Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins

Cahal Pech is a Maya phrase that means “place of ticks.” This nickname dates back to the 1950s, because area used to be surrounded by pastures and tick-covered cattle. Don’t worry—you probably won’t see a tick while you’re here.

Cahal Pech is made up of 34 structures around several courtyards. There are two ball courts, eight stelae, one altar, and a The tallest building here is 77 feet (23 m) high. This ancient site was occupied from ancient times until around 850 AD. Many of the buildings you see today date from 600 to 800 AD.

Less than a 10-minute drive or a 25-minute uphill walk from the town of San Ignacio, the 2-acre Mayan ruin site called Cahal Pech makes for pleasant morning or afternoon trip.