Nim Li Punit, meaning “Big Hat” in the Kekchi Maya language, is located in the Toledo District of southern Belize. The name refers to a large, elaborate headdress depicted on one of the site’s many carved stelae. Nim Li Punit was an important ceremonial center during the Classic Period (AD 400–800), and it is renowned for its rich collection of carved monuments.

The site consists of three main plazas surrounded by pyramids, palaces, and a ball court. It is especially notable for its 26 stelae—many with detailed inscriptions and depictions of rulers in elaborate attire. These stelae offer invaluable historical records about the rulers, rituals, and political relationships of the ancient city.

Set on a ridge in the Maya Mountains, Nim Li Punit offers panoramic views of the surrounding forest and lowlands. Its strategic location near trade routes connecting the coast and the inland mountains likely contributed to its historical importance.
Today, Nim Li Punit is an accessible and well-maintained site with a small museum and visitor center. Its emphasis on art and epigraphy makes it a favorite for archaeologists and those interested in Maya writing and iconography.