Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve
National reserve · Cayo ·

Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve

National reserve · Cayo ·

Maya ruins with temples, ball court, and museum

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

Information

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

Information

Static Map

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

+501 804 0207
nichbelize.org

Features

payment debit card
wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Nov 29, 2025

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@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"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
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"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
 
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"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
 
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve

Annette F.

Google
Wonderful piece of history. Please be advised that their hours of operation are incorrect. They open at 6am and close at 5pm. However, the last entry into the site is 4pm. We arrived at 4:15pm thinking they closed at 6pm (according to Google) only to be denied entry. They do not have an hours of operation sign posted otherwise I would have took a photo. Besides this issue, we returned the following day and got to experience this ancient site for all its wonder. I absolutely love that you are able to climb them. Beware another reviewer also mentions a room within a room with bats on the ceiling. Bathrooms were clean and small information center was decent for what it is. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area and have time.

J C

Google
A 20 minutes from town. Had the whole place to myself. A great way to fill in a couple of hours. The museum is very educational about the history of Belize.

Glen J.

Google
A relatively small Mayan temple site, it was occupied for most all of Mayan civilization. Very close to town, so easy to visit if you are short on time. Interesting museum and small gift shop.

Isaac S.

Google
It is interesting to walk around, but it certainly doesn’t compare to its neighbors. Also, the check-in process is rather laborious. With a drivers license age and name. Seems like a lot of paperwork for such a small experience.

callum W.

Google
This was the most breathtaking thing I've done in Belize. I had a great fortune of getting to experience the site alone, I felt like royalty. It's such a massive site, and would make a perfect day out of anyone.

Max H.

Google
Pretty cool site to explore! We were able to get lots of great pictures on the Mayan ruins with no one else around! Definitely recommend to those coming to San Ignacio! Only costs 20 belize currency!

Nathaniel C.

Google
Very cool archaeological site with lots to see and tons of fascinating history. If you're considering going I recommend not buying tickets in advance. I bought mine online and there was some confusion. It'd likely be easier to have just bought them at the entrance. Definitely recommend all tourists to visit Cahal Pech!

Daniel N.

Google
Amazing experience. Take a cab up here and save your legs for climbing. The steps here are pretty steep. If you read in the visitor center you learn they were not made for every day climbing, that only the privilege do it. Can be slippery after a rain storm. Worthy of the $10 USD. Perhaps better if done with a guide?