Cahal Pech is one of the most important Maya sites in Belize. It was originally built around 1000 BC, during what’s known as the Classic Period of Maya rule. Today, if you’re in the town of San Ignacio, you can visit this key place in Maya history.
Importance of Cahal Pech Maya Ruins
Cahal Pech is a wonderful example of Maya architecture and engineering. After all these centuries, you can still see the skill of the Maya builders and artists. In addition to the towering pyramid where the Maya buried their most important leaders, you can see many remarkably well-preserved sites at this ancient city, including temples, ball courts, homes, and a sweat lodge.
Cahal Pech also features an onsite museum and interactive exhibit where you can learn more about the Maya. If you want to learn even more, you can visit the nearby ruins at Xunantunich and Tikal. Or you can enjoy getting close to nature with a bird-watching tour within the site.
A New Discovery at Cahal Pech Maya Ruins
Recently, archaeologists discovered new information about a burial site at Cahal Pech Ruins. According to the discovery, the grave was reserved for the most important and powerful leaders of the city and three persons were found buried in the site.
The archaeologists found that at one point, the second person’s body was unearthed. One of his bones was removed and replaced with the bone of a jaguar. This indicates that he was so powerful and so feared that his name evoked fear even long after his death. A bone from his body was considered a powerful talisman.
Another surprising find in the latest excavation is a painter’s palette which still shows brightly-colored paint stains. This find suggests that the third buried person was a mural artist, a profession that was highly regarded among the ancient Maya.
Visit Cahal Pech Maya Ruins
If you’re ready to experience the wonder and mystery of Maya history, the site at Cahal Pech is a great place to start. The best place to stay for your Maya tour is Caves Branch Jungle Lodge.
Caves Branch Jungle Lodge specializes in adventures that take you deep into the jungle and deep into history. The Reservations Staff at Caves Branch can arrange a tour that includes Cahal Pech, Xunantunich and Tikal. We can even add rafting tours, bird-watching tours, trips to the Belize zoo or a tour of the botanical garden to your Belize vacation itinerary.
If you’re looking for the best of Belize, Caves Branch Jungle Lodge can give you the authentic experience you’re looking for.