San Ignacio is a charming town located in the heart of Belize, surrounded by lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and ancient Mayan ruins. It is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty. With so many attractions and things to do, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip to San Ignacio. In this post, we have curated a list of the best attractions and activities that you shouldn’t miss out on during your visit to this vibrant town. So, grab your backpack and let’s explore the best that San Ignacio has to offer!
The 3 Best Things To Do In San Ignacio
- Day Trip to Crystal Cave and Blue Hole National Park
- Xunantunich and Cave Kayak or Tubing
- San Ignacio Belize Tour Package
The 3 Best Things To Do In San Ignacio
1. Day Trip to Crystal Cave and Blue Hole National Park
Discover some of Belize’s top natural attractions with ease on an 8.5-hour hiking tour of Crystal Cave (Mountain Cow Cave) in the Blue Hole National Park. This is a challenging trek suited to active travelers but it will reward you with an unparalleled experience. You will enjoy the scenery of the famous Blue Hole National Park and visit Xibalba, believed by Mayans to be the entrance to the underworld. You will marvel at stalagmites, stalactites and crystal formations while exploring Crystal Cave. A swim in the Blue Hole will refresh you, and you’ll finish the day with a hearty lunch accompanied by rum punch. The tour includes all taxes, fees and handling charges, national park fees, lunch with a drink, water bottle and snacks. You can head directly to the meeting point or request pickup. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Belize!
2. Xunantunich and Cave Kayak or Tubing
On this guided combination tour, explore the City of Xunantunich and go tubing or kayaking through an underground cave system. Start the day by visiting El Castillo, adorned with stucco friezes depicting the gods. Then head to Caves Branch, an archaeological reserve consisting of a network of limestone caves, to navigate through them on an inner tube or kayak. This tour offers the chance to experience two popular attractions in one day, with a scenic drive through the countryside of Belize. Helmets and headlights are provided to make exploring easier, and pickup and drop-off are available to/from San Ignacio and Belize City. The tour also includes an air-conditioned vehicle, national park admissions, use of kayaks, tubes, helmets, jackets, and lunch. Pickup and drop-off points can be chosen on reservation.
3. San Ignacio Belize Tour Package
Don’t worry about planning your itinerary in San Ignacio because this multi-day tour package has got you covered. The tour includes visits to top attractions such as Tikal in Guatemala and Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM), cave tubing, and zip lining. The tour price also covers lunch, bottled water, and driver/guide services. Pick up from the airport, water taxi or hotel in Belize City is available. The first day of the tour involves pick up from the airport or water taxi while the second day is spent on a Tikal day tour. The third and final day is reserved for the ATM cave tour. Overnight accommodations are not included in the tour package. If you’re coming from Hopkins or Placencia, pickup is available for an additional fee.
Top Frequently Asked Questions About San Ignacio
San Ignacio is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize. Located in the western part of the country, this charming town offers visitors a unique mix of history, culture, and natural wonders. Whether you’re planning a trip to San Ignacio or you’re already there, there are certain things you need to know before you start exploring. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about San Ignacio:1. What are the best things to do in San Ignacio?
San Ignacio offers a wide range of activities for visitors. The town itself is a fascinating blend of Maya and colonial history, so exploring the streets and historic buildings is a great way to start your trip. Some of the top attractions in San Ignacio include:- The Cahal Pech Maya ruins
- The San Ignacio Market
- The Iguana Conservation Project
- The Green Iguana Conservation Project
- The Butterfly Farm
- The Belize Botanic Gardens
- The Barton Creek Cave
2. What is the best time of year to visit San Ignacio?
San Ignacio is a great destination to visit year-round, but the best time to go depends on your preference. The high season for tourism is between November and April, during the dry season when the weather is cooler and there’s less rain. However, visiting during the low season between May and October is also an option, with the added benefit of fewer tourists and lower prices. Just be aware that it’s more likely to rain during these months.3. What is the climate like in San Ignacio?
San Ignacio has a tropical climate, which means it’s typically hot and humid year-round. The average temperature in San Ignacio is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), with the hottest months being April and May. The rainy season in San Ignacio runs from June to October, with the heaviest rains falling between August and October.4. What is the currency in San Ignacio?
The official currency in Belize is the Belizean dollar (BZD), which is used interchangeably with the US dollar in many places. Most businesses in San Ignacio accept both currencies, but it’s always a good idea to have some local currency on hand for smaller purchases.5. Is San Ignacio a safe place to visit?
San Ignacio is generally a safe town to visit, but as with all places, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety. Tourists should avoid walking alone at night and should take care when traveling to isolated areas or remote archeological sites.6. What language is spoken in San Ignacio?
The official language in Belize is English, which is widely spoken in San Ignacio. However, Spanish is also a common language used in the area, especially among the Maya population.7. What is the food like in San Ignacio?
San Ignacio is known for its rich blend of Maya and Caribbean cuisine. Some of the local dishes to try include:- Rice and beans
- Fry jacks (deep-fried dough served with honey or jam)
- Ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice and spices)
- Tamales (corn dough filled with pork, chicken, or other meat)
- Stewed chicken or pork with vegetables
8. What is the transportation like in San Ignacio?
San Ignacio is a relatively small town, and most attractions can be reached on foot. However, for longer journeys, there are bus services that operate throughout the country, as well as private taxis and rental cars available. To visit the more remote archeological sites, it’s best to join a guided tour which will provide transportation.9. What are some cultural events in San Ignacio?
San Ignacio hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including:- The San Joaquin Festival in August
- The Benque Fiesta in July
- The Santa Elena Fiesta in August
- The La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge in March (a canoe racing competition)
10. What souvenirs can I buy in San Ignacio?
San Ignacio offers a variety of souvenirs for visitors to take home, including:- Handmade Maya textiles, such as embroidered bags or blouses
- Wood carvings of animals, masks, or figurines
- Belizean chocolate or coffee
- Bottle openers made from recycled materials
- Hand-painted pottery or ceramics
How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in San Ignacio
San Ignacio, located in western Belize, is a popular destination for tourists because of its natural beauty, Mayan ruins, and proximity to adventure activities. If you’re planning a trip to San Ignacio, you may be wondering how to spend your time there. In this guide, we’ll give you some ideas for things to do and see in and around San Ignacio.1. Explore the Mayan Ruins
One of the main reasons people visit San Ignacio is to see the Mayan ruins in the area. The most famous of these is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Xunantunich, which is located about 12 miles from San Ignacio. Here you’ll find the towering El Castillo pyramid, which offers fantastic views of the surrounding jungle. Other nearby ruins include Cahal Pech and Caracol.2. Go on a Cave Adventure
Another popular activity in San Ignacio is cave exploration. There are several caves in the area that you can visit, including the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, which is located within the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. This cave is home to a variety of Mayan artifacts and human remains, and visitors can take a guided tour to explore the cave’s passages and chambers. Other popular caves include Barton Creek Cave and the Rio Frio Cave.3. Visit the Belize Botanic Gardens
For those who love nature, the Belize Botanic Gardens are a must-see attraction in San Ignacio. These gardens are home to more than 45 acres of plants, including many native species of Belize. Visitors can explore the gardens on their own or take a guided tour to learn more about the plants and their uses. The gardens also offer a variety of workshops and classes, including birdwatching and traditional plant medicine.4. Experience Belizean Culture
San Ignacio is a melting pot of cultures, and visitors can experience this firsthand by exploring the town and visiting local markets and festivals. One popular festival is the San Joaquin Fiesta, which takes place every August and celebrates the town’s patron saint. Other cultural attractions include the San Ignacio Market, where you can buy local crafts and products, and the House of Culture, which features exhibits on Belizean art and history.5. Relax and Unwind
Finally, San Ignacio is a great place to simply relax and unwind. There are several spas in the area that offer massages and other treatments, as well as hot springs where you can soak in the mineral-rich waters. Other popular activities include birdwatching, hiking, and simply taking in the beautiful scenery of Belize.Book Your Tour Now
Whether you’re interested in exploring Mayan ruins, going on an adventure in the caves, experiencing Belizean culture, or simply relaxing and unwinding, San Ignacio has something to offer every visitor. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be sure to have a fantastic time in this beautiful part of Belize.Table of Contents
