Exploring San Ignacio, Belize: How Long Should You Stay?

San Ignacio in Belize is a beautiful destination for its lush jungle environment, unique lodges, spectacular Mayan temples, and unforgettable excursions. It is located in the Cayo District on the Macal River and is known for its friendly people, rich culture, comfortable accommodations, amazing food, and abundant adventure tours.

The town of San Ignacio is a popular hub for tourists, with many restaurants and shops, but the main attraction lies in its beautiful surroundings. From San Ignacio, you can visit the most impressive Mayan temples in Belize, such as Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and the remote ruins of Caracol. Another highlight is the famous guided Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) tour, which takes you on an adventurous excursion to an ancient Mayan cave where human sacrifices were once made.

There are various accommodation options in San Ignacio, ranging from luxurious jungle resorts and hotels to more affordable backpacker hostels. The duration of your stay in San Ignacio depends on your interests and the number of activities you wish to undertake. Many travellers recommend spending at least a few days in this jungle paradise, with some suggesting that 7 days is a suitable length to explore the various sites and attractions in the area.

Hotels and lodges

San Ignacio, Belize, offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hostels. Here is a detailed list of hotels and lodges to consider:

• San Ignacio Resort Hotel: Nestled in a rainforest, this luxurious hotel offers beautiful garden and rainforest views, an on-site restaurant, and engaging iguana conservation tours. It has 27 rooms and suites designed with local art and Belizean hardwood furnishings.
• Mystic River Resort: An adventure-focused resort with diverse activities, including jungle and river explorations. It offers morning coffee delivery, rooms with fireplaces, a yoga deck, and archaeological tours.
• The Lodge at Chaa Creek: Located on the Macal River, this lodge features palm-thatched cottages with private verandas overlooking the jungle. It offers a swimming pool, private jungle grounds, a restaurant, and a wellness centre.
• Falling Leaves Lodge: A lovely boutique hotel located on the edge of the centre, near the Cahal Pech ruins. The spacious rooms offer beautiful views of the jungle garden. It provides free parking, an on-site restaurant, and a garden terrace.
• Maya Mountain Lodge: A quiet nature-filled lodge surrounded by lush gardens and hiking trails. It offers spacious cabins and apartments, Caribbean cuisine, and nearby dining options. It is just 2.5 kilometres from San Ignacio town.
• Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge: An all-inclusive hotel offering excursions to Mayan ruins, river activities, and horseback riding. It boasts a beautiful pool, jungle views, and accommodating staff. It is located a few miles south of San Ignacio.
• Vanilla Hills Lodge: This serene lodge offers unique and elegant accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows, hammocks, and outdoor showers. It is known for its top-notch cuisine and exciting tours, including treehouse stays.
• Table Rock Jungle Lodge: A small-scale eco-lodge located on the Macal River, on the site of an old plantation. It offers ten jungle lodges spread across a large area, with hiking trails, kayaking opportunities, and a petting zoo.
• Mahogany Hall Boutique Resort: A luxury jungle retreat near the Mopan River, offering spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and attentive service. It features an on-site restaurant and bar, and arranges excursions to Mayan ruins.
• Cahal Pech Village Resort: A hilltop resort offering breathtaking views and access to attractions like the Cahal Pech ruins. It has spacious rooms, a pool area, and a pool bar. It is located close to the town and restaurants.
• Bella's Backpackers: A basic yet comfortable hostel located in the centre of San Ignacio. It offers both dormitories and private rooms with shared bathroom facilities.

Mayan temples and ruins

San Ignacio in Belize is a popular destination for tourists, and it's not hard to see why. The town is known for its friendly people, rich culture, comfortable accommodations, amazing food, and abundant adventure tours.

One of the biggest draws to the area is the ancient Mayan ruins. These include temples, plazas, and dwellings, some of which have helped archaeologists uncover important information about Mayan history.

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

Xunantunich is widely considered the most prestigious Mayan ruin in Belize. It is located just west of Cahal Pech and features the notable main temple, El Castillo, which rises 39 meters over the plaza. From the top of the temple, you can enjoy panoramic views of the jungle and the Guatemalan town of Melchor. Xunantunich was the first Mayan ruin to be opened to visitors in 1950 and was once a prosperous city state during the Classical Maya era, home to 200,000 people.

Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins

Cahal Pech is one of the finest Mayan ruins in San Ignacio, dated to 1,500 B.C., making it one of the oldest ruins in Belize. It is located close to Xunantunich, making it easy to visit both sites in one day. Cahal Pech consists of seven plazas and over 30 structures, including temples, residential buildings, ball courts, an altar, and a sweat house, all situated on just 2 acres. One of the temples commands a breathtaking view of the surrounding Belize River Valley.

El Pilar Mayan Ruins

El Pilar is one of the most extensive Mayan ruins in Belize, spanning over 100 acres. It has 25 separate plazas, each with unique features. The site was believed to be a central hydration point for the Mayans, as evidenced by its name, which means "watering basin" in Spanish. El Pilar has triple the number of pyramids and plazas found in nearby sites like Xunantunich and Cahal Pech.

Caracol

Caracol is a beautifully preserved Mayan ruin featuring a gorgeous temple that rises above the jungle canopy. Visitors can climb to the top of the temple and explore the onsite museum, which boasts archaeological displays. Caracol is the largest Maya city ever excavated in Belize and features majestic temples that offer spectacular views of the surrounding Chiquibul forest reserve.

Lamanai

Lamanai is located in Northern Belize within the Orange Walk District. This site has a long history of existence, spanning 3,000 years, and features numerous temples. Copper was found in abundance here, marking a pivotal technological change.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha was one of the smallest cities in the Maya civilization but was very important as a main hub for trade. It features tombs, pyramids, and temples, and is also known for the "Jade Head," the largest Mayan jade artifact ever discovered.

Santa Rita

Santa Rita dates back to at least 2000 BC and offers a unique perspective on Mayan culture. It was a hub for traders traveling between Mexico and Guatemala, which is reflected in the unusual artifacts found at the site, including jade, mica, gold earrings, pottery, ceramics, and agricultural tools.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave

The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is a Mayan cave site where human sacrifices were once made. This day trip takes visitors on an adventurous excursion, providing a glimpse into the ancient rituals and ceremonies of the Maya.

Outdoor activities

San Ignacio in Belize is a great destination for outdoor activities, especially for those interested in nature and wildlife. Here are some ideas for outdoor activities in and around San Ignacio:

Caving

The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is a popular destination for tourists. It is an ancient Maya ceremonial site where you can see pottery, stoneware, and human remains preserved for over a millennium. This cave system involves swimming, wading, and scrambling through watery caverns to reach a living museum deep in the site. Cameras are not allowed on these tours out of respect for the sacred site and to ensure participants stay close to their guides.

Other caves in the area include Barton Creek Cave, Nohoch Che’en Cave, St. Herman’s & Crystal Cave, and Che Chem Ha Cave.

Ancient Mayan Sites

San Ignacio is known for its Mayan ruins and temples. The Xunantunich Mayan Ruins are accessible via a hand-cranked ferry. Caracol is the largest archaeological site in Belize, boasting magnificent temples immersed in the dense jungle. Cahal Pech is a small, easy-to-explore Mayan site located approximately one mile outside the San Ignacio town centre.

Bird Watching & Wildlife Viewing

Belize is a bird-watcher’s paradise, and San Ignacio is no exception. The San Ignacio Resort Hotel, for example, has documented 119 species within its property. The Green Iguana Conservation Project is another popular destination where you can get up close and personal with green iguanas and learn about their preservation.

The Macal River valley and the protected forests that span from it are abundant with wildlife, especially tropical bird species. The Belize Zoo and the Community Baboon Sanctuary are also great options for wildlife viewing.

Water & Hiking Activities

The Macal River is a great spot for canoeing, offering the chance to enjoy the lush landscape and observe local wildlife. The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is another popular hiking destination, featuring Big Rock Falls and Rio on Pools. The Belize Botanic Garden and Don Elijio Panti National Park also offer beautiful trails and tropical plants to explore.

Other Adventures

For those seeking more adventurous activities, there is jungle ziplining, rainforest ATV safari tours, and inner tubing through ancient cave systems.

Food and restaurants

San Ignacio, Belize, is a foodie's paradise, with a diverse range of cuisines and dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. The town has become a culinary hub, boasting some of the best and highest-rated restaurants in the area. Here is a guide to the food and restaurant scene in San Ignacio.

