Best ancient sites in San Ignacio

San Ignacio, in the Cayo district of western Belize, is the base for four Maya sites of very different character. Xunantunich, across the Mopan River by hand-cranked ferry, has El Castillo, a 40-metre pyramid with a stucco frieze and views into Guatemala. Caracol, deep in the forest of the Vaca Plateau, is the largest Maya city in Belize, and its Caana pyramid is still the tallest building in the country. Cahal Pech, on a hill at the edge of town, is one of the oldest settlements in the valley, and El Pilar is left under the trees, with trails you often have to yourself.