El Pilar
A forest site straddling the Belize–Guatemala border, where most structures are still covered by rainforest; excellent for birdwatching and quiet.
El Pilar is a large Maya city spanning the national border, preserved as a 'forest garden'. Most of its pyramids remain covered in trees, with only a few cleared buildings and forest trails open, so you can see what the site looked like before archaeological discovery. Visitors are rare, and toucans and parrots are common. It lies about 19 km down a dirt road from San Ignacio and requires a 4WD or a tour; admission is about US$5.
Opening hours
08:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- San Ignacio Market
- Green Iguana Conservation Project
- Cahal Pech
- Xunantunich
- Belize Botanic Gardens
- Barton Creek Cave
- Big Rock Falls
- Rio Frio Cave