Overview:

Cahal Pech is a Maya archaeological site found in the Cayo District of Belize. The site is located east of the town of San Ignacio and consists of two plazas with a total of 32 structures, with the tallest being 24 meters high. The site covers an area of 6.25 acres and dates back to the pre-Classic Maya period, between 1000 BC and 250 AD. Many of the structures still stand today and are a great example of ancient Maya civilization. Aside from its wonderful architecture, Cahal Pech is also home to many artifacts from the time, including figurines, pottery, and stone tools. Today the site is protected by the Belize government and is open for tourists to explore. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

1. Mayan ruins: Scholars believe Cahal Pech was built in the time of the classic Maya period (250 - 900 A.D.), though radiocarbon dates have not yet been obtained that would help confirm its age. The site features a series of stepped plazas surrounded by structures made of stone. 2. Cave traversing: Several prominent caves lie in the vicinity of the Cahal Pech site. Explorers can traverse the caves and uncover fascinating artifacts, pottery, and bones which are estimated to be hundreds of years old. 3. Stunning scenery: Located in the Cayo District of Belize, Cahal Pech offers visitors stunning views of the nearby Belize River Valley. Local guides can take visitors to nearby climbing spots with stunning bird's eye views of the ruins. 4. Great wildlife: The nearby forests and wetlands of the Belize River Valley serve as a habitat for numerous species of wildlife, including howler monkeys, jaguars, toucans, and other exotic birds. Guided tours are available to observe the local wildlife. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Mayan ruins of Cahal Pech (meaning "Place Of Ticks") are located in the town of San Ignacio, in Belize. The archaeological site is believed to have been inhabited between 1200 BC and AD 800. It was initially founded by the Pre-Classic Maya and re-inhabited by the Classic Maya. Cahal Pech is one of the oldest sites in Belize and the wider Maya region. Cahal Pech is believed to have been an important ceremonial site for the society that inhabited it as evidence of significant building activity has been discovered. During the height of Cahal Pech's population, spanning the Late and Terminal Classic period, the city is thought to have covered an area of 43 acres. The main structure on the site is the 34 metre tall temple pyramid known as "Structure A-1". This temple was a multilevel temple with four distinct stairways to the summit. Cahal Pech was likely abandoned by the time the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century. The site was eventually rediscovered during Patrick Manson's survey of Belize in 1939. It is now managed by the Belize Institute of Archaeology and is open to visitors to explore. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour

Interesting facts:

1. Cahal Pech is one of the oldest Maya sites in the area, and is believed to have been occupied since as early as 1000BC. 2. Cahal Pech is a hilltop village site located in the Cayo District, Belize. 3. According to archaeological evidence, the complex was inhabited between the Middle Preclassic period (900–400 BC) and the Late Classic period (600–900 AD). 4. The site contains several structures, plazas, and courtyards, and is one of the few archaeological sites in Belize that has been partially excavated and published. 5. The site may have once served as a royal court for an ancient Maya king. 6. Cahal Pech is undergoing restoration and is now open to the public for tours. 7. Set on a hillside offering commanding views of the nearby San Ignacio town, the main plaza is home to two tall temples, one of which dates back to 500 BC. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belize with your friends and family.