Each year, thousands of tourists flock to the lush jungles of Central America's Yucatan peninsula to visit the spectacular Mayan ruins that dot the landscape. Some are so well-traveled you might be reluctant to make the journey; most tourists' images of stately pyramids and ancient stone-works don't include hundreds of other visitors simultaneously tramping over the same grounds. If you're in the mood for archeology and architecture, but on a low-key tip, leave one of the more famous sites like Tikal or Calakmul off of your itinerary, and schedule a trip to Belize's Cahal Pech.
Dubbed "The Place of Ticks" by the team that rediscovered it in the 1930s, Cahal Pech was abandoned sometime during the 9th century. The global impact of World War II postponed any serious attempt at unearthing the city until the 1950s, when a professor from the University of Pennsylvania led a team into the jungle to begin exhuming the site.
Ancient Cities of the Maya
The government of Belize took an interest in having Cahal Pech permanently restored; in 1988, a twelve-year project to completely exhume and repair many of the buildings was undertaken, lead by Dr. Jaime Awa of the NICH (Belize's National Institute of Archeology). This project was able to make detailed descriptions of the site, uncover many artifacts, and gather much data, which has aided other researchers in creating a picture of the city's once-bustling daily routine.
Cahal Pech still lies within a heavily-forested region of jungle, a habitat for many plants and animals and an area of significant natural beauty. When Belize's first Commissioner of Archeology visited the site in the 1960s, he was struck by the need to protect the site from the encroaching presence of modern civilization; as a consequence, strict laws were enacted that curtail logging, construction, and other commercial activities around the site's perimeter.
Before it was abandoned, Cahal Pech was, according to evidence, used by the Maya almost continuously since the Maya Pre-classic period. Construction of the city began sometime around 1200 BC, making it one of the oldest and longest-lived urban centers of the Maya :in use for nearly two thousand years. Over 30 structures, some towering 25 meters or more above the jungle floor, are arranged around a central acropolis, and the purity of its artifacts and building remains make it one of the most valuable Maya cities yet uncovered.
Gardens of Stone
Cahal Pech's location near the meeting of two rivers :the Macal and Mopan :is an indication of how important natural sources of water were to the first city-builders. The Maya would later become a pioneering force in developing irrigation, which allowed the construction of large-scale agricultural projects as well as larger, more complex cities. The site can be entered for only a small admission fee, though you may want to spring for the extra expense of a guide to take you around, as the city's many small historical treasures might otherwise be easily overlooked.
With such a pristine and accessible location :not to mention a whole host of amazing buildings and artifacts :it's a safe bet that Cahal Pech won't remain a secret forever. Be sure to plan your trip soon, as there's nothing like being able to experience this amazing ancient relic in peace and solitary tranquility.
Dubbed "The Place of Ticks" by the team that rediscovered it in the 1930s, Cahal Pech was abandoned sometime during the 9th century. The global impact of World War II postponed any serious attempt at unearthing the city until the 1950s, when a professor from the University of Pennsylvania led a team into the jungle to begin exhuming the site.
Ancient Cities of the Maya
The government of Belize took an interest in having Cahal Pech permanently restored; in 1988, a twelve-year project to completely exhume and repair many of the buildings was undertaken, lead by Dr. Jaime Awa of the NICH (Belize's National Institute of Archeology). This project was able to make detailed descriptions of the site, uncover many artifacts, and gather much data, which has aided other researchers in creating a picture of the city's once-bustling daily routine.
Cahal Pech still lies within a heavily-forested region of jungle, a habitat for many plants and animals and an area of significant natural beauty. When Belize's first Commissioner of Archeology visited the site in the 1960s, he was struck by the need to protect the site from the encroaching presence of modern civilization; as a consequence, strict laws were enacted that curtail logging, construction, and other commercial activities around the site's perimeter.
Before it was abandoned, Cahal Pech was, according to evidence, used by the Maya almost continuously since the Maya Pre-classic period. Construction of the city began sometime around 1200 BC, making it one of the oldest and longest-lived urban centers of the Maya :in use for nearly two thousand years. Over 30 structures, some towering 25 meters or more above the jungle floor, are arranged around a central acropolis, and the purity of its artifacts and building remains make it one of the most valuable Maya cities yet uncovered.
Gardens of Stone
Cahal Pech's location near the meeting of two rivers :the Macal and Mopan :is an indication of how important natural sources of water were to the first city-builders. The Maya would later become a pioneering force in developing irrigation, which allowed the construction of large-scale agricultural projects as well as larger, more complex cities. The site can be entered for only a small admission fee, though you may want to spring for the extra expense of a guide to take you around, as the city's many small historical treasures might otherwise be easily overlooked.
With such a pristine and accessible location :not to mention a whole host of amazing buildings and artifacts :it's a safe bet that Cahal Pech won't remain a secret forever. Be sure to plan your trip soon, as there's nothing like being able to experience this amazing ancient relic in peace and solitary tranquility.
About the Author:
The Onejungle Adventure Travel Community is a place for adventure travelers and outdoor lovers to share travel stories and other impressions. Source for this article: The Strange History of Cahal Pech in Belize.
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