San Ignacio travel guide
San Ignacio Tourism | San Ignacio Guide
You're Going to Love San Ignacio
A jumping-off point for adventurers and nature lovers from all over the world, San Ignacio is a perfectly positioned village with ruins, caves, and rivers within striking distance.
While it's surrounded by jungle, this town is only a short drive from the stunning beaches of the coast. In few other places will you find history, archaeology, and natural beauty that matches that of San Ignacio.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit San Ignacio
1. Beautiful Environments
If you're a lover of color, you'll find plenty in the jungle that surrounds this small town.
2. Mayan Ruins
San Ignacio sits on the edge of protected historical sites such as El Pilar that bear witness to the region's ancient and medieval heritage.
3. Caves
It wouldn't be a true escape without a cave. Visitors will be happy to note that the area surrounding San Ignacio is home to large cave networks.
4. Horseback Rides
The rural nature of San Ignacio is such that it's possible to ride a horse right out of town and into the surrounding hills.
5. Mayan Culture
Not all as old as the ruins: local artists continue to fashion clothing and art in the manner of the Maya.
Top activities & attractions in San Ignacio
Where to Eat in San Ignacio
Popular local favorites serving up Belize specialties include Ko-Ox Han nah and Mincho's. A meal at a laid-back restaurant will set you back by about BZ$7.
When to visit San Ignacio
As with much of Belize, San Ignacio has a tropical climate with heavy rainfall in summer. For this reason, February and March may be the best months to visit.
How to Get to San Ignacio
Plane
Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City and as well as airports in Guatemala are good options for flying in to the area. Bus services can be arranged ahead of time for about BZ$10 to take you to San Ignacio.
Car
San Ignacio is conveniently situated by the Western Highway, easily the best road in Belize. Car rentals can be arranged for about BZ$20 a day in any major city.
Bus
Numerous buses leave Belize City for San Ignacio each day. Buses cost about BZ$10.
Airlines serving San Ignacio
Where to stay in San Ignacio
There are many hotels in town catering to all sorts of visitors. Cheap options include J & R Guesthouse. More upscale options include Martha's Boutique Guesthouse, which is locally owned and decorated in traditional fashion.
Popular neighbourhoods in San Ignacio
Cahal Pech - The Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve offers guests a taste of Mayan ruins within city limits. The reserve has pyramids and a small museum.
Hawksworth Bridge - the town's highest concentration of restaurants is found just north of the Hawksworth Bridge.
Macal River Park - a quiet area surrounded by several local eateries.
Where to stay in popular areas of San Ignacio
Most booked hotels in San Ignacio
How to Get Around San Ignacio
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation in San Ignacio, and everything in town is reachable on foot.
Taxi
Taxis can be found in San Ignacio, with a BZ$5 pickup fee and a BZ$8 fee per mile after that.
Car
Car rentals are possible both within town and at major cities in Belize. They will typically cost about BZ$150 a day for a small SUV.
The Cost of Living in San Ignacio
Shopping Streets
While the town doesn't have a shopping street, there is a JNC mall in the downtown area. Most local items can be found at the foothills of the Mayan ruins.
Groceries and Other
Several grocers serve the town. You should be able to find eggs for BZ$3 a dozen and bread for BZ$2 a loaf.