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This article is about all the best activities and attractions in San Ignacio. We’ll cover the top sites to visit, where to stay and all the details you need to plan an amazing time in San Ignacio, Belize.

How amazing that you’re planning a trip to San Ignacio, Belize. If you’re looking for adventure, lush rainforests, incredible ruins, crazy caves, this is the right place for you!

People often skip this part of Belize, opting for the turquoise waters of Caye Caulker or San Pedro, but if you have a chance to visit this lush green paradise, the adventure capital of Belize (yes, we named it that way), then don’t miss out on San Ignacio.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here. We take all the efforts necessary to ensure the information included in this post is accurate, correct and current, sometimes, things just change! Travel information like opening hours, business operations and prices may change. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated, please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers. Cheers!

About San Ignacio, Belize

San Ignacio is a town in the Cayo District of Belize. It’s actually the second-largest town in Belize, after Belize City, with a population of 20,000 people. Its location along the banks of the Macal River has shared its history. It’s also super close to the Guatemalan border, making it a popular destination for those heading to Flores or beyond. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Belize. It’s no surprise it’s on most visitors Belize itineraries.

Be warned, you shouldn’t sleep on San Ignacio! It has such a rich history. There is evidence of human settlement in the area dating back to the ancient Maya civilization. The town is located near several important Maya archaeological sites, including the famous ruins of Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and Caracol, as well as the caves where many ceremonies have taken place. All these sites are popular tourist attractions in San Ignacio. They offer visitors a glimpse into the ancient Maya culture that was here long ago.

Beyond its archaeological sites, San Ignacio is also known for its natural beauty – from national parks and nature reserves to waterfalls and rock pools. San Ignacio is also a great place to admire the lush rainforests of Belize and a true birdwatcher’s paradise.

But that’s not all! San Ignacio is also a cultural hub. It has a vibrant arts and music scene. The town hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the San Joaquin Fiesta, the Chocolate Festival, and the Belize International Film Festival. There is also a vibrant weekly market where you can really get a glimpse into everyday local life. Make sure you time your visit with these events!

So if you’re looking for adventure, historic ruins, a nature getaway or a vibrant cultural scene, San Ignacio is the place for you!

The 18 top attractions in San Ignacio

As we mentioned, there is so much to do here. The number of attractions in San Ignacio is staggering. Whether it be the archaeological sites, the caves, the nature reserves and parks, the museums or whatever, you’ll have plenty of things to do here.

We recommend booking some of these attractions ahead of time, as some, like the ATM Caves, are likely to sell out, as there are a limited number of people allowed in per day.

If you’re staying at Cahal Pech Resort, we recommend booking your tours with them. We did all our tours with their team and had such a blast! Their guides are professional and super sweet. Plus, they had all these personalized recommendations to make sure we were comfortable and had the best time in San Ignacio. Their pricing was quite competitive for the tours, and the