Just a short walk from the present-day town of Cahal Pech, also known as "The Place of Ticks" in Yucatecan Maya, this Maya site is very convenient to visit. Located in San Ignacio along the banks of the Macal River in the Cayo District, Cahal Pech was a ceremonial center, with temples, palaces and a ball court. The site offers you a spectacular panoramic view of San Ignacio and the Belize River Valley.

Getting here is only part of the fun! Located within the magnificent Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, the Rio On Pools is scenic, with its granite rocks and ledges that form the most aesthetic waterfalls and fresh-water pools. The river-banks feature the perfect picnic locations with excellent views of the area.

If you want to get a feel for how the locals shop, check out the San Ignacio Market on a Saturday. Local farmers sell fruits and vegetables and vendors offer crafts, clothing and household goods. It’s a great way to buy some real Belizean items and meet some really great people.

Tucked away in the Mountain Pine Ridge area is Barton Creek Cave, a wet cave that offers canoeing and a chance to see Maya ceramics and calcified skeletons of ancient Maya. If you want adventure, the drive here alone should get you ready for this cave expedition.One of the most interesting discoveries was a necklace composed of perforated animal finger bones and a carved bone. The carving depicts a seated figure with his hands across his waist and legs facing forward.

Deep within the forests lies a wonder of both ancient and natural Belize. Following a 45-minute drive from San Ignacio and a 45-minute hike through the beautiful Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve with numerous jungle stream crossings, visitors find a crystal-clear stream flowing from the cave opening.Take a short swim into the cave and a guided hike through the passage to one of the most impressive Maya sites in Belize. Also known locally as "Xibalba," you'll find evidence of ceramics, stoneware and skeletons. One artifact named the "Monkey Pot" is one of just four found in Central America. One skeleton, known as "The Crystal Maiden," is the calcified bones of a teenage girl, giving the skeleton a sparkling appearance.