Xunantunich 🇧🇿 BELIZE | Must See along the Panama Posse Route
Xunantunich 🇧🇿 BELIZE | Must See
Journeying through the Mysteries of Xunantunich: AN Explorer's Tale
In the heart of Belize's lush jungle, where the air is thick with the scent of ancient mysteries, lies Xunantunich – a Mayan marvel cloaked in history and legend. As an explorer venturing into the depths of Central America, we find ourselves irresistibly drawn to this enigmatic site, eager to uncover its secrets and experience the whispers of a giant past
Across the hand cranked river ferry and Into the Jungle
We trekked through the sunstrewn foliage of the Cayo District, guided by Gilberto and the promise of adventure and the distant echoes of ancient civilizations. The path to Xunantunich wound through towering trees, each step bringing us closer to the heart of Maya territory.
The Encounter with the Woman in White
Xunantunich was reportedly haunted by the spirit of a woman cloaked in white, who roamed the ruins at night, guarding its sacred secrets. Though skeptics dismissed her as a mere legend, we couldn't shake the feeling that all was being watched.
The Ascend of El Castillo
We began the ascent of El Castillo in the mid morning heat, our footsteps echoing against the weathered stone. Each terrace brought us closer to the summit, where panoramic views of the flora stretched out before us like a vast tapestry of history.
From this vantage point, we marveled at the intricate carvings that adorned the pyramid's facade – scenes of gods and warriors frozen in time, their stories etched into the very fabric of the stone. Amidst the ruins of a once-thriving civilization, we felt a profound sense of connection to the ancient Maya and their enduring legacy.
The Hieroglyphic Stairway
Adjacent to El Castillo stood Structure A-6, its Hieroglyphic Stairway a testament to the Maya's mastery of language and symbolism. Each glyph seemed to whisper secrets of dynasties long past, offering tantalizing glimpses into the rituals and beliefs that shaped their world.
Reflections on Cultural Significance
Beyond the allure of ancient mysteries, Xunantunich held profound cultural significance for the modern-day Maya and the people of Belize. It was a living link to their shared heritage, a reminder of the resilience and ingenuity of those who had come before us.
Xunantunich was more than just a relic of the past – it was a testament to the enduring power of exploration, discovery, and preservation. Belize is a guardian of this sacred heritage, it is a responsibility to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience the wonders of the ancient Maya for themselves, to walk in the footsteps of those who came before and to forge their own connections
We vow to carry the spirit of Xunantunich with me wherever our travels may lead, knowing that the mysteries of the Maya would always beckon, waiting to be explored by those who seek them out.
Museo Nacional de Antropología Mexico City
Museo Nacional de Antropología 🇲🇽 National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City
Cultural Richness
- Diverse Collection: The museum showcases the vast and rich cultural heritage of Mexico's pre-Columbian civilizations, offering insights into the complex societies that flourished in this region.
- Exploring Ancestral Connections: Many of the civilizations represented in the museum, like the Maya and Aztecs, have historical and cultural links to various sites along the Panama Posse route.
Broad horizons & unique sxperiences
- Ancient Civilizations: Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the ancient cultures they will encounter or learn about during their journey.
- Artifacts and Exhibits: The museum is home to some of the most significant archaeological and anthropological artifacts from Mexico's pre-Columbian heritage, including the Stone of the Sun (often referred to as the Aztec calendar stone) and the Aztec Xochipilli statue.
Correlation with Panama Posse Route
Heritage Sites
- Many sites along the Panama Posse route, like those in Central America, are key to understanding the broader history and culture of the region, much of which is represented in the museum.
Enhanced ADVENTURE
- Maritime Adventure Meets Historical Discovery: The journey offers a unique blend of sailing adventure and cultural exploration. Visiting the museum can provide a historical context that enriches the overall experience.
- World Heritage Sites: The route includes numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which share a thematic connection with the museum's focus on preserving and celebrating the world's cultural heritage.
WHY VISIT ?
- Explore the roots of civilizations: "Discover the roots of the ancient civilizations you'll encounter along your journey at the National Museum of Anthropology."
- Mexico's Cultural Tapestry: "Weave the rich cultural tapestry of Mexico into your maritime adventure by starting with the National Museum of Anthropology."
