San Ignacio, Belize: Choosing The Perfect Place To Stay

San Ignacio in Belize is a popular tourist destination, famed for its Mayan ruins, waterfalls, exotic birdlife and butterflies, and caves. Most visitors stay in jungle lodges in the region, but there are also eco resorts closer to the town itself.

The Ka'ana Resort is a quiet oasis on the highway out of town, with small cottages dotted around tropical gardens. The family-run Chaa Creek is a 'wildly civilised luxury resort' in a 400-acre nature reserve, with deluxe cottages offering complete privacy. The Mystic River Resort is a family-friendly luxury resort without TVs or mobile signal, offering adventure packages and a spa and restaurant.

Other popular options include the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, the Cassia Hill Resort Belize, the Maya Bella Downtown Hotel, the Rumors Resort Hotel, and the Rolson Hotel.

Hotels in the city centre

San Ignacio is a popular tourist destination in Belize, known for its Mayan ruins, rainforests, and natural beauty. The town is located on the banks of the Macal River, about 70 miles west of Belize City. Here are some hotel options in the city centre:

Maya Bella Downtown Hotel

Located right in the centre of town, this hotel is highly recommended by travellers for its safety, 24/7 reception, and clean, recently renovated bathrooms. It is also within walking distance of several restaurants and the San Ignacio Market.

Rolson Hotel

Conveniently located a short walk from downtown San Ignacio, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations, friendly staff, and free WiFi access. The onsite Mexican-themed restaurant serves tasty meals at affordable prices, and there is also a pool for guests to enjoy.

Venus Hotel

This hotel is within walking distance of downtown San Ignacio and offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. It is also close to several offsite restaurants and has received praise for its cleanliness, comfortable beds, and helpful staff.

Rainforest Haven Inn

This inn is situated in the heart of San Ignacio and features free WiFi, terraces, and a shared kitchen. It has received positive reviews for its affordability, comfort, and central location.

Don Santiago Guesthouse Downtown

This guesthouse is located in the centre of San Ignacio and has been praised for its cleanliness, friendly owner, and good value for money.

Eco-lodges

San Ignacio is a popular tourist destination in Belize, known for its proximity to Mayan ruins, rainforest and jungle tours, waterfalls, exotic birdlife and butterflies, and caves. Most visitors stay in jungle lodges in the region, with a number of eco-resorts closer to the town itself. Here are some of the best eco-lodges in San Ignacio:

Mystic River Resort

A family-friendly, luxury resort without TVs, mobile signal or air conditioning, offering adventure packages, a spa, restaurant, and rooms with plunge pools. It is located on the banks of the Macal River, a short distance downriver from San Ignacio.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek

A family-run, 'wildly civilized luxury resort' in a 400-acre nature reserve, with deluxe cottages offering privacy and proximity to exotic birdlife and the Macal River, which is great for canoeing. It is located a short drive from San Ignacio and has been a pioneer of ecotourism in Belize for over 30 years.

Cahal Pech Village Resort

An eco-resort located within the city of San Ignacio but surrounded by lush trees and featuring an infinity-style pool. It offers thatched-roof cabanas with private verandas and hammocks, three freshwater pools, a spa, and a restaurant serving authentic Belizean cuisine.

Vanilla Hills Lodge

A budget-friendly eco-lodge located between San Ignacio and Bullet Tree Falls, offering bungalow options with natural wooden interiors, kitchenettes, private bathrooms, and terraces overlooking the gardens. It is a popular choice for couples and small families.

San Ignacio Resort Hotel

An award-winning resort located within a 17-acre private estate in the heart of San Ignacio. It features a pool, spa, tennis court, and the Running W Steakhouse and Restaurant, which won the Best Restaurant of the Year award from Belize’s tourism board. The resort also supports the Green Iguana Conservation Project.

Jungle resorts

San Ignacio in Belize is a popular tourist destination, known for its Mayan ruins, rainforest and jungle tours, waterfalls, exotic birdlife and butterflies, and caves. The region is filled with jungle resorts, here are some of the best:

Mystic River Resort

This eco-lodge has just eight cabins overlooking the Macal River. It offers a great spa and restaurant, as well as rooms with plunge pools. There are several miles of well-marked trails, with something for everyone, from leisurely ambles to challenging hikes. There are over 160 different species of birds to spot in the vicinity of the resort.

