El Pilar is an ancient Maya city center situated on the border between Belize and Guatemala. The archaeological site is located approximately 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) north of San Ignacio, Belize, and can be reached via the Belize River through San Ignacio and Bullet Tree Falls.
The name "El Pilar" translates from Spanish to "watering basin," a reference to the significant abundance of streams found around the site and beneath its escarpment. This geographic feature is noted as being rare within the broader Maya region.