GALLERY OF IMAGES
99 reasons for joining the PANAMA POSSE 23·24
99 reasons for joining the PANAMA POSSE 23·24
#32
#31
#30
#29
#28
#27
#panama_posse
https://panamaposse.com/sign-up
BOQUETE 🇵🇦 PANAMA
Boquete, often referred to as a "coffee mountain paradise," is a picturesque town located in the highlands of Panama. It is renowned for its ideal climate, fertile volcanic soil, and lush surroundings, which make it an excellent region for coffee cultivation. The town is nestled in the beautiful Boquete Valley, surrounded by verdant mountains, waterfalls, and abundant flora.
In terms of being "set back in the time of happiness," one could interpret this phrase as Boquete's ability to evoke a sense of tranquility, simplicity, and contentment. The town has a slower pace of life compared to bustling urban areas, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature's beauty and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. This, combined with the charm of the local community, creates a feeling of happiness and serenity.
Boquete's coffee industry, along with its rustic charm and natural landscapes, contributes to its reputation as a paradise. Coffee plantations dot the mountainsides, offering visitors the opportunity to explore and experience the coffee-making process firsthand. The region's coffee farms often feature picturesque vistas, where one can witness the traditional methods of harvesting and processing coffee cherries.
Overall, Boquete can be described as a tranquil and idyllic place, where the natural beauty of the coffee mountains and the warmth of its people create a sense of happiness and nostalgia for a simpler time.
PANAMA POSSE 🪣 BUCKET LIST
PANAMA POSSE BUCKET LIST
For sailors, captains, skippers, seafarers, cruisers, and yacht enthusiasts, there are plenty of extraordinary bucket list items for sailors to push the boundaries and offer unique and memorable experiences of a lifetime
Sail the world: Embark on a journey, experiencing different cultures, climates, and breathtaking coastal landscapes.
Visit remote islands: Explore remote and exotic islands that are only accessible by boat, such as the Revelagios Islands, Cocos Island, Galapagos Islands, or Isla del Caño
Sail across an ocean: Set sail across one of the world’s major oceans, such as the Atlantic, Pacific, or crossing the caribben sea during the tradwinds.
Sail through famous waterways and sail through the Panama Canal: Experience the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal by sailing through its locks and traversing the waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Navigate without modern technology: Challenge yourself to navigate using traditional methods like celestial navigation or dead reckoning.
Live aboard a sailboat: Spend an extended period living aboard a sailboat embracing the freedom and simplicity of life at sea.
Visit famous ports and marinas: Visit renowned ports like Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Puerto Vallarta, Barra de Navidad, Zihuatanejo, Acapulco, Playa Cocos, Golfito a.m.o.
Dive or snorkel in a coral reef: Explore vibrant coral reefs around the world, such as the Belize Barrier Reef
Discover underwater wonders: Dive or snorkel in famous dive sites like the Blue Hole in Belize or the Great Blue Hole in Belize.
Sail and Explore the stunning Turks and Caicos Islands: with their pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life.
Discover the picturesque and unique biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands, observing rare wildlife and exploring the pristine landscapes that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Visit the Bay Islands Honduras: Discover the Bay Islands of Honduras, including Roatán, Utila, and Guanaja, renowned for their crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and excellent diving opportunities.
Cruise the Costa Rican Coastline: Sail along the stunning coast of Costa Rica, exploring its national parks, wildlife-rich waters, and beautiful beaches.
Explore the San Blas Islands, Panama: Discover the untouched beauty of the San Blas Islands, an archipelago off the Caribbean coast of Panama, known for its white-sand beaches and vibrant indigenous culture.
Sail the Baja Peninsula, Mexico: Explore the stunning coastline of the Baja Peninsula in Mexico, starting from California and sailing down to places like Ensenada, La Paz, and Cabo San Lucas, known for their beautiful beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life.
Cruise the Sea of Cortez: Navigate the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its diverse marine life, including whales, dolphins, sea lions, and a variety of fish species.
Transit the Gulf of Tehuantepec: Cross the challenging waters of the Gulf of Tehuantepec, located between Mexico and Central America. It’s known for its strong winds and is a significant milestone for sailors.
Discover the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica: Sail along the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica’s largest gulf, which offers beautiful coastal landscapes, tranquil waters, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Explore the Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica: Venture into the Golfo Dulce, a stunning bay located on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, known for its pristine rainforests, secluded beaches, and rich biodiversity.
Visit the Pearl Islands, Panama: Discover the Pearl Islands archipelago in Panama, made up of over 200 islands and known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and excellent fishing and snorkeling opportunities.
Cruise the San Blas Islands, Panama: As mentioned earlier, sail through the San Blas Islands, an archipelago off the Caribbean coast of Panama, known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant indigenous culture.
