Cahal Pech Ruins in San Ignacio – Belize’s Hidden Gem

Are you ready to explore the wonders of Cahal Pech?

Belize is a beautiful Caribbean country tucked away between Mexico and Guatemala. It is a hot spot for tourists and travellers thanks to its incredible oceans, beaches and of course, Mayan history. Cahal Pech ruins are no exception.

We absolutely loved our short time in Belize. Unfortunately short due to Belize being so incredibly expensive. Travelling around this beautiful country on a budget is a challenge but certainly possible.

Finding hidden gems, like Cahal Pech ruins, is a great way to see what Belize has to offer, whilst not breaking the bank. In this post, we will explain why Cahal Pech absolutely must be on your Belize Itinerary and everything you need to know in order to visit.

The main pyramid at Cahal Pech ruins in Belize

Take a Tour of Cahal Pech Ruins

Although we will shortly explain how you can visit Cahal Pech on your own. We loved our time exploring the ruins and imagining what life was like all those years ago. But it would also have been really cool to have a tour guide teach us about the site.

For that reason, if we were to go back we would definitely do a tour. We found the perfect one that would also take you to the other great Mayan site near Saan Ignacio – Xunantunich ruins.

Check out the Tour of Cahal Pech and Xunantunich Ruins Here!


Why are the Cahal Pech ruins so special?

I’m calling this a ‘hidden’ gem, but it is hidden in plain sight. People often overlook the Cahal Pech ruins in San Ignacio, which leads to the reason why we call this a gem…

It is often EMPTY!

You are allowed to climb on top of the structures and go through all the narrow passages and stairways. This makes these ruins great to explore – even more so because there are very few people around.

When we visited we were there for at least 2 hours and the entire place to ourselves the WHOLE time! Talk about magical.


History Of Cahal Pech Ruins

This Mayan site once was home to an Elite Maya family. The earliest pottery in all of Western Belize was found here, and some of it is on display in the on-site museum.

There is evidence Cahal Pech was inhabited as early as 1200 B.C., making it one of the oldest Mayan archaeological sites in all of Belize.


Where Are Cahal Pech Ruins?

Cahal Pech ruins are conveniently located only a short walk from the centre of San Ignacio Town. I recommend going early in the morning to avoid the heat.

On foot, from the town centre, follow the Western Highway uphill until you reach the roundabout. Go left at the roundabout and then keep to the right, going further uphill. You will soon find the entrance to the Archeological Site of Cahal Pech. It’s about a 30-minute walk from the town centre.

It is super easy to find on foot, but do remember that the Belizean sun can be very unforgiving, and since it’s ALL uphill, you might be better off taking a taxi for a short while.

map showing where Cahal Pech ruins are located

Where to stay in San Ignacio

We stayed in the Kawoq hostel, close to the centre of San Ignacio. The guy working there is very knowledgeable and can tell you all about the different activities in the area. He’ll hook you up with a tour or a taxi, anything you might need.

We paid around €32 a night for a private room with a shared bathroom, all of which were very clean and tidy.

πŸ‘‰ Check out Kawoh Hostel for yourself HERE!

If you like to be closer to the action and enjoy a little luxury then I would recommend staying at the Cahal Pech Village Resort, right next door to the ruins!

They have a large pool and beautiful, luxury huts with great views.

πŸ‘‰ Book your stay at Cahal Pech Village Resort HERE!


When Is The Best Time To Visit Cahal Pech?

The best time to visit Belize and of course, the ruins, is during the dry season; from December to May. This way you will have warmer, dryer days for exploring.

You can read our full guide on why to visit Belize in December.


How Much Does It Cost?

One of the main reasons to visit is that the entry fee for Cahal Pech is only $10 Belize. This is A LOT cheaper than the other ruins in the area. You’ll get access to the small museum at the entrance, explore, and even climb the ruins, all for a mere $5 USD. If you’re travelling on a budget, this is the place to visit!

Most of the other excursions from San Ignacio, including the famous ATM caves cost $125 USD!!!

Exploring the mayan ruin in San Ignacio, Belize

How To Get To San Ignacio & Cahal Pech

As San Ignacio is on the border of Guatemala and Belize, it is often either the last place you will visit or the first, depending on which direction you are travelling. Let us explain how you can get there from either direction;

How to get from Belize City to San Ignacio

Most people go to Belize to visit Caye Caulker. This means that many people make the trip from Belize City to San Ignacio.

It’s possible to get from Belize City to San Ignacio by chicken bus and this will be the cheaper option. Belize is relatively safe, but do keep in mind you’ll likely have to store your luggage at the back.

We’ve not done this, so I can’t give any instructions on which bus(es) to take. But, in our experience, all the locals are incredibly happy to help, so the information is just one question away!

The other option is booking a shuttle bus to San Ignacio. This is the way we travelled and set us back $40 Belize per person. It is more expensive but the shuttles are less crowded and don’t stop along the way to pick up extra people.

How To Get From Flores, Guatemala To San Ignacio

Again to travel from Flores to Guatemala it is possible to book a seat on a shuttle bus that goes across the border and all the way to San Ignacio. This will save you any extra stress at the border. You can book your shuttle here.

However, we did this journey backwards and it was very straightforward. There are local buses that run from Flores to the border from Terminal Central de Buses. You then cross the bridge to Belize on foot. From there grab a taxi for the short 20-minute ride to San Ignacio.

standing on an ancient mayan pyramid in Belize

Cahal Pech FAQs

Do you need more inspiration for your trip? Read our full guide to Belize!

Does Cahal Pech have a restaurant?

Right next to the archaeological site is Cahal Pech Village Resort. The resort does have a restaurant on site.

Which is best Cahal Pech or Xunantunich?

Both Mayan sites have their pros. Cahal Pech is easier to get to and cheaper to enter. It has exciting small passageways and levels to explore. Whereas Xunantunich is also only a mile from San Ignacio and has much taller pyramids with incredible views over the whole region.

Our advice is to take a tour of Both in one day and see for yourself which you prefer.

What are Cahal Pech Ruins’ open hours?

The site is open from 6.30 am to 5 pm every day.

When was Cahal Pech abandoned?

As far as we know, the ruins were abandoned in the 9th Century.

Why was Cahal Pech abandoned?

The reason the ruins were abandoned still remains a mystery. It puzzles historians because other Mayan sites in Belize continued to thrive for many centuries after Cahal Pech was abandoned.

What does Cahal Pech mean?

The name Cahal Pech translates to mean – ‘Place of the Ticks’. It was given this name because when it was first studied by Archaeologists in the 1950s, the whole site was being used as a pasture for animals.

Do you need a guide for Cahal Pech?

No, you do not have to have a guide to enter the site but it is recommended to get one if you like to learn about the history of places like this.

Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins are the best in Belize

Cahal Pech – Final Thoughts

So, let me summarise it for you, why should you visit Cahal Pech?

Cahal Pech is easy to get to from the centre of San Ignacio, it is one of the cheapest little adventures you can go on, and it is usually VERY quiet and you’re likely to be all by yourself.

All in all, the perfect excursion for history lovers and adventurers on a budget!