San Ignacio: Adventure And Ancient Ruins

San Ignacio, Belize is a backpacker hub on the Macal River, known for its eco-friendly attractions and adventurous escapades. The town is a blend of cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and adrenaline-filled activities.

The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is an archaeological treasure trove. This ancient Maya ceremonial site features pottery, stoneware, and human remains preserved for over a millennium.

San Ignacio is also known for its Mayan ruins, including the Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve, just 15 minutes away. El Castillo, the main temple, rises 130 feet above the rainforest canopy, offering panoramic views.

Another popular attraction is the Cahal Pech Maya Site, featuring a museum and several dozen surviving structures.

The Green Iguana Conservation Project is also located in San Ignacio, aiming to conserve and protect the endangered Green Iguana species.

The town is a great base for exploring nearby Mayan ruins, including Caracol, the largest archaeological site in Belize.

If you're looking for outdoor activities, you can go horseback riding, canoeing, or kayaking. There are also nature reserves such as Mountain Pine Ridge, with attractions like the Rio Frio Cave and Big Rock Falls.

San Ignacio's bustling market is a great place to mingle with locals and sample delicious tropical fruits.

Explore Mayan ruins

San Ignacio in Belize is a popular tourist destination, offering ancient Mayan ruins, pristine rivers, cascading waterfalls, exotic wildlife, and ceremonial caves. Here is an extensive guide to exploring the Mayan ruins in and around San Ignacio:

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

Xunantunich is a well-known Mayan archaeological site located just west of Cahal Pech in Belize. It is considered one of the most prestigious Mayan ruins in the country. The site served as a Maya civic ceremonial centre during the Late and Terminal Classic periods. The main temple, El Castillo, rises 39 metres above the plaza, offering panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and the Guatemalan town of Melchor. Visitors can climb up El Castillo and explore the site, immersing themselves in the ancient history.

Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins

Cahal Pech is one of the finest Mayan ruins in San Ignacio, dated to 1500 B.C., making it one of the oldest ruins in Belize. It is located close to Xunantunich, making it convenient to explore both sites in a single day. Cahal Pech features stunning temples, plazas, and other areas to discover. The site often attracts fewer tourists than larger ruins like Xunantunich and Caracol, making it a great choice for a quiet and intimate exploration.

El Pilar Mayan Ruins

El Pilar is one of the most extensive Mayan ruins in Belize, spanning over 100 acres of land. It features 25 separate plazas, each with unique characteristics. The site is believed to have been a central hydration point for the Mayans, as its name translates to "watering basin". El Pilar is an impressive site that showcases the vastness and complexity of Mayan civilisation.

Caracol

Caracol is an ancient Maya city located just 40 kilometres south of Xunantunich, in the town of San Ignacio Cayo. It boasts 53 intricately carved stone monuments and showcases the complex trade routes used by the Mayans. Caracol is a well-preserved site with a gorgeous temple that rises above the jungle canopy. Visitors can climb to the top of the temple and explore the on-site museum, which displays various archaeological artefacts.

Tikal

Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just across the border in Guatemala. It is considered one of the most impressive Mayan ruins in the region. The site features monolithic structures, temples, and pyramids hidden within the jungle. Tikal was likely named "Yax Mutal" and dates back to the 6th century B.C. In addition to the ruins, Tikal also offers wildlife spotting opportunities, including howler and spider monkeys, exotic birds, and larger mammals such as armadillos.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha was one of the smallest cities in the Maya civilisation but held great importance as a main hub for trade. The site features tombs, pyramids, and temples that provide a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Lamanai

Lamanai is located in Northern Belize within the Orange Walk District. This site has a long history, spanning 3000 years, and features numerous temples. Copper was found in abundance at Lamanai, marking a significant technological change for the ancient Maya.

El Castillo

While El Castillo is often associated with the Xunantunich site, it deserves a special mention. Climbing to the top of this impressive structure offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape. El Castillo is the second-largest man-made structure in Belize and provides a breathtaking view of the jungle and nearby villages.

San Ignacio offers a wealth of Mayan ruins to explore, each providing a glimpse into the ancient past and contributing to our understanding of Mayan history and culture.

Visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project

San Ignacio in Belize is a hub for eco-friendly travellers interested in the top jungle and cultural attractions of western Belize. One of the most popular attractions in the area is the Green Iguana Conservation Project, located within the gorgeous San Ignacio Resort Hotel. Here is everything you need to know about visiting the Green Iguana Conservation Project.

History

The Green Iguana Conservation Project was created in 1996 by Mrs Mariam Roberson and Daniel Velasquez due to the decreasing survival rate of green iguanas in Belize caused by overhunting. The project is entirely self-sustained and relies on contributions and donations from patrons and visitors. It has received much attention from local and international organisations and continues to be the number one activity in San Ignacio on TripAdvisor.

What to Expect

The Green Iguana Conservation Project is an engaging exhibit that offers visitors an up-close view of the lives of green iguanas. The initiative aims to protect and care for this endangered species by informing the public about the important role green iguanas play in the ecosystem. Visitors can learn about the incubation, hatching, rearing, and releasing processes undertaken at the facility. The tour fee of $11.25 goes towards supporting the rehabilitation of the iguanas.

What to Do

The Green Iguana Conservation Project offers the Adopt an Iguana program, which raises funds for the project and provides scholarships for local children. Visitors are encouraged to admire the iguanas from a safe distance without touching them. Birdwatching tours and a short rainforest medicinal plant trail are also available on-site.

How to Visit

The Green Iguana Conservation Project is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm, with a tour leaving every hour. The tour duration is 45 minutes, and the intensity is easy. It is recommended that visitors bring light-long sleeves, bug spray, and a camera. Advance booking is not required.

Tour the San Ignacio Market

The San Ignacio Market is a vibrant hub of activity and a must-visit destination when exploring San Ignacio, Belize. Located on the banks of the Macal River, the market offers a unique window into the diverse cultures and traditions of the region. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your visit:

A Melting Pot of Cultures

The market is a bustling gathering place for people from all walks of life in Belize. You'll encounter a fascinating blend of languages, including German, English, Spanish, Creole, and the Mayan tongue. The market attracts a diverse range of vendors, from Mennonite farmers to indigenous craftsmen, all coming together to sell their wares. It's a true melting pot of cultures, making it the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local way of life.

A Feast for the Senses

The market offers an array of sights, sounds, and flavours that will tantalise your senses. Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, exotic tropical plants, and the mouthwatering aromas of local cuisine create a lively and sensory-rich environment. You'll find everything from fresh produce to handmade clothing, medicinal herbs, and unique handicrafts. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the vibrant scenes!

Best Time to Visit

While the market is open seven days a week, the best time to experience it is on a Saturday. This is when the market truly comes to life, with people from all over Cayo gathering to sell their goods and stock up for the week. Arrive early to beat the crowds and explore the market at your leisure. You'll find a wider variety of products, including locally made treasures, artisanal crafts, and an even greater selection of fresh produce.

Food and Delicacies

The San Ignacio Market is a food lover's paradise, offering a plethora of delicious options to satisfy any craving. Sample exotic tropical fruits like soursop and calala, and indulge in traditional Belizean street food. Try the fry jacks, fried breakfast cakes that can be stuffed with savoury fillings, or salbutes, corn cakes topped with meat and vegetables, a Mestizo tradition. Don't miss the chance to taste dukunu, a tamale-style dish of roasted corn blended with coconut milk, dating back to the ancient Maya.

For a truly local experience, join the Belizeans for lunch at the market. Savour the flavours of freshly made tacos and pupusas, or explore the surrounding restaurants and bars in the heart of San Ignacio, just a stone's throw away from the market.

Shopping and Souvenirs

The market is a shopper's delight, offering a wide variety of unique items that reflect the cultural richness of the region. You'll find handcrafted jewellery, eco-friendly accessories, woven tote bags, and an array of artisanal creations. It's the perfect place to purchase souvenirs and support local artisans. Remember to bring enough cash, as you'll want to take advantage of the diverse selection of goods on offer.

Getting There

The San Ignacio Market is easily accessible, located on Savannah Street in the town of San Ignacio, Cayo District. Visitors can arrive by canoe or other watercraft directly at a marked landing on the Macal River. Alternatively, if you're coming overland, simply look for the football stadium, and you'll find the market right next to it.

