San Ignacio, Belize: Cheap Tour Guide Tricks

San Ignacio in Belize is an expensive place to visit, but there are ways to explore the area on a budget. Tourists can save money by visiting the Cahal Pech Ruins, the local farmer's market, the Butterfly Farm & Natural History Museum, and the Rainforest Medicine Trail. In addition, there are several cheap restaurants in San Ignacio, such as Mickey's Snack Shop and Pop's. For accommodation, hostels like Bella's Backpackers offer good value for money. Tourists can also save money by renting a car and exploring the area on their own, instead of booking organised tours.

Cahal Pech Ruins

The ruins were once home to an elite Mayan ruling family during the Classic Period, but were abandoned by 800 AD. A royal burial chamber was discovered in one of the structures, containing various artefacts such as shell and bone ornaments, pottery vessels, obsidian blades, and jade objects.

The Cahal Pech Archaeological site offers a magnificent view of nature, wildlife, and history. It is surrounded by thick jungle foliage, with large Maya temples to explore. The site also features a small visitor centre, a museum, and a restaurant.

The entrance fee to the Cahal Pech Ruins is $5 USD per person, and it is recommended to bring sturdy shoes or hiking boots. The site is open from 6:30 am to 5 pm every day.

Tour Options

While it is possible to explore the Cahal Pech Ruins without a tour guide, there are several tour options available if you prefer a guided experience.

One option is the Cahal Pech Maya Ruins Tour, which combines a visit to the Cahal Pech Ruins with another half-day tour such as the Xunantunich Maya Ruins, river canoeing on the Macal River, horseback riding, or a visit to the Butterfly Farm. This tour provides an in-depth understanding of the history and significance of the site.

Another option is the Cahal Pech Ruins and Xunantunich Combo Tour offered by Kawiil Tours. This tour departs from San Ignacio at 8:30 am and lasts for about 2-2.5 hours. It includes a guide, entrance fees, and lunch if combined with other tours. Kawiil Tours is owned and operated by Luis Zaiden, a local of San Ignacio with a passion for history and nature, known for his encyclopedic knowledge.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, a non-guided experience at the Cahal Pech Ruins is also possible. The site is easily accessible with a short 30-minute walk from the centre of San Ignacio Town.

Where to Stay

If you're looking for accommodation near the Cahal Pech Ruins, here are a few options:

• Cahal Pech Village Resort: This resort offers beautiful panoramic views and is located right next to the archaeological site. It features a large pool, luxury huts, and spacious cabanas.
• Kawoq Hostel: A clean and tidy hostel located close to the centre of San Ignacio. The staff are knowledgeable about the area and can help arrange tours or taxis.
• Maya Mountain Lodge: Set in lush gardens, 2.5 km from the centre of San Ignacio, offering a peaceful and relaxing stay.

Local Farmer's Market

Local Farmers Market

The Local Farmers Market in San Ignacio, Belize, is a vibrant and bustling marketplace that offers a glimpse into the country's diverse cultures and traditions. It is located on the banks of the Macal River, adjacent to the town's football stadium, and is open seven days a week from 5 am to 6 pm, with Saturdays being the busiest day.

Produce and Food

The market features an array of fresh produce, including exotic fruits and vegetables, such as papayas, pineapples, and watermelons, and cauliflowers. Visitors can also indulge in a variety of Belizean dishes, like rice and beans, tamales, and pupusas, prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

Handicrafts and Souvenirs

The market is a great place to shop for unique souvenirs and handmade goods. You can find everything from handicrafts and jewellery to traditional medicinal remedies and homemade condiments. There are also clothing stalls offering second-hand items at bargain prices.

Entertainment

The Farmers Market comes alive with the sounds of traditional Belizean folk music, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere. Visitors can also observe the fascinating blend of languages spoken by the vendors, including German, English, Spanish, Creole, and the Mayan tongue.

Tips

It is recommended to bring cash and a reusable bag for shopping at the market. While the market is generally safe, it is always good to be cautious when handling money, as some vendors may not give the correct change. Saturdays are the best days to visit for the biggest turnout and the widest variety of products.

Butterfly Farm & Natural History Museum

The Chaa Creek Natural History Center & Butterfly Farm is a small nature centre with displays on Belize’s flora and fauna, as well as the early Maya. The butterfly farm breeds the dazzlingly iridescent blue morpho (Morpho peleides) for export. The highlight for many is the butterfly farm, where you can observe the "Belizean Blue" butterflies through every stage of their life cycle. The butterflies start as pale green eggs, which look like dewdrops, then become hungry caterpillars, dormant pupas, and finally, the beautiful butterflies that can be seen in enclosures around the world.

The centre is located on a tree-covered hillside above the Macal River. It is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm, with the last tour starting at 3 pm. Tours are free for guests of the Chaa Creek lodge and are offered in conjunction with tours of the Natural History Centre. It is recommended that you wear short or long pants, comfortable footwear, a hat, and bring sunscreen, water, insect repellent, and a camera.

Rainforest Medicine Trail

The Rainforest Medicine Trail in San Ignacio, Belize, is a great option for those seeking an informative and affordable outdoor experience. Here is a detailed guide to help you plan your visit:

Location and Cost

The Rainforest Medicine Trail is located at Chaa Creek, an eco-lodge known for its beautiful surroundings and focus on nature and history. The trail offers a gentle hike above the bank of the Macal River, where you can explore a diverse range of medicinal plants used throughout Mayan history. The cost for an unguided tour of the trail is only $5, and if you wish to have a guide accompany you and provide insights into the medical uses of the plants, the cost is an additional $5.

What to Expect

The trail showcases the Maya's expertise in utilising the natural resources of the jungle for practical and medicinal purposes. You will encounter vines that store drinking water, plants believed to help abate malaria, aid in diabetes management, cleanse the blood, and more. One of the trail's most remarkable features is that all the plants and trees are naturally occurring, highlighting the natural diversity of the rainforest.

Practical Information

The Rainforest Medicine Trail is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Guided tours are offered twice daily, at 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. The duration of the tour is approximately 45 to 60 minutes. It is recommended to wear long pants, sturdy protective footwear, a hat, and insect repellent. Don't forget to bring your camera and raingear if needed!

Other Attractions at Chaa Creek

While visiting the Rainforest Medicine Trail, you can also explore other attractions at Chaa Creek. These include the Butterfly Farm, where you can witness the gorgeous Blue Morpho butterfly, and the Natural History Museum, which provides insights into local flora, fauna, and Mayan history. Additionally, Chaa Creek offers various tours and activities, such as bird watching, horseback riding, and Mayan ruins tours.

The Rainforest Medicine Trail offers a fascinating and budget-friendly opportunity to learn about traditional Mayan medicine and explore the natural beauty of Belize. With its affordable cost and wealth of knowledge, it is definitely worth adding to your itinerary when visiting San Ignacio, Belize.

Barton Creek Tour

The Barton Creek Tour is a half-day tour of a stunning sacred cave, located in the jungle about 45 minutes from San Ignacio. The entire cave is about 10 miles long, with just under a mile accessible to tour groups. The tour involves canoeing into the Mayan Underworld, 'Xibalba', where you can observe ancient artefacts, sacrificial remains and broken pottery. The trip is fun, informative and unforgettable, with licensed guides trained in Belize History and Mayan Culture.

The tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and is a very relaxed and leisurely experience. It is a great option for families, with one reviewer commenting that their seven children, aged 7 to 17, loved the tour. The tour is also good for those who have never canoed before, as the guides are able to assist you in navigating the cave.

The tour begins in San Ignacio at 8 or 9 am, and takes around 4 to 5 hours. The drive to the cave takes you through a community of Dutch and Germans who live a simple lifestyle without electricity or motor vehicles. The cave itself is located in a remote area, and it is highly recommended that you hire a guide to bring you there, as the terrain is challenging and tourists often get their cars stuck.

Once you arrive at the cave, your guide will provide you with life jackets and high-powered flashlights before you board your canoes. The cave is very dark, so the flashlights are essential for visibility and for seeing the impressive interior. The water depths in the cave range from four to twelve feet deep, and the ceiling is very cavernous, with a maximum height of 100 feet. There are also impressive stalactites throughout the cave, but be careful not to touch them as they only grow one inch per year!

After canoeing about a mile into the cave, you will reach a point where the stalactites drop down to the water level, so you cannot go any further. At this point, you will turn around and paddle back to the entrance of the cave. There is a swimming area by the river, with stairs and a rope swing, where you can take a refreshing dip.

After the tour, you can enjoy a refreshing swim at the entrance of the cave or relax under the jungle canopy with a cool drink.

Frequently asked questions