Lubaantun is a Mayan Ruin in Belize and is a great counter part to Tikal and Caracol if you’re on the Mayan Ruin tour. The quite green forest can easily wrap around you as you wander the ruins alone. Of interest is that Lubaantun has a very high concentration of ball courts. You’ll also notice a distinct curved notch to the sandstone and limestone brick work of the temples and courts. This is done with a precise stone cut in which the bricks are stacked without mortar. Supposedly this is the only known notch system of stone bricks in the Mayan world, possibly added by the Mayans as a feature to bring stability to the structure in case of an earthquake (according to local guide, not verified).

Of recent note and thanks to Peace Core efforts there will be an ensemble of Mayan women with crafts spread out before the entrance of the ruins. We called it the “Mayan basket gauntlet” due to the numerous pleas to buy local baskets as you find yourself walking alone to the entrance of the ruins. The baskets are of great quality and it’s highly recommended that you leave space in your backpack to purchase some of these items. That being said, if this is your first experience of the “Mayan Basket Mafia” be advised that you have entered the Toledo underworld of basket pedaling.

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