Adventure in the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave

The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is an archaeological treasure trove and one of the most impressive and artifact-rich Maya ceremonial caves ever found. Located near San Ignacio, in the heart of Belize, the ATM cave system contains some of the most well-preserved examples of pre-classical Mayan culture (around 700–900 AD), including skeletal remains of human sacrifices, Maya pottery, tools, and other ceremonial objects.

Getting to the ATM Cave

To get to the ATM cave, you'll need to take a guided tour. The cave is located about an hour and a half drive from San Ignacio, and the tour usually includes a short stop at a store for shopping and guest pick-up. Once you arrive at the Tapir Mountain Reserve, you'll gear up and embark on a flat 45-minute jungle hike to the cave entrance. The hike includes three stream crossings, ranging from knee to waist-high, with the help of a rope for the first crossing.

Exploring the ATM Cave

At the mouth of the cave, you'll swim across a small spring-fed pool and enter the dark underworld of the cave. Inside, you'll find an extensive underground maze of tunnels, passageways, and chambers, leading to the ceremonial chamber housing stoneware, ceramics, and skeletal remains. You'll need to use your four points of contact—your arms and feet—to navigate small areas, climb over rocks, and even climb a 12-foot ladder to access 'The Cathedral,' the dry chamber of the cave. Here, you'll be asked to remove your footwear and explore only in wet socks to protect the sensitive limestone floor.

In total, you'll spend about three hours inside the cave before heading back to the parking lot for a traditional Belizean lunch. The entire tour, including transportation, takes around eight to nine hours.

Important Considerations

The ATM cave tour is a physically demanding activity that involves climbing, swimming, and navigating tight spaces. It's important to be in good physical condition and wear appropriate clothing and footwear, such as water shoes, quick-drying clothing, and socks. Additionally, there are no cameras or electronic devices allowed inside the cave to protect the artifacts and remains.

Discover the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

Established in 1944, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a nature reserve in the Cayo District of southern central Belize. It covers an estimated area of 106,352.5 acres (430 km2) and is predominantly pine forest, which is surprising given Belize's tropical climate. The reserve features rolling pine forests spread over smooth, granite hillsides, with meandering streams, deep valleys, steep ridges, and waterfalls.

Hiking

The reserve offers superb hiking opportunities, with well-marked trails that take you through the diverse landscapes and ecosystems. The trails range from easy to challenging, allowing visitors to choose based on their fitness level and preferences.

Birdwatching

The reserve is a bird-watcher's paradise, with various species of birds tucked away in the rainforest canopy. Some of the birds you may spot include Acord Woodpeckers, Rufous-capped Warblers, Crossbills, Pine Siskins, Stygian Owls, and Eastern Bluebirds. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Scarlet Macaws and Harpy Eagle. The reserve is also home to seasonal species such as the Hepatic Tanager and Chipping Sparrow, which can be spotted from autumn to spring.

Swimming and Relaxing

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve boasts several natural pools and waterfalls that provide the perfect opportunity to cool off and relax. Rio On Pools, for example, offers a series of cascading granite pools with small waterfalls in between. Big Rock Falls is another popular spot, featuring a gorgeous waterfall with pools for swimming and cliff diving.

Caving

The reserve is known for its caves, with the Rio Frio Cave being a highlight. This cave has the largest entrance of any cave in Belize and is accessible by hiking through the lush rainforest. Inside, you'll find a stream flowing through a massive chamber, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. Another notable cave is Barton Creek Cave, a large river cave that may extend up to 4.5 miles (7.2 km) and is believed to have been used by the Mayans for rituals.

Exploring Mayan Ruins

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is located near several significant Mayan sites. Caracol, for instance, is the largest archaeological site in Belize and is just a short drive from the reserve. It boasts magnificent temples immersed in the dense jungle, including the massive central pyramid, Caana. Another notable Mayan site is Xunantunich, which features the impressive El Castillo pyramid that rises 130 feet above the rainforest canopy.

Wildlife Spotting

In addition to its rich avian life, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is home to various large mammals, including cougars, jaguars, ocelots, white-nosed coatis, and Baird's tapirs. There is also a small population of Morelet's crocodiles. Keep an eye out for these fascinating creatures as you explore the reserve.

Frequently asked questions