San Ignacio is a charming town situated in the heart of the Cayo District in Belize, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and abundance of natural beauty. If you’re planning a trip to this vibrant town, you won’t be disappointed with the incredible attractions and things to do. From visiting ancient Mayan ruins and exploring lush jungles, to enjoying delicious local cuisine and soaking up the laid-back atmosphere, San Ignacio has it all. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the best attractions and things to do in San Ignacio to help you plan an unforgettable trip.
The 3 Best Fun Stuff 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 Fun Stuff To Do In San Ignacio
1. Day Trip to Crystal Cave and Blue Hole National Park
Discover some of Belize’s most spectacular natural attractions on an 8.5-hour tour of Crystal Cave (Mountain Cow Cave) in Blue Hole National Park. This moderately challenging hiking tour is perfect for active travelers looking for an adventure. Along the way, enjoy the stunning scenery of Blue Hole National Park, descend to Xibalba (the reputed entrance to the Mayan underworld), marvel at intricate stalagmites, stalactites, and crystal formations, and take a refreshing swim in the famous Blue Hole. A hearty lunch accompanied by rum punch, as well as snacks and water, are included in the tour, along with all taxes, fees, and handling charges. You can head directly to the meeting point, or alternatively, request pick-up for your convenience. Explore the wonders of Belize’s natural landscape on this unforgettable tour.
2. Xunantunich and Cave Kayak or Tubing
Experience two popular attractions in one day with this guided combination tour from Belize City to explore the City of Xunantunich and go tubing or kayaking through an underground cave system. First, visit El Castillo, which is adorned with stucco friezes depicting the gods, before heading on an inner tube or kayak to navigate Caves Branch, an archaeological reserve consisting of a network of limestone caves.
Enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside of Belize as you make your way to these two exciting destinations. Helmets and headlights are provided to make exploring the caves easier. Pickup and drop-off is available to/from San Ignacio and Belize City, and lunch is also included.
This tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, national park admissions, use of kayaks, tubes, helmets, and jackets. You can choose your pickup and drop off locations to be either the airport in Belize City or San Ignacio, depending on your preference. Book your reservation now to experience the best attractions and things to do in San Ignacio with this unforgettable tour.
3. San Ignacio Belize Tour Package
Don’t miss out on the must-see highlights of San Ignacio with this stress-free multi-day tour package. You’ll start your journey with pickup from Belize City and visit famous archeological sites such as Tikal in Guatemala and Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM), as well as go cave tubing and zip lining. Lunch is included in the tour price and pickup from Hopkins and Placencia is available for an extra fee.
Your first day will include pickup from the airport or water taxi, followed by a stop. On the second day you’ll take a Tikal day tour, and on the third day you’ll explore the ATM cave.
This tour package includes bottled water, a driver/guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and gratuities. Breakfast and dinner are also included. Book now to let someone else handle all the stress of planning your San Ignacio adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Ignacio
San Ignacio is a small city in western Belize, located near the Guatemalan border. It’s a popular destination for tourists due to its rich history, stunning natural scenery, and close proximity to several Mayan ruins. If you’re planning a trip to San Ignacio, you may have some questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about San Ignacio.
1. How do I get to San Ignacio?
There are several ways to get to San Ignacio, depending on where you’re coming from. If you’re already in Belize, you can take a domestic flight to the nearby town of Belmopan and then take a bus or taxi to San Ignacio. Alternatively, you can take a bus or hire a taxi directly from Belize City. If you’re coming from Guatemala, you can take a bus or hire a taxi from the border town of Melchor de Mencos. The drive from both Belize City and Melchor de Mencos takes around 2-3 hours on average.
2. What’s the best time of year to visit San Ignacio?
The best time of year to visit San Ignacio is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. During this time, you can expect warm and sunny weather with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. This is also a great time of year to visit the nearby Mayan ruins, as the dry weather makes for better hiking and exploring conditions. However, keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and larger crowds.
3. What are some must-see attractions in San Ignacio?
There are plenty of great attractions to see in San Ignacio and the surrounding area. Some of the must-see attractions include:
- The ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech
- The Blue Hole National Park, which includes hiking trails and natural swimming holes
- The Barton Creek Cave, which you can explore by canoe
- The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, which offers stunning natural scenery and several waterfalls
4. What’s the local cuisine like in San Ignacio?
San Ignacio is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine. Some of the most popular local dishes include:
- Fry jacks – a fluffy fried dough often served with beans and eggs for breakfast
- Rice and beans – a staple dish made with red kidney beans and coconut milk
- Belizean stew chicken – a hearty chicken stew seasoned with local spices
- Tamales – steamed corn dough filled with meat, veggies, or beans
- Ceviche – fresh seafood marinated in lime juice and served with tortilla chips
5. What’s the currency used in San Ignacio?
The official currency of Belize is the Belize dollar (BZD), but US dollars are widely accepted in San Ignacio as well. It’s a good idea to carry some small bills and change, as many places may not be able to make change for larger bills.
6. Is it safe to travel to San Ignacio?
San Ignacio is generally considered safe for tourists, but as with any destination, it’s important to take precautions. Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. It’s also a good idea to avoid walking alone after dark and to stick to well-lit areas.
7. What’s the weather like in San Ignacio?
San Ignacio has a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather year-round. Temperatures generally range from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, with the hottest months being April and May. The rainy season runs from June to November, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in September and October. During this time, you can expect occasional thunderstorms and heavy downpours.
8. Do I need a visa to visit San Ignacio?
Visitors from many countries, including the US, Canada, and the UK, do not need a visa to enter Belize for stays of up to 30 days. However, it’s important to check the requirements for your specific country before traveling. Upon arrival in Belize, you’ll need to present a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds for your stay.