Discover the Gulf of Chiriquí: The Gulf of Chiriquí, located in western Panama, offers pristine waters, remote islands, and an abundance of marine life. It’s an ideal destination for sailing, snorkeling, diving, and fishing. The gulf is known for its picturesque islands, such as Boca Chica and Isla Parida, with their beautiful beaches and coral reefs.
Visit Coiba Island, Panama: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest island in Central America and forms part of the Coiba National Park. The island is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including an underwater world teeming with marine life. Snorkeling and diving here offer opportunities to encounter vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks, and a variety of tropical fish species.
Wildlife Encounters: Both the Gulf of Chiriquí and Coiba Island provide opportunities for wildlife encounters. Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales (during migration seasons), and 1000+ bird species. Coiba Island is also home to diverse land animals, including the Coiba Island howler monkey, agoutis, and a variety of reptiles.
Sail alongside whales: Experience the awe-inspiring sight of whales in their natural habitat. Imagine the thrill of sailing alongside these majestic creatures, witnessing their breaching, tail slapping, or even hearing their songs.
Bioluminescent sailing: Venture into bioluminescent waters at night, where the water sparkles and glows with the light emitted by marine organisms. Witness the magical display as your boat leaves a trail of shimmering bioluminescence in its wake.
Sail to remote volcanic islands: Seek out remote volcanic islands such as the Galapagos Islands where you can explore unique ecosystems, witness volcanic landscapes, and encounter endemic wildlife.
Sailing through a gale: For the more adventurous sailors, sailing through a controlled wind event with experienced crew can provide an adrenaline-pumping experience while safely learning about extreme weather conditions.
Sail in The Papagayo winds: are a sailor’s admiralty stripes , offering strong and reliable offshore winds that create acelrated conditions for sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and advanced water sports. These winds provide a thrilling and exhilarating experience as these winds blow consistently, primarily during the dry season from December to April. The Papagayo winds are known for their strength, with gusts often reaching speeds of 35 to 45 knots.
Beautiful Coastal Scenery: While enjoying the Papagayo winds, sailors can soak in the stunning coastal scenery of southenr NIcaragua and northern Costa Rica. Picture yourself sailing along pristine coastlines, palm-fringed beaches, and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. It’s a feast for the eyes as you sail through this picturesque region.
ALTUN-HA 🇧🇿 BELIZE
Altun Ha 🇧🇿 BELIZE
HISTORY
Altun Ha is a rich, major ceremonial center occupied during the Classic Mayan period. The true name of the city is unknown. The name "Altun Ha", literally means "rockstone water" is a rough translation of the name of a nearby village.
It was an mayor link in the coastal trade routes, and had contact with Teotihuacan at an early time in Maya history.
Mounds covered by trees and vines, the remains of what was once a great city, spread out over more than 25 square miles at Altun Ha. Excavations have been concentrated in the central part of the city, with 275 structures in an area about of about one thousand yards square.
EARLY ALTUN HA
Altun Ha was settled long before the Classic Mayan as many as 2,000 years ago. For a Mayan City, the site is unusual. The soil is thin which may indicate that it was a traiding center rather than anagricultural community
Thirteen structures surround two main plazas at the site. The two tallest temples, Temple of the Sun God (the structure depicted on Belikin beer bottles) and Temple of the Masonry ALtars, rise 60 feet above the grassy plaza floor. Altun Ha covers an area of about 5 square miles and includes an extensive swamp north of the plazas. It's believed that up to 10,000 people lived here during the Classic period of Maya civilizatin, as late as A.D. 1000.
Perhpas Altun Ha's most famous Pendergast's discovery of a huge jade headed replica of Kinich Ahau, the Sun God, in 600 and was owned by an elderly priest. At the time of its discovery, this priceless relic was the largest of its type ever recorded in the Maya world - almost 6 inches tall and weighing nearly 10 pounds. On rare occasions this Kinich Ahau repllica is taken on exhibition tours.
LOCATION
LAMANAI 🇧🇿 BELIZE
Lamanai "submerged crocodile" in Yucatec May is a Mesoamerican archaeological site
It was a major city of the Maya civilization. The site is pre-Columbian, recorded by early Spanish missionaries, and documented over a millennium earlier in Maya inscriptions as Lam'an'ain.
Lamanai is renowned for its exceptionally long occupation spanning three millennia, beginning in the Early Preclassic Maya period and continuing through the Spanish and British Colonial periods, into the 20th century.
