Now perched on the highest hill overlooking San Ignacio Town, the Maya ruins of Cahal Pech were originally built as an enclave for the elite. Located in a gorgeous natural setting and surrounded by tropical birds and colorful jungle fauna, Cahal Pech is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Belize. An informative museum on the grounds gives visitors an introduction to the hilltop city and features a dazzling collection of artifacts found at the site.
Layout of Cahal Pech Maya Ruins
Today, archeologists have excavated a total of 34 structures in Cahal Pech in an area measuring just over two acres in size. The “downtown” portion of Cahal Pech includes several temple pyramids, residence buildings, and seven impressive courtyards. The tallest structure on the site is a temple that measures 77 feet high. Other attractions at Cahal Pech include a ceremonial altar, five historical stelae, and two ball courts.
History of Cahal Pech Maya Ruins
Archeologists estimate that Cahal Pech was first founded around 1,000 years Before the Common Era. During the Classic Period (300-800 of the Common Era) of the Maya civilization, most of the surviving buildings, including the largest temples and palaces, were constructed during this time. Around the year 800, the citizens of Cahal Pech abandoned the city for unknown reasons, particularly mysterious because nearby Maya sites in Belize continued to be thriving population centers for several more centuries.
Although the original name for the site is lost to history, today it is called Cahal Pech, a combination Yucatan/Mopan Maya term meaning “place of the ticks”. This was the name local cattle farmers in the 1950s gave to the area.
Cahal Pech Maya Ruins Tour Information
Visitors to Cahal Pech are encourage to wear comfortable, loose, lightweight clothing and proper shoes. Long pants are recommended over shorts as they will help give additional protection from insects. All visitors are encouraged to bring plenty of drinking water, and fair-skinned individuals are recommended to make ample use of sunscreen and hats.
The Cahal Pech Visitor’s Center is open Monday through Sunday, and contains a reconstructed model of the entire site.
For more information about things to see and do in Belize, feel free to chat with our Concierge at: concierge@chabilmarvillas.com or contact our Reservations Manager at: reservations@chabilmarvillas.com. Or perhaps you would like to call toll free from the US or Canada: 1-866-417-2377.
You’ve probably already heard about all of the amazing things to do and see in Belize, learned that every major airline offers non-stop flights to the country, and that Belize is an unspoiled natural paradise.
Before you depart for a wonderful vacation, here are 10 things you need to know to make sure your trip goes smoothly:
1 – Money
One American dollar is always equivalent to 2 Belizean dollars (BZD). American dollars are accepted everywhere.
2 – Visas
Citizens of Canada, the United States, and the EU do not need a visa to enter the country as a tourist for up to 30 days. For longer stays, you’ll need an extension.
3 – Language
As a former British colony, Belize is the only country in the region where English is the official language. Many people also speak Creole (similar to English), Spanish, Maya, Garifuna, and German.
4 – Toiletries
Be sure to bring sunscreen if you have fair skin. It’s also a good idea to bring insect repellent as well. In order to protect the environment, choose natural products.
5 – Clothes to Pack
Definitely don’t forget to bring a swimsuit! It rarely gets cold in Belize, so a sweatshirt or jacket is the most you’ll need. Casual wear like shorts and sandals are practically the national uniform in Belize.
6 – Religious Customs
Most people in Belize are Christian, so be sure to act respectfully in and around churches and during important religious holidays like Easter and Christmas.
7 – Electricity
Belize uses the same outlets and voltages as the United States, so all of your gear will work just fine.
8 – Holidays and Festivals
Belize is a country that loves to celebrate, so be sure to check the calendar to find out which exciting festivals, holidays, and concerts will be taking place during your visit.
9 – Health Requirements
Belize has top-quality healthcare, and there are no major health risks associated with visiting the country. The weather is quite warm in Belize so be sure to drink plenty of water so as to not get hydrated.
10 – Get Excited!
