Cahal Pech Maya Ruin

4 Hours

Tour Duration

Moderate

Tour Intensity

Min of 2

Number of persons for the tour

Brief information

Cahal Pech lies within a beautiful, forested environment at the top of the hill overlooking San Ignacio Town. The visitors center displays a wide range of artifacts that include objects that were discovered at the site, information panels describing the development of Cahal Pech.

Cahal Pech is located on an imposing hill that overlooks the twin towns of San Ignacio/Santa Elena. The name of the site means “Place of Ticks” in the Yucatecan maya language. This name was coined in the 1950’s when the area around the site was used for pasture.

Archeological investigation indicates that Cahal Pech was first settled between 1200-1000 BC and abandoned around 800-900 AD. The site is particularly important for the information it has provided on the earliest Maya settlers of western Belize. Cultural remains suggest that the site’s first inhabitants were relatively sophisticated. They built large circular platforms that were used for ritual purposes, they carved many Mesoamerican or Olmec-like symbols on their pottery, imported jade and obsidian from Guatemala, modeled many figurines in the form of female persons, and produced decorative beads that were made from conch shells brought from the Caribbean coast.

In the Late Preclassic period (300 BC – 250 AD), Cahal Pech likely became one of the most important centers in the Belize River Valley region. A carved monument that dates to this time at the site is still the earliest carved Stela yet discovered in Belize.

What to bring/wear

  • Good Hiking shoes
  • Bug repellent
  • Camera
  • Extra water
  • Snacks

What we provide

  • Transportation
  • Entrance fee
  • Lunch
  • Gear

Map

Our Clients Reviews

  • star rating  The most memorable experience in Belize - Just came back from our ATM cave tour with Orlando from Kaatz Witz Tours . Pick up from the guest house where we are staying, nice air-conditioned van with lunch... read more

    avatar thumb Tedi932
    April 24, 2024

    star rating  The best tour for ATM and Xunantunich!!  - Absolutely amazing day with Orlando guiding my husband and I through the ATM Cave and Xunantunich! He’s been guiding for 20 years and is truly an expert with so much... read more

    avatar thumb Amy H
    January 27, 2024

    star rating  Orlando was our guide for the ATM caves. He was an excellent guide and the tour was a really fun and interesting experience. Would highly recommend booking.
    - He... read more

    Anna F
    August 2, 2023
  • star rating  We had Orlando as our ATM cave guide. He was a wonderful guide, and happily answered all my questions, made sure the group was doing ok at every turn, and... read more

    avatar thumb RebeccaB375
    August 22, 2022

    star rating  Orlando took us on an amazing trip to the ATM caves!! We enjoyed the day with him learning about the jungle, caves and history of the Mayan people. Orlando was... read more

    K8599TEkatiee
    June 14, 2022

    star rating  Have you ever walked away from something and said to yourself "WOW!! that experience could not have been any better and it's all because of the person who was gracious... read more

    joellenandjoe
    April 16, 2022
  • star rating  Excellent! Orlando explained the history and cultural relevance of the site! Highly recommend this personalized tour of this Underground Maya Ruin

    Curiosity34833282414
    January 23, 2022

    star rating  We went on this adventure with an expert on the ATM cave who told us a lot of interesting facts and stories about its magical history. Any question we asked... read more

    ScaniaSt
    December 25, 2021

    star rating  Our trip to the ATM cave with Orlando from Katz Witz Maya Tours was nothing short of mind blowing!

    Orlando’s knowledge of every detail in the ATM cave,... read more

    Jbrosious
    November 26, 2021
  • star rating  The ATM cave tour was the highlight of our week in Belize! Our guide, Orlando, was very patient and informative, giving us direction on where to place our hands... read more

    Roving731607
    November 11, 2021

    star rating  We had an excellent time with Orlando exploring the ATM caves. He is a very knowledgeable tour guide and we felt extremely comfortable exploring the caves with him!! ... read more

    343karah
    November 2, 2021

    star rating  My 18yo son and I were guided by our new friend Orlando into an experience we will remember for the rest of our lives. We learned and experienced so... read more

    Jackie M
    September 7, 2021