Cahal Pech Ruins and Xunantunich Combo

Cahal Pech Ruin "Place of Ticks" is located in San Ignacio Town in the Cayo District, on an imposing hill that overlooks the twin towns of San Ignacio/Santa Elena. Capal Pech was occupied from 1200 BC, one of the earliest sites in Belize along with Xunantunich. This is a compact site with 7 plazas and 2 ball courts, the earliest Olmec-style Stella in Belize. It was a powerful city in the early classic 250 to 600 AD and was abandoned around 750AD

The entrance features a small museum filled with information about ancient Maya History. The museum features Stella, bark beaters to make paper, Metates, Pestles, and Mortar used by the ancient Mayans, and some eccentrics to name a few. This tour starts with a short walk from the parking lot and is ideal for family.

Hidden by the tall trees in the Rainforest, the Cahal Pech Archaeological site offers a Magnificent view of nature, wildlife, and history.

Cahal Pech Ruin Tips and Advisory

The Cahal Pech Ruins Experience with KaWiil Tours

Kawiil Tours is an inbound tour operator for Belize and is owned and operated by Luis Zaiden. Luis grew up in San Ignacio Town, Cayo district in the beautiful foothills of the Maya mountain. From a young age, Luis had a passion for history and nature. He spent most of his childhood with his friends playing in the river and also playing hide and seek in what is now Cahal Pech Archeological site. He never knew at the time that he would end up running his very own Tour Company. Nevertheless, that came to an end when he went to high school and eventually started working in Belize City.

KaWiil Tours offers the best of Western Belize. Luis and his licensed tour guides are well-trained and highly educated in Maya History. Travelers refer to Luis as having an "Encyclopedic Memory" of nature and history.

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    Here’s what people have to say about us

    - Kawiil ToursHannah Schilpp
    02:55 15 Mar 24
    We did the cave tour with Luis and it was incredible! It far surpasses our expectations. Luis knows his stuff and takes his time to share his knowledge. He’s also funny which made the trip more enjoyable! And his wife made a fabulous lunch!
    - Kawiil ToursNiquita Eng
    16:03 09 Mar 24
    So glad we got in with Luis! He took his time explaining little details I think would have otherwise been missed. I really appreciate his professionalism and the high standards he holds tour guides to. Luis holds tour guides accountable for educating their tourists. He gave us factual information without dancing around things that may upset people because, history doesn't care too much about your beliefs. I learned alot on this tour and if you go in with an open mind, you will love it!
    - Kawiil ToursTrey V
    14:15 08 Mar 24
    Luis was amazing. We took our 5 children (ages 7 to 17), and Luis kept it fun and interesting for us all. Good pace, unbelievable depth of knowledge, and the best laugh we’ve heard. Our kids talk more about Luis than the cave. Can’t recommend him enough.
    - Kawiil ToursJeremy Himle
    02:49 21 Feb 24
    Just finished our tour of ATM cave today and had a blast with Luis. While the other tour operators were rushing past us, Luis spoke about Mayan history and educated our group about historical events that shaped the cave history. He took his time and helped my girlfriend through difficult spots, and was observant to the needs of our small group. Many of the experiences we had were unique to other groups and I was so grateful for the memories he created. I’m sure that you might find a less expensive rush tour, but Luis has been guiding tours for over 20 years and it shows. I can’t recommend him enough. (Photo for attention purposes as no photos are allowed at ATM)
    - Kawiil ToursBrian Chapman
    02:23 17 Feb 24
    Our guide John was great! You could tell he really loves his country and all the beauty it has to show us. Thanks for sharing with us.
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