Belize is a land of adventure, so be prepared to have a ton of fun. Whether you spend your time clambering around ancient Maya pyramids, zip lining through the jungle, spotting howler monkeys in the wild, or swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling on the reef, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time.
Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call & chat with us via WhatsApp Free Worldwide: +501-633-7547, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.
Placencia Village on the southeastern coast of Belize is a popular holiday destination for North American expats and tourists. The village is located on the southern tip of the 16-mile long narrow Placencia Peninsula, a relaxed “barefoot friendly” community that bills itself as the caye (island) that you can drive to as it is easily accessible by automobile via a paved 27-mile road that branches off from the Southern Highway.
Placencia is a popular destination for vacationers but each tourist brings their own expectations to the kind of experience that they have in the area. Many enjoy the laid-back barefoot atmosphere where you can wander up and down the public beaches or mosey into some of the best bars and restaurants in the area. Others visitors looking for a more pampered experience can stay at top-rated luxury resorts like Chabil Mar located just a few minutes’ walk from the village.
The high season in Placencia starts in mid-December and lasts until after Easter, although any time of the year is a good time to visit. There’s always a bump in the number of visitors during the full moons of the months of May and June as that’s when the whale sharks come to feed in the waters just offshore.
Here are 8 must do activities/tours in Placencia.
Explore Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Stann Creek District and not far from Placencia Village, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is globally recognized as the world’s first jaguar preserve and is home to cascading waterfalls to swim in, panoramic mountain views, nature trails, furry mammals, colorful insects, scaly reptiles and a variety of neotropical birds. In addition, river tubing is a favorite adventure for the many visitors to this unique tropical paradise. Tours leave daily from Chabil Mar.
Although the jaguar (the largest spotted cat in the world) is what the reserve is famous for, you are unlikely to see one as the cat is nocturnal. However you will see its tracks along with tracks of tapir, deer, and other wildlife that inhabit the nature reserve. Cockscomb Basin is also home to one of Belize’s highest points — Victoria Peak and many travelers who vacation in Placencia go on this tour.
Go on a Kayaking expedition at Laughing Bird Caye
Kayaking in Placencia is a joy! The crystal clear waters, tepid sunshine and balmy Caribbean breezes that Belize offers make for an ideal kayaking expedition. As you glide across the warm waters, you will observe untouched coral reefs, white sandy beaches and abundant marine wildlife like the amazing sea turtle.
Belize has numerous cayes that can be explored on a kayak. Laughing Bird Caye National Park for example, is a mini atoll and is a favorite stopover for reef kayakers.
Pay a Visit to the Resident Howler Monkeys
Take a boat to Monkey River Village and head up Monkey River and into the jungle to pay a visit with the resident howler monkeys. Complete your adventure along the ride to observe crocodiles sunning along the river banks, along with exotic birds, iquana hanging in the trees, a few bats and lizards and enjoy a lunch with the villagers in Monkey River. On the way back to Placencia you may even see a few manatees along with their pups.
Explore Maya Temple Sites
According to archeologists, over 1 million Maya people lived in present day Belize. Today there are a range of Maya temples scattered throughout Belize. If you are vacationing in Placencia, you might want to explore Maya Temples like Nim Li Punit and Lubantuun in the Toledo District or Xunantunich and Cahal Pech in western Belize. While visiting some of these sites, maybe even add on a swim up river and into a cave! That is a thrill of a lifetime.
Dive or Snorkel – even with Whale Sharks
Home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, Belize is a diver and snorkeler’s dream come true. In addition, over 100 islands dot the coastline, just offshore from Placencia, providing endless opportunities for diverse diving and snorkeling opportunities.
During the months of March, April, May and June around the full moon, giant whale sharks will emerge in the turquoise clear waters of Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve near the Placencia Peninsula. This marine reserve is used by over 30 species of tropical fishes to release their eggs and it is the eggs of the cubera, mutton and dog snappers that the whale sharks munch on.
