Maya Ruins: Cahal Pech & Xunantunich

Exploring the ancient Mayan Ruins in Belize walks you through history.

Visitors will experience and observe a unique opportunity of the awesome geological features of the sites and study the nature of Prehistoric human civilization.

The tour embarks from San Ignacio to Cahal Pech Mayan Site for fifteen minutes with scenic views of the town. We are given a two-hour tour of the 22.39 acres of interesting archaeological structures. Cahal Pech is known as the “Place of Ticks” when translated into Yucatec Mayan Language. It was coined in the 1950s when the area around the site was used as a pasture

The site is also a perfect spot for morning birding watching, its flora and fauna attract many species of birds which can be seen during the tour.

The adventure continues to Xunantunich Mayan Ruin, the impressive and ancient archaeological site that ranks among one of the top ten places to visit in Belize.

The name Xunantunich is derived from the Yucatec Language meaning “Stone Woman” and is a thirty-minute drive from San Ignacio Town. Upon arrival at the entrance of the site, a free hand-cranked ferry takes you across the Mopan River after which you proceed for another mile to the site. This alone makes your adventure much more fun!

Xunantunich boasts a number of Plazas, including the dominant “El Castillo” that rises 130ft and consists of a monumental plaster frieze with sky frames, three-dimensional seated figures flanked by leaf-like elements terminating in knots, a Sacbe, and a Maya ball court among others.

Before heading back to town, the day ends with a hearty Belizean lunch.

Opening Hours:

Xunantunich Archeological Site: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm

Cahal Pech Archeological Site: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm

• Camera
• Binoculars
• Water Bottle
• Insect Repellant
• Sunscreen / Sunglasses
• Cash for items from local vendors