yourself to the first person who throws a curious smile your way. Truly, the people are the greatest asset of Belize; this is especially true of southern Belize.

 
Toledo, Belize
Mast General Store

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