Both divers and snorkelers can swim with these giant whale sharks in the pristine and warm waters of southern Belize without any risk from these magnificent creatures as they do not pose any significant threat to humans.
Fishing is Extraordinary
As a traditional fishing Village, Placencia is the residency of some of the finest fishing captains in Belize. And, due to its location on a peninsula, the lagoons to the west, the Caribbean to the east and the barrier reef 18 miles offshore, while being dotted with multiple islands (cayes, pronounced “keys”), fishing is inherent in the population and history of this beautiful Village of 1500 residents. A grand slam is a definitely a possibility while visiting Placencia.
Enjoy delicious Belizean Cuisines
Placencia Village is a traditional fishing Village with a tourist element. It is this small tourist exposure that has encouraged its residents to populate it with amazing restaurants like Tipsy Tuna, Rum Fish, Barefoot, La Dolce Vita, Secret Garden, Yoli’s, Pickled Parrot, Purple Space Monkey and Wendy’s (no not the fast food restaurant) and these well known restaurants offer a variety of fresh sea food at a reasonable price. Dotted along the streets are many vendors serving some of the best Belizean dishes in the country, passed down from generations and prepared with local ingredients. Rum Fish for example, sells the best fish tacos and if you are into gourmet burgers you’ll have to try Barefoot Restaurant & Bar which is located right on the beach.
You can also check out the Italian Gelato Shop that offers incredible and authentic fruit gelatos. Gelato in Placencia? Yes, and we dare say among the best you will ever have the pleasure to put to your palate.
Placencia Beaches
In a country with more than 180 miles of beaches, the Placencia Peninsula truly stands out. Lovely white sand, refreshing tropical breezes, and the sight and scent of the sparkling waters of the Caribbean combine for a truly unforgettable tropical beach experience.
While many people partake in organized adventures on both the mainland and nearby Belize Barrier Reef, one of the truly special joys of a Belize vacation is relaxing and exploring the beaches of the Placencia peninsula.
Below are a few ways to make the most of Placencia’s golden beaches:
Take a long walk – In some parts, it’s considered a cliche to say that you enjoy a long walk on the beach, but in Placencia the words won’t matter. Whether you’re strolling hand in hand with a loved one or simply admiring the view on your own, walking along the beach in Placencia is undeniably good for the soul.
Enjoy a fine meal – Whether you’ve packed a picnic basket filled to the brim with tasty local goodies or you’ve decided to enjoy a seafront view at one of the peninsula’s amazing restaurants, few experiences can compare to dining on delicious food and drinks on the beach.
Main Street – New York has Fifth Avenue and Paris has the Champs-Élysées, but the village of Placencia has its own unique claim to fame. Officially declared the smallest main street in the world, the central “boulevard” running through the middle of the village is actually a sidewalk just four feet across. No cars are allowed which makes it the perfect place to visit cute little shops, grab a coffee, or sit down for a delicious snack.
Relax! – Many people get so wound up trying to cram in as many activities and tours during their vacation that they forget the reason why they decided to visit Belize in the first place. The lovely golden dunes of Placencia are a great place to work on your tan, swing in a hammock, or dip your toes in the Caribbean while unwinding and relaxing.
Seine Bight – Heading north from Placencia Village, visitors walking along the beach have the opportunity to go see the village of Seine Bight. Home to Belize’s unique Garifuna culture, Seine Bight is a great chance to experience Garifuna music, dancing, and food.
Take unforgettable photos – Whether you want to impress your friends on social media with your amazing selfies or simply want to capture the happy memories of vacation, the beaches of Placencia are ideal for taking photographs.
Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Placencia, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.
Placencia is a small peninsula measuring about 1 mile across and 16 miles north and south attached to the southeastern corner of Stann Creek District in southeastern Belize. Placencia is approximately 160 miles (by land) south of Belize City and 33 miles south of Dangriga, the capital of Stann Creek District.
