Explore the Map
La Milpa
17.7833° N, -88.9500° E
About
La Milpa is an archaeological site and an ancient Maya city within the Three River region of Northwest Belize bordering Mexico and Guatemala. La Milpa is located between the sites of Rio Azul and Lamanai. Currently, La Milpa lies within the nature preserve owned by the Programme for Belize, a non-profit organization. PfB acquired land for the preserve from the Coco-Cola Company, who purchased land in Belize in 1988 with the goals of tearing down the rainforest to create a citrus plantation, however donated the land to Conservation and Management Project in 1990 and 1992. Following Caracol and Lamanai, La Milpa is the third largest site in Belize with the Main Plaza alone covering 18,000 square meters, making it one of the largest in the entire Maya region.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Stela 7 Long Count date
November 30, 780
Late Preclassic/Early Classic occupation
400 BC–AD 500
Middle Classic decline
AD 550–700
Late/Terminal Classic revival
AD 700–850
Discovery by J. Eric S. Thompson
March 1938
1979 survey confirming looting
1979
1985 revisit confirming looting and illicit fields
1985
Coca-Cola land purchase
1988
Rio Bravo and PfB investigations
1988
Guderjan mapping season
February 1990
Land donations to conservation
1990 and 1992
LaMAP excavations begin
February 1992
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Water Management Features
Public and Civic Structures
Burial and Funerary Structures
Religious and Ritual Structures
Artistic and Decorative Features
Agricultural and Land Use Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Environmental and Natural Features
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
More Sites in Belize
Nim Li Punit
Maya Classic site, 5th–8th century AD, southern Belize
Cuello
Maya village site, northern Belize (c.1200–900 BC)
Che Chem Ha Cave
Maya ceremonial cave, Middle Preclassic–Late Classic
Uxbenka
Maya urban site in southern Belize, Early Classic
Tipu, Belize
Mayan archaeological site in the Maya Mountains, Belize
Actun Tunichil Muknal
Maya ritual cave in Belize

