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Nelson Maya Adventures

Alluring Mayan Site Tours and Outstanding Transfers Service for the Insightful Traveler.

"Explore More, Worry Less!"

Belize Maya Temple Tour

With our team of expert travel agents and tour operators, we ensure your experience is truly unforgettable.

Cahal Pech​ - The Royal Palace in the Hills​

Price

Price varies by location - Can be done during a transfer.

Difficulty / Requirement

Moderate - Walking and Climbing

What's included

Guide, Entrance Fee, Round Trip Transportation, Lunch, Water, and (full day tour).

What to bring

Bug spray, Hat, Sunglasses, and Sturdy Shoes.

Cahal Pech

Perched on a hilltop overlooking San Ignacio, Cahal Pech is one of Belize’s most accessible and historically significant Maya sites. Dating back to 1200 BC, it is one of the oldest known Maya settlements in Belize and was once an elite residential and ceremonial center. Unlike larger sites like Caracol or Xunantunich, Cahal Pech provides an intimate and immersive glimpse into the daily lives of the Maya aristocracy, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers exploring western Belize.

Things to Do at Cahal Pech

  • Explore the Ancient Royal Palace: Cahal Pech was home to Maya nobility, and its structures include plazas, ball courts, temples, and residential buildings. Walking through its narrow passageways and inner courtyards gives visitors a sense of how Maya elites lived over 3,000 years ago.

  • Climb the Temples and Pyramids: Although not as tall as other Maya pyramids in Belize, the temples at Cahal Pech still offer fantastic views of the surrounding Belize River Valley.

  • Visit the On-Site Museum: The Cahal Pech Visitors Center and Museum houses artifacts uncovered at the site, including jade jewelry, pottery, and carved stelae, offering deeper insight into the lives of the ancient Maya.

  • Enjoy the Scenic Surroundings: Cahal Pech’s elevated location provides stunning views of San Ignacio and the Belize River Valley. The lush jungle setting also makes it a great place to spot colorful birds, butterflies, and small wildlife.

The Journey to Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech is located just 1 mile (1.6 km) from downtown San Ignacio, making it one of the most accessible Maya sites in Belize. Visitors can walk or take a short taxi ride to the entrance. If traveling from Belize City, the journey takes about 2 hours with us, making Cahal Pech a great stop on the way to other western Belize attractions.

History of Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech is one of the oldest Maya sites in Belize, with evidence of continuous occupation from 1200 BC to 900 AD. It was primarily a residential palace for an elite ruling family, rather than a large city-state like Caracol. Archaeologists have discovered artifacts that suggest the inhabitants of Cahal Pech were actively engaged in trade, agriculture, and ceremonial practices.

Despite being abandoned around 900 AD, the site remains well-preserved, offering visitors a unique look into early Maya civilization and the daily life of the aristocracy.

Location to your destination

Nearby Temples and Attractions

If you’re visiting Cahal Pech, there are several other fascinating sites nearby worth exploring:

 

  • Xunantunich: Just 8 miles (13 km) away, Xunantunich is home to El Castillo, the second-tallest Maya pyramid in Belize. Its hilltop location provides breathtaking views of the Belize-Guatemala border.

 
  • Caracol: Located about 2.5 hours south, Caracol is Belize’s largest and most powerful ancient Maya city, known for Caana, the tallest pyramid in the country.

 
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave): One of Belize’s most famous archaeological caves, ATM is home to crystalized skeletons, pottery, and artifacts left behind by the Maya. It’s a must-visit for adventure seekers and history lovers.

 
  • San Ignacio Town: The lively town of San Ignacio is a great place to experience Belizean culture, with local markets, delicious food, and adventure tours to nearby caves, rivers, and jungle reserves.

Testimonials

Good Service, Happy Clients!

  • star rating  My husband Joe & I had a great tour with Josh as our guide. He took us to the Community Baboon Santuary to see the Black Howler Monkeys, the Belize... read more

    avatar thumb Tara S
    February 2, 2023
  • star rating  While visiting Caye Caulker with friends we decided to visit the Xunantunich ruins. Booking was seamless and our guide Auner met us at the water taxi. ... read more

    McGregor4
    October 25, 2022
  • star rating  We did a day trip from Belize City to Xunantunich with Auner as our guide and it was amazing experience with such a knowledgeable guide who provided so much information.

    44isballn
    October 25, 2022
  • star rating  We decided to arrange a private tour for a family of four to Tikal with Nelson Maya Adventures after reading a couple of reviews here and on a couple of... read more

    ViajeroIndiana
    August 8, 2022
  • star rating  We decided to arrange a private tour for a family of four to Tikal with Nelson Maya Adventures after reading a couple of reviews here and on a couple of... read more

    ViajeroIndiana
    August 4, 2022
5/5

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