Breakfast Spots

Pop's Belize Restaurant is an institution for breakfast lovers, serving American classics like eggs, toast, pancakes, and waffles, as well as Belizean favourites such as fry jacks, refried beans, and eggs with Chaya (Mayan spinach). With its all-day breakfast menu, friendly service, and killer coffee, it's no wonder Pop's is a beloved landmark in San Ignacio.

For a more local flavour, head to Erva's Restaurant, known for its homely atmosphere and delicious Belizean dishes. Their rice and beans with stewed pork is a favourite, and their burritos and coconut rice with shrimp bring a classic Caribbean taste.

Lunch and Dinner Options

Cenaida's Belizean Food is a downtown gem, offering tasty, affordable meals with generous portions. With its "homey" vibe and friendly owners, Cenaida's is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Try their parmesan chicken or Smokey grilled pork chops, and don't miss their holiday-themed meals, like the Finados (Belizean Dia de los Muertos) mestizo buffet.

Crave House of Flavour is a relatively new addition to the San Ignacio dining scene, but it has quickly made a name for itself. Chef Alejandro's creative dishes, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, are a work of food art. The intimate seating and open kitchen design make for a unique and memorable dining experience.

For a fusion of international flavours, visit The Guava Limb Restaurant & Cafe, located in a colonial-style house on the outskirts of downtown. This award-winning restaurant borrows influences from Asia, the Middle East, North America, and the Caribbean, creating an impressive range of dishes, from vegan lasagna to Lebanese hummus platters.

Ko’ox Han Nah Restaurant, or Hannah's, is another iconic San Ignacio establishment. With a simple, quaint atmosphere, Hannah's serves a unique mix of Indian dishes and Belizean staples, including Indian curry and Belizean rice and beans.

Quick Bites and Local Favourites

Mincho's and Mickey's are adjacent fast-food joints, each with its own signature dishes. Mincho's serves Latin American fare like salbutes, empanadas, and burritos, along with fresh juices, while Mickey's excels in Belizean-style breakfast foods, including journey cakes with beans, ham, and cheese, and massive breakfast burritos.

For a sweet treat, head to Sweet Ting, a dessert shop and coffee spot with a wide variety of homemade pastries and sweets.

Fine Dining and Speciality Restaurants

Cucina 1904 is a newcomer to the culinary scene, offering juicy steaks, colourful cocktails, and delectable desserts in a laid-back, courtyard-like setting.

Recinos Wine House is a fine dining establishment specialising in ribs, steaks, and pasta, with over 100 types of wine to choose from. Their signature steak and rack of ribs are standout dishes.

Markets and Cafes

The San Ignacio Farmer Market is a great spot for local food, especially on Saturdays.

Vivian's Cafe is perfect for families, offering snacks and ice cream in a kid-friendly setting.

The Ice Cream Shoppe is, as the name suggests, the go-to spot for ice cream, located next to Crave House of Flavour.

Transport

San Ignacio is located in the Cayo District of Belize, close to the border with Guatemala. The nearest international airport is in Belize City, and there are several transport options to get to San Ignacio from there.

One option is to take a local bus, which is the cheapest mode of transportation. However, the buses can be old and crowded, and the journey can be quite slow. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle service, such as William's Belize Shuttle, which offers private or shared transfers. These shuttles can be booked in advance and provide door-to-door service. The cost of a shuttle from Belize City to San Ignacio is typically around $120 USD for two people.

Another option is to rent a car or take a taxi, although these options can be more expensive. If you are staying in a remote jungle lodge outside of San Ignacio, it may be difficult to get there by public transport, so you may need to arrange a pick-up service or rent a car.

There are also water taxis available in Belize City, which can be combined with a shuttle service to get to San Ignacio. Additionally, there is a small airport in San Ignacio, known as Mayan Flats Airstrip, which offers limited flights to and from Belize City and San Pedro.

San Ignacio is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area. You can easily visit nearby villages and settlements, such as Bullet Tree Falls, Billy White, Santa Familia, and Spanish Lookout. The town is also a popular hub for tours to nearby attractions, such as the Xunantunich Archaeological Site, the ATM Cave, and the Tikal Ruins in Guatemala.

Frequently asked questions