Caracol

Caracol is a word in Spanish (and Portuguese) meaning snail or snail shell. It is also used more broadly to describe anything spiral in form, from the shape of a snail’s shell to decorative motifs, shells, or architectural features that resemble spirals.

The Maya archaeological site of Caracol is located in the Cayo District of Belize. It was a major city during the Classic period and is known for its monumental architecture, long causeways, and numerous inscriptions that shed light on regional politics and trade networks.

El Caracol, a circular structure at Chichén Itzá in Mexico, is commonly referred to as The Snail. It is interpreted as an astronomical observatory used to track celestial events and the movements of Venus and the sun, reflecting the Maya interest in astronomy.

In contemporary culture, Caracol is the brand name of a major Colombian media group, including Caracol Televisión and Caracol Radio, both prominent in the country’s broadcasting landscape.

Across languages, caracol as a term links natural spirals with human-made forms and is used in place names and cultural institutions around the world.