Placencia Peninsula
Due to its unique geography, the Placencia Peninsula offers visitors two very different terrains. On the landward side, the peninsula is bordered by several mangrove-lined lagoons, known for their rich abundance of fishing opportunities. The seaward side fronts the Caribbean and offers spectacular vistas and easy access to the nearby Belize Barrier Reef. The beaches of Placencia Peninsula are renowned for their pristine beauty.
Placencia Village
Located at the southern part of the peninsula where it joins the mainland, the small village of Placencia is still primarily a fishing-oriented community. With the advent of tourism into the area, the village is now home to ATMs, restaurants, cafes, luxury resorts, and dive shops.
Placencia Belize Weather
Like the rest of Belize, the Placencia Peninsula enjoys warm temperatures all year-round. The green season runs approximately from May to November, with heavier rains usually found in September and October. Daytime temps average between about 70F (21C) to 83F (28C) and nights range from about 70F (20C) to 77F (25C).
Placencia on the Belize Map (see photo above)
If you look at southeastern Belize and can find the Stann Creek District, it is very easy to spot the Placencia Peninsula. Shaped roughly like a boot with the toe pointing towards the mainland, the peninsula is at the very bottom of Stann Creek District right where it meets Toledo District.
Where to stay in Placencia Belize
Due to its beautiful beaches and fantastic views of the Caribbean, the peninsula has become a growing tourist hotspot. One of the finest resorts on the peninsula is Chabil Mar, which offers guests modern luxury in fully-equipped villas just a few minutes’ beach stroll from Placencia Village.
With close access to some of the finest attractions on the mainland like the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and just minutes away from some of the most beautiful parts of the Belize Barrier Reef, the Placencia Peninsula has become a popular destination in recent years. When not exploring the mainland or the offshore reefs, visitors can relax on one of the many fine beaches, learn more about the Garifuna culture, or pass the time away in one of the bars and restaurants on the peninsula.
Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Placencia, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Placencia Belize vacation.
Many people think that the culture which built all of the pyramids, palaces, and colossal stone cities in Belize and other areas of Central America are long gone. But there are more than six million Maya people living in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras, and they have preserved much of their heritage.
Today, the largest concentration of Maya people are in Mexico’s southern Yucatan Peninsula and southern Belize. Indeed, there are three different distinct groups of Maya in Belize known by their dialect, called the Yucatec, Kekchi, and Mopan. The Yucatec Maya emigrated from Mexico in the 19th century while the Mopan and Kekchi are the original inhabitants of Belize. And while most Maya in the region speak Spanish, most of the Maya in Belize are fluent in Spanish and English as well as their native tongue.
It’s often presumed that the collapse of the Maya civilization occurred as the result of the Spanish invading and conquering Central America. In reality, something occurred around the year 900 AD, long before the arrival of any Europeans in the area, and the Maya civilization self-destructed, the majority of cities becoming abandoned and left to the jungle. No one is quite sure why this occurred, but the latest research speculates that a combination of climate change and civil war was to blame.
The ancient Maya civilization was never ruled by one king or emperor. Instead, it was a loose confederation of independent kingdoms that were often at war with one another. The Maya civilization was, however, quite tight-knit, bound by a vast trade network, common language, and common religious beliefs. Many legends still abound about the Maya because their ancient hieroglyphic writing was undecipherable until recently. Today, archeologists are slowly piecing together a much more comprehensive history of the ancient Maya including titanic battles between legendary rulers in places like Xunantunich, Caracol, and Tikal (the latter is located just across the border in Guatemala).
And while the early Europeans did their best to “civilize” the Maya and eradicate their ancient culture, many Maya were living in remote, rural areas and thus escaped the wrath of the Spanish. As such, the Maya have preserved ancient dances like the Dance of the Deer, traditional foods like chocolate and corn, and textile skills.
If you’re interested in visiting ancient Maya sites or learning more about Maya culture, one of the best places to stay is Chabil Mar. Located in southern Belize, Chabil Mar is an award-winning luxury resort that offers cultural tours to learn more about the people, music, food, and cultures in Belize.
Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.
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