Unlike most Classic-period sites in the southern Maya lowlands, Lamanai was not abandoned at the end of the 10th century
Lamanai was occupied as early as the 16th century BC. The site became a prominent centre in the Pre-Classic Period, from the 4th century BC through the 1st century CE. In 625 CE.
During the Spanish conquest of Yucatán Spanish friars established two Roman Catholic churches here, but a Maya revolt drove the Spanish out.
Lamanai: The Ancient Mayan City of Submerged Crocodile
Introduction to Lamanai
Lamanai, one of the most significant and well-preserved Mayan archaeological sites in Belize, is a testament to the grandeur of ancient Maya civilization. The name "Lamanai" translates to "Submerged Crocodile," reflecting the site's deep connection with both the surrounding natural environment and the symbolism revered by the Maya. Located in the Orange Walk District, Lamanai is nestled on the banks of the New River Lagoon, providing a unique combination of archaeological wonders and lush tropical landscapes.
The History and Significance of Lamanai
Lamanai is one of the longest continuously occupied Mayan cities, with evidence of habitation dating back over 3,000 years, from around 1500 BCE to the 17th century CE. The site's extended occupation, which spans the Preclassic, Classic, and Postclassic periods, makes it an invaluable resource for understanding the development and evolution of Mayan society over time.
Unlike many other Mayan cities that were abandoned or diminished in significance after the collapse of the Classic Maya civilization around 900 CE, Lamanai continued to thrive. The city's strategic location along the New River facilitated trade and communication with other Mayan cities and cultures in the region, contributing to its resilience and longevity.
Lamanai's name, "Submerged Crocodile," is thought to be connected to the abundant crocodile population in the nearby waters and the site's ceremonial significance. The crocodile was a potent symbol in Mayan culture, representing the earth, fertility, and a connection to the underworld. This connection is reflected in the numerous crocodile motifs found in the site's architecture and artifacts.
The Layout and Architecture of Lamanai
Lamanai is spread over a vast area, with its core structures concentrated around a series of plazas connected by causeways. The city is notable for its monumental architecture, including temples, palaces, residential complexes, and ceremonial platforms. The site's architecture demonstrates the advanced engineering and construction techniques of the Maya, as well as their ability to integrate structures into the natural landscape.
- The Jaguar Temple (Structure N10-9)
- One of the most iconic structures at Lamanai is the Jaguar Temple, named for the jaguar masks that adorn its façade. This temple is believed to have been constructed during the Late Classic period (600-900 CE) and served as a ceremonial center. The temple's design features a stepped pyramid with a series of terraces leading to the summit, where rituals and offerings would have been conducted. The jaguar motifs, representing power and authority, highlight the temple's importance in the political and religious life of Lamanai.
- The High Temple (Structure N10-43)
- The High Temple, one of the tallest structures at Lamanai, stands at approximately 33 meters (108 feet) and offers a commanding view of the surrounding jungle and New River Lagoon. This temple, constructed during the Late Preclassic period (300 BCE - 250 CE), is a testament to the architectural prowess of the early Maya. The steep ascent to the temple's summit suggests that it was used for important religious ceremonies, possibly involving astronomical observations or offerings to the gods. Climbing to the top of the High Temple is a popular activity for visitors, providing a sense of the grandeur and scale of the ancient city.
- The Mask Temple (Structure N9-56)
- The Mask Temple, another prominent structure at Lamanai, is named for the large stucco masks that flank its central stairway. These masks, which depict the face of a Mayan ruler or deity, are among the most iconic and well-preserved examples of Mayan art at the site. The temple dates to the Early Classic period (250-600 CE) and reflects the Maya's sophisticated understanding of art, symbolism, and cosmology. The masks' intricate design and detailed craftsmanship provide insight into the religious and political significance of the temple within the Lamanai community.
- Residential and Ceremonial Complexes
- In addition to the monumental temples, Lamanai features several residential and ceremonial complexes that offer a glimpse into the daily life of the ancient Maya. These structures, which include plazas, ball courts, and residential platforms, were used for a variety of purposes, from religious ceremonies to communal gatherings. The ball courts, in particular, highlight the importance of the Mesoamerican ball game in Mayan culture, serving both as a sport and a ritualized form of conflict resolution.
- The Spanish Church and Colonial Influence
- One of the unique aspects of Lamanai is the presence of a 16th-century Spanish church, built during the early colonial period. The church, constructed by Spanish missionaries in an attempt to convert the local Maya population to Christianity, stands in stark contrast to the surrounding Mayan structures. The presence of the church and other colonial-era artifacts at Lamanai provides evidence of the interactions between the indigenous Maya and European colonizers. However, the resistance of the Maya to conversion and the eventual abandonment of the church by the Spanish highlight the resilience and cultural continuity of the Lamanai community.
Excavations and Discoveries
Archaeological work at Lamanai began in the early 20th century, but extensive excavations were carried out primarily in the latter half of the century. These excavations have revealed a wealth of information about the site's history, architecture, and the daily life of its inhabitants.
One of the most significant discoveries at Lamanai is the collection of crocodile effigies and other artifacts that reflect the site's symbolic connection to the reptile. These artifacts, which include pottery, jade, and stone carvings, provide insight into the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Maya.
In addition to the crocodile motifs, archaeologists have uncovered a variety of artifacts that shed light on the trade networks, economy, and social structure of Lamanai. The discovery of ceramics, obsidian, and other trade goods suggests that Lamanai was a major hub in regional and long-distance trade routes, linking the city to other Mayan centers and Mesoamerican cultures.
Another notable discovery is the extensive burial sites found at Lamanai, which have provided valuable information about the mortuary practices, health, and social stratification of the ancient Maya. The burials, often accompanied by offerings of pottery, jewelry, and other goods, indicate the high status of certain individuals within the community and their connection to the religious and political elite.
The Natural Environment and Biodiversity
Lamanai's location along the New River Lagoon and within the lush rainforests of northern Belize provides a unique ecological setting that has remained largely undisturbed for centuries. The area's rich biodiversity, including its abundant birdlife, reptiles, and mammals, adds to the site's appeal for both archaeologists and nature enthusiasts.
The New River Lagoon, Belize's largest freshwater body, is home to a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, turtles, and numerous fish species. The surrounding forests are inhabited by howler monkeys, jaguars, ocelots, and a diverse array of bird species, making Lamanai a popular destination for wildlife watching and eco-tourism.
The integration of Lamanai's architecture with its natural surroundings reflects the Maya's deep connection to the environment. The city's layout and construction demonstrate an understanding of the local topography, hydrology, and climate, allowing the Maya to build a sustainable and thriving community over millennia.
Visiting Lamanai
Lamanai is accessible primarily by boat, with the journey up the New River being an adventure in itself. The boat ride from Orange Walk Town to Lamanai offers visitors a chance to see the diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes of northern Belize. The approach to the site by river also provides a sense of the ancient Maya's reliance on waterways for transportation, trade, and communication.
Once at Lamanai, visitors can explore the site through a network of well-maintained trails that lead to the major structures and plazas. Guided tours are available, offering insight into the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the site. The site also features a visitor center with exhibits on the archaeology and history of Lamanai, as well as a small museum displaying artifacts uncovered during excavations.
Climbing the temples, particularly the High Temple and Jaguar Temple, is a popular activity for visitors, offering panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and lagoon. The experience of standing atop these ancient structures, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest, provides a powerful connection to the history and spirituality of the Maya.
For those interested in birdwatching and wildlife, Lamanai offers a unique opportunity to see a variety of species in their natural habitat. The early morning and late afternoon are particularly good times for observing birds, including toucans, parrots, and herons, as well as other wildlife such as howler monkeys and iguanas.
Preservation and Conservation Efforts
Lamanai, like many other archaeological sites, faces challenges related to preservation and conservation. The tropical climate, with its high humidity and rainfall, can accelerate the deterioration of ancient structures and artifacts. In addition, the encroachment of modern development and agriculture poses a threat to the surrounding environment and the integrity of the site.
Efforts to preserve Lamanai are ongoing, with collaboration between the Belizean government, international organizations, and local communities. These efforts include the stabilization and restoration of structures, the protection of the surrounding rainforest, and the promotion of sustainable tourism practices. Education and community involvement are also key components of conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations can continue to learn from and enjoy this remarkable site
Actun Tunichil Muknal 🇧🇿 BELIZE
Actun Tunichil Muknal BELIZE
Actun Tunichil Muknal (the Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre), known as "ATM" is a cave in Belize, near San Ignacio and a Maya archaeological site that includes skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware.
The cave is located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. The main cave system is about 3 mi long and consists of a long river passage for approximately 2 mi which ends at an upstream sump. A series of upper prehistoric passages continues another mile past the sump through massive breakdown boulders and giant rooms. The cave can be exited through a tight squeeze ending in a giant sink hole collapse in the jungle.
