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Courtyard
at Cahal Pech |
The mopan Maya words ‘Cahal Pech’ translate
to “Place of the Ticks”. It was given that name
in the 1950’s because of the vast number of ticks
that flourished the six acre ground formerly used as a cattle
pasture. It is unlikely however, that visitors will encounter
ticks on the site today.
Located in the northwestern part of the Cayo district, overlooking
the quaint town of San Ignacio and the Macal River, Cahal
Pech sits in a thick, lush jungle setting. Just a short
ten-minute walk from the town’s center, Cahal Pech
is probably the only Mayan site that is so easily accessible
while still maintaining the intrigue of transporting visitors
to an ancient Mayan world. It is believed that the archeological
site was populated around 1000 BC until 800 AD. Thirty-four
structures including several courtyards, temple pyramids
and residential buildings make up the site’s center.
Most noteworthy is its tallest structure approximating 23.5
meters – 77 feet high.
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| Visitors
explore ancient stairways |
Studies reveal that Cahal Pech was once a “royal acropolis”,
with a palace inhabited by an elite Mayan family during
the classical period. Visitors can let their imagination
run wild as they explore the narrow interconnecting corridors,
the small, steep steps and the dark, cool rooms that could
have been the actual sleeping quarters of a royal family.
Exploring the detailed lay out of the palace is an amazing
and unforgettable experience. Evidence suggests existence
of monumental construction from as early as the middle pre-classic
period, 400 BC.
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Mayan
Temple |
Discovered by Peter Schmidt in 1969 was the royal tomb of
a ruler who had been laid to rest in one of the temples.
Found inside were jade objects, obsidian blades, shell and
bone ornaments, some ceramic vessels and a mysterious jade
and shell mosaic mask. Between the years 1970 and 1985,
the site was unfortunately looted on numerous occasions.
The destruction of the site became a serious concern to
the people of San Ignacio who recognized the site’s
cultural value. Eventually, in 1988, a formal large-scale
excavation took place that continues today. Recent
restoration work makes this site one of Belize's favorites.
Places nearby: 
Interests:
