Tucked away in the southern mangroves of Ambergris Caye, the Marco Gonzalez site is a rare example of a coastal Maya settlement. Unlike inland sites built from limestone, Marco Gonzalez features a unique construction using marine materials like conch shells, coral, and sea rocks, reflecting the island environment and available resources.

Discovered in the early 1980s, Marco Gonzalez was inhabited for over 1,500 years and served as a vital link in Maya trade routes between mainland Belize and the Caribbean. Archaeological finds include pottery from across the Maya world, obsidian blades, and evidence of salt and seafood processing—pointing to the site’s role as a trading and fishing village.

Although smaller than more famous Maya cities, Marco Gonzalez offers deep insight into how the Maya adapted to different ecosystems. Conservation efforts have turned it into a protected archaeological reserve. Boardwalks take visitors through jungle trails surrounded by mangroves, leading to excavation areas that offer a window into coastal Maya life.