"The Crystal Maiden" a skeleton of a 17-year-old boy possibly a sacrifice victim, whose bones have been calcified to a sparkling, crystallized appearance.
The ceramics at the site are significant partly because they are marked with "kill holes" (holes created to release spirits lurking within), which indicate that they were used for ceremonial purposes. Many of the Maya artifacts and remains are completely calcified to the cave floor. One artifact, named the "Monkey Pot", is one of just four of its type found in Central America.
The Maya also modified cave formations here, in some instances to create altars for the offerings, in others to create silhouettes of faces and animals or to project a shadow image into the cave. The cave is extensively decorated with cave formations in the upper passages.
Animal life in the cave includes a large population of bats, large freshwater crabs, crayfish, catfish and other tropical fish. Large invertebrates like amblypygi and various predatory spiders also inhabit the cave. Agouti and otters may also use the cave.
These and many other species are quite common in river caves of this size in Belize.
The Belize Tourism Board, in coordination with the Belize National Institute of Culture and History, Institute of Archaeology, has granted licenses to a small group of agents to conduct tours to this cave, in an attempt to balance its protection against tourist revenue.
REVILLAGIGEDO ISLANDS 🇲🇽 MEXICO PACIFIC
Revillagigedo Islands | SOCORRO ISLAND 🇲🇽 MEXICO PACIFIC
Archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 235 nm SSW of the tip of the Baja California peninsula and 300 nm WSW of Cape Corrientes off Mexico's Pacific Coast. The islands are administered by Colima state, Mexico. Covering an area of 320 square miles the archipelago consists of numerous volcanic islands.
67
READ ABOUT THE PROCESS OF GETTING A PERMIT HERE >>
The largest, Socorro, which rises to an elevation of 3,707 feet (1,130 m), is 24 miles (39 km) long and 9 miles (14 km) wide. San Benedicto, 40 miles (64 km) north of Socorro, and Clarión, 250 miles (400 km) west of Socorro, are the two other large islands; small islands include Roca Partida, 60 miles (100 km) west of Socorro, and Roca Oneal, just off the northwestern coast of Socorro.
In 1957 an outpost was established on long-uninhabited Socorro, and trees were planted for timber and fruit. The expedition found about 8,000 sheep on the island, the residue of a temporary Australian settlement of the mid-1800s. The Revillagigedo Islands are rich in sulfur, fish, and guano.
In July 2016, the Revillagigedo Archipelago was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in November 2017 they were declared to be a marine reserve and a national park of Mexico. Some of the volcanoes are active, with the last eruption of Volcán Bárcena in 1953, and Socorro in 1993. A small military airstrip exists on Socorro.
No evidence of human habitation on any of the islands exists before their discovery by Spanish explorers. Hernando de Grijalva and his crew discovered an uninhabited island on 19 December 1533, and named it Santo Tomás (Socorro Island) and on 28 December they discovered Isla de los Inocentes (San Benedicto) which owed its name to having been found on the day of the Holy Innocents.
In November 1542, Ruy López de Villalobos, while exploring new routes across the Pacific, rediscovered Inocentes and Santo Tomás and charted the latter as Anublada ("Cloudy"). Villalobos was the first to report sighting of Roca Partida Island giving it its present-day name. In 1608, Martín Yánez de Armida, in charge of another expedition, visited Anublada and changed its name to Socorro. In 1779 José Camacho was the first to report sighting of the island remaining, that he charted as Santa Rosa ("Saint Rose"). Santa Rosa was later renamed Clarion after the vessel commanded by Henry Gyzelaar at that time.
They offer divers reliable encounters with giant manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins, humpback whales, tuna, pelagic fish and many other shark species.
The Revillagigedo Islands are home to many endemic plant and animal species, and are sometimes called Mexico's "little Hawaii". They are recognized as a distinct terrestrial ecoregion, part of the Neotropical realm. Socorro is the most diverse in flora, fauna, and topography. The Mexican Government established the islands as a Biosphere Reserve on June 4, 1994. Oceanographic Magazine stated in 2020 that, "Its remoteness, protection and peculiar oceanography makes it one of the most biodiverse and exciting marine destinations on earth."
Apart from the native birds, migrant shorebirds and others are often found on the islands. Bahia Azufre (Sulfur Bay) on Clarión seems to be a favorite stopover location, as it is one of the few longer stretches of beach in the islands; mostly, the shoreline is steep cliffs. The archipelago is also a part of wintering grounds for humpback whales in the North Pacific.