Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve

National reserve · Cayo

Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve

National reserve · Cayo

3

Cahal Pech Resort Rd &, Arch St, San Ignacio, Belize

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Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by  
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by  
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve by null

Highlights

Cahal Pech, a hilltop Maya palace near San Ignacio, invites you to wander plazas, climb pyramids, and soak in sweeping river valley views.  

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Cahal Pech Resort Rd &, Arch St, San Ignacio, Belize Get directions

google.com

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Cahal Pech Resort Rd &, Arch St, San Ignacio, Belize Get directions

+501 804 0207
google.com

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

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@afar

"Explore the Ruins at Cahal Pech On a hill just above the town of San Ignacio, on a site that only covers about two acres, lie the Maya ruins of Cahal Pech. Like so many of the Maya sites around Belize , steps have been taken to ensure that what remains is preserved and that visitors are able to explore structures at their leisure. The name apparently means “place of ticks” and was chosen because the area around the ruins was used as land for grazing animals. Cahal Pech, settled in 1000 BC and no longer inhabited by 800 AD, was a royal palace for a ruling Maya family, and the site consists of seven plazas plus structures that include temples, a ball court, homes and an altar. Not all of the ruins are in excellent shape but climb to the top for wonderful views of the surrounding river valley. There is also a visitor center and museum on site."

The Best Thing To Do in Belize
View Postcard for Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve
@afar

"Explore the Ruins at Cahal Pech On a hill just above the town of San Ignacio, on a site that only covers about two acres, lie the Maya ruins of Cahal Pech. Like so many of the Maya sites around Belize , steps have been taken to ensure that what remains is preserved and that visitors are able to explore structures at their leisure. The name apparently means “place of ticks” and was chosen because the area around the ruins was used as land for grazing animals. Cahal Pech, settled in 1000 BC and no longer inhabited by 800 AD, was a royal palace for a ruling Maya family, and the site consists of seven plazas plus structures that include temples, a ball court, homes and an altar. Not all of the ruins are in excellent shape but climb to the top for wonderful views of the surrounding river valley. There is also a visitor center and museum on site."

Seven Maya Sites to Visit in Belize
View Postcard for Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve
@afar

"Explore the Ruins at Cahal Pech On a hill just above the town of San Ignacio, on a site that only covers about two acres, lie the Maya ruins of Cahal Pech. Like so many of the Maya sites around Belize , steps have been taken to ensure that what remains is preserved and that visitors are able to explore structures at their leisure. The name apparently means “place of ticks” and was chosen because the area around the ruins was used as land for grazing animals. Cahal Pech, settled in 1000 BC and no longer inhabited by 800 AD, was a royal palace for a ruling Maya family, and the site consists of seven plazas plus structures that include temples, a ball court, homes and an altar. Not all of the ruins are in excellent shape but climb to the top for wonderful views of the surrounding river valley. There is also a visitor center and museum on site."

Two Weeks in Belize
View Postcard for Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve

Zhao L

Google
Very well maintained area. Much better and bigger than expected. They let you climb these pyramids, which is a first experience for me. Do watch out though, some of them are steep, and it’s easier to get up and harder to get down. The entry fee price of 10USD is very fair for such a large and well maintained area.

Caitlin Jorgenson

Google
This was such a fun place to visit! We had previously been to Xunantunich, so it was fun to compare the similarities and differences. You are able to climb quite a bit which is very fun, and the museum is small but has lots of great information about the Mayan history.

Brian Cameron

Google
Ive seen this site twice, one in 2023, and in 2025. I have to say it's one of my favorite sites I've visited. Putting out vibes of Tomb Raider or Uncharted, with a lot of Indiana Jones as well. Walk through courtyards and plazas, structures, and climb atop pyramids that overlook it all (watch your step, not for the feignt oh heart). My kids loved climbing the ruins and running around, and I enjoyed the awesome historical significance. It's close to San Ignacio and easy to get to. Entrance was 10bz each. Kids 8 and under are free. It has a nice museum with some great artifacts!

Johannah Baltus

Google
This place was so cool and tucked right in the neighborhood! We had visited Xunantunich Mayan Ruins earlier in the day with a tour guide, so that helped give us some context to this visit. We did not have a guide for this site, but there was a helpful visitor center that had some great info. The site is easy to navigate with pathways and lots of shade. We also saw a howler monkey which was an added bonus!

Adventuring Spoon

Google
Nice ruins in the city, we spend probably an hour walking around and exploring the area. I would suggest going early in the day as the afternoons get so warm!

Martin Masters

Google
This is not one of the larger Mayan ruins, but it is very nice. It is very accessible. We walked there from our hotel. The hill up to it is a bit steep, but coming down is nice:)

MAK B

Google
This was one of the best site I've been, so much to explore more than the other local sites. Big enough that I think I miss a part of it, so well worth a visit and explore some preserved history.

Donald Pierce

Google
Not as dramatic as Xunantunich. Lacks the reliefs and towering temple. Scant artifacts on display. But I REALLY like this site. Not touristy. Great place for self-guided exploration. Would've liked to meet the architect. $20 bzd for non-residents. Fair warning: There is a room inside a room with a hundred roosting bats on the ceiling.