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A favorite spot for serious birders, EL Pilar is a 100 acre Middle Pre-Classic and Late Classic Mayan site which is currently being excavated by the University of California. The site is situated 12 miles northwest of San Ignacio in the Cayo District. The abundance of natural water sources in this vicinity is possibly the origin of the name El Pilar ("pila" being Spanish for watering basin). |
Entering ~ Inside Corbel Vault
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A number of buildings at El Pilar reach
50 to 70 feet in height, and the central plaza ruins consist
of temples, palaces, and housing for the elite. Large
water reservoirs and ball courts are located within the
center of the complex.
One particularly interesting feature is a causeway that extends from the eastern part of the ruins across the country border into Guatemala. Thus far, 12 pyramids and 25 plazas have been found at El Pilar. This is three times the number found in nearby sites such as Xunantunich and Cahal Pech. The site was occupied between (500 BC) and (1000 AD) periods. |
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In contrast to other nearby sites, El Pilar remains virtually the same way today as when it was discovered, as most structures are in the earliest stages of excavation,
however ambitious archaeological research is well underway
at this site.
Site Excavation |
Instead look for trails and
selected exposures of sample architecture. Currently,
El Pilar has a total of five trail systems, three archaeological
and two primarily nature trails intended to provide
insight into the agro-forestry of the ancient Maya.
El Pilar is excellent for birding, hiking, and provides an insight into Belize's sub-tropical forests. Birds such as toucans, Mot-Mots and large numbers of parrots frequent the area during the early mornings and late evenings.
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Nature Trail
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Getting to El Pilar ....
El Pilar is 7 miles beyond the village of Bullet
Tree Falls. Take the Bullet Tree Road from San Ignacio,
cross the Mopan River bridge in Bullet Tree, then look
for signs directing you to the scenic, all-weather
El
Pilar Road.
Visit and enjoy El Pilar as part of a Birding Package.
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