San Ignacio Resort Hotel

This resort has a jungle feel, and is only a 10-minute walk into the town centre. It offers luxurious master suites, beautiful jungle views, and a Spanish-style lobby. Amenities include an on-site restaurant, garden rooms, and engaging iguana conservation tours.

Cassia Hill Resort Belize

This peaceful resort has very clean individual cabanas, with great air conditioning and WiFi. The staff are very helpful, sweet, and friendly. It is very close to the town.

Cahal Pech Village Resort

This resort is known for its Scarlet Macaws, and has howler monkeys calling out at night.

Table Rock Jungle Lodge

This lodge has beautiful jungle surroundings and very friendly staff. It is perfect for kids, with rabbits, chickens and other animals.

Crystal Paradise Resort

This tranquil, family-run resort offers various excursions, birdwatching, and a nearby river to relax by. It boasts a birdwatcher's paradise, authentic Belizean cuisine, and a warm, family-run atmosphere.

Budget-friendly options

If you're looking for budget-friendly accommodation in San Ignacio, there are a few options to consider.

Hostels

For backpackers and budget travellers, hostels are a great option. Bella's Backpackers Cayo is a highly-rated hostel located in the centre of San Ignacio, with prices starting at $38.50 per night. Another option is Yellow Belly Backpackers, which is one of the few hostels in the area and the only one with almost exclusively enthusiastic reviews. It offers both dormitories and private rooms with shared bathroom facilities, and prices start at around $43.16 per night.

Budget Hotels

If you prefer a private room, there are some budget hotels in San Ignacio that offer good value for money. Rolson Hotel, for example, is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown San Ignacio and offers comfortable accommodations and free WiFi access. Prices start at $61.92 per night.

Another option is Maxroomz, which offers mountain views and rooms with a city view, desk, and free WiFi. Prices start at $42 per night.

Airbnb

Airbnb is also a great option for budget-friendly accommodations in San Ignacio. Private rooms start from around $70 BZD, but most average closer to $100-120 BZD. You can find full apartments or homes for $100-250 BZD per night.

Self-Catering

If you're looking for a more private and budget-friendly option, consider self-catering accommodations. You can browse through a wide variety of options online, including apartments and villas. This can be a great way to save money on food costs during your stay.

Off-Season Travel

Finally, consider visiting San Ignacio during the off-season, between July and October. While the weather may be wet and muggy, it tends to rain only for short bursts during the day. Accommodation prices are also lower during this period, so it's a great time to visit if you're on a budget.

Luxury resorts

San Ignacio in Belize is a popular destination for tourists, with most visitors heading to the nearby jungle lodges. Here are some of the best luxury resorts in the area:

San Ignacio Resort Hotel

This resort is located in the midst of an elegant rainforest landscape and provides the perfect escape for families, couples, solo travellers, and adventurers. It offers 27 luxury rooms and suites with garden, rainforest, and hillside views. The rooms are designed with exotic local art and furnishings made from Belizean hardwood and sustainable mahogany. The resort has an on-site restaurant, an outdoor pool, a spa, and tennis courts. It is also home to the Green Iguana Conservation Project. Previous guests have praised the cleanliness, luxurious atmosphere, and top-notch service of the resort's staff.

Ka'ana Resort

This quiet oasis is located on the highway out of San Ignacio and is a great base for day tours to the Mayan ruins, horse riding, and nearby caves. It features small cottages dotted around tropical gardens, an infinity pool, and elegant and tasteful furnishings.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek

This family-run 'wildly civilized luxury resort' is set in a 400-acre nature reserve, close to the town and the Macal River. It offers deluxe cottages with private verandas and jungle views, an eco-friendly swimming pool, and a health spa. Guests can enjoy birdwatching and canoeing during their stay.

Mystic River Resort

This family-friendly luxury resort is located a short distance downriver from San Ignacio and offers a range of adventure packages, a spa, and a restaurant. It does not have TVs, air conditioning, or mobile signal, providing a true jungle experience. Some rooms also come with plunge pools.

Mahogany Hall Luxury Boutique Resort

This resort boasts beautiful tropical gardens and an outdoor pool. It is located an hour and a half drive from Philip SW Goldson International Airport and a 20-minute drive from the Mayan Ruins of Cahal Pech.

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