- Join for free
- Sign In
Latest San Ignacio hotel reviews
Helpfulness
I enjoyed Cahal Pech much more than I thought I would. It doesn't have the large, impressive looking structures like Xunantunich or Caracol, but it had several smaller structures and lots of hallways and nooks and crannies to explore. If you like to wander around and explore, make sure to visit Cahal Pech. They said it Plus, it's on a main road in San Ignacio, so much easier to get to than Caracol.
Cahal Pech demonstrates the late pre-classic temples and had two separate ball courts. It was probably a hilltop residence of royalty. It was abandoned by 800 A.D. and consists of 34 structures. There was also a little museum at the visitor's center, but I'm not sure it was worth an extra fee just to see the visitor's center. If time is limited, just see the ruins and skip the museum.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Helpfulness
Cahal Pech was populated by the Mayans from 1000 BC to AD 800.
"Cahal Pech" means "place of ticks" but that's not what the Mayans called it. The name comes from the 1950's when the area was used as a cow pasture.
I put more photos of Cahal Pech in a travelogue.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Buena Vista Road, San Ignacio
Helpfulness
Cahal Pech was the easist of the Mayan ruins for me to visit as it was just a 5 minute walk from my hotel. Hence it was also the first ruin in Belize that I toured on my own without the "interference" of a guide. The site is located near the top of a hill overlooking the town of San Ignacio. Like many of the Mayan ruins in Belize the site is covered with dense jungle.
Cahal Pech was occupied continuously from 1200 B.C. to 800 A.D. when like much of the Mayan world, it fell into decline. It was probably a very important town and dominated the Belize River valley.
You enter the site through a small but decent museum. Then you wander down a footpath through the jungle until you get to Plaza B. This is where you will find the Audiencia which the tallest pyramid here. Surrounding the plaza are other buildings consisting of chambers and rooms that I was able to crawl and climb around. This is something I did little of on the tours of other Mayan sites. I enjoyed myself thoroughly. You can also visit Plaza A and Plaza D which smaller but enjoyable. The site is very shady because of all the trees and a visit is therefore quite enjoyable on a hot day.
Cahal Pech is open daily from 8am to 4pm. It cost $10 to visit.
Updated Apr 14, 2008
Website: http://www.belizex.com/cahalpech.htm
Helpfulness
Controvery surrounds the Cahal Pech site, as locals objected to the overly restored feel of the Maya ruins at this site.
Although quite important for Belizean archeology, the main temple has been "restored" for tourists with plastered carvings in a Disneyworld style. Cahal Pech, "Place of the Ticks", was given when the area was used a cow pasture.
We didn't enjoy this site too much, as it seemed overly commercialized and geared towards tourists.
Written May 6, 2007
Website: http://www.belizex.com/cahalpech.htm
Helpfulness
Cahal Pech is a nice place to see, but if you are really intereted in mayan ruins you shold visit xunantunich. it is the best mayan site in belize, in my opinion. its alittle out of the way but a definate must in you are going to visit one site. at cahal pech there are a couple sacrifical walls still in tact and what seems like a mini ball court, but they are pretty obscure and the site is not that extensive.
Written Nov 28, 2005
Website: http://www.belizex.com/cahalpech.htm
Helpfulness
These Mayan ruins are located a 30 minute uphill walk from San Ignacio. There are 34 structures here and evidence of occupation as early as 1000 BC. It is believed to have served as a royal residence.
I liked the intimacy of Cahel Pech, there are many narrow hallways and archways leading to small rooms and courtyards.
The ruins are open from 6am to 6pm. Admission is $5 US.
See my travelogue for more photos from Cahel Pech.
Updated Mar 22, 2005
Website: http://www.belizex.com/cahalpech.htm
Helpfulness
Cahal Pech (Tick city) was a maya city with some importance. There are 34 buldings grouped in 7 plazas and spreaded over 6 acres.
It has an small museum.
Written Nov 28, 2004
Address: About 2 kms. South from Hawkesworth Bridge.
1 - 7 of 7
Sponsored Links
Mariposa Jungle Lodge San Ignacio
97 Opinions
Mystic River Resort San Ignacio
222 Opinions
Ka'ana Boutique Resort and Spa San Ignacio
144 Opinions
Cahal Peche tips and photos posted by real travelers and San Ignacio locals.
Write a ReviewCahal Pech (Tick city) was a maya city with some importance. There are 34 buldings grouped in 7 plazas and spreaded over 6 acres.It has an small museum.
5 members live in San Ignacio
Q: I need to know a lot of things to do here... Can anyone help me?
A: i assume you mean things to do for fun in San Ignacio? We have a lot of information from members who have traveled there and written about it. Take a look at...
Read 3 Replies
1
San Ignacio - Temples, Caves & Tubing
After almost 2 weeks in Belize, our final area to explore was on the country's western border with Guatemala. There is such an abundance of things to do here, that I booked a full week of...
2
I really enjoyed my time in San Ignacio, it was the first part of my 2 week holiday in Belize. SI a great base from which to explore Mayan ruins both in Belize and across the border in Guatemala. You...
3
After a wonderful nine days in Guatemala, it was time to change countries and head across the border to neighbouring Belize. This was to be a very different experience – equally good, but different....
4
San Ignacio, Belize: Home Base For Adventure
San Ignacio is not the most picturesque of towns. It's more like a place that Indiana Jones might stop by to pick up supplies before heading into the jungle. Our first impression of the town was that...
5
San Ignacio - a one stoplight town
I've got some interesting experiences in San Ignacio. I'd love to share with you the 11 tips I've written, the 98 photos uploaded, and 4 travelogues I've created.
Build your own San Ignacio page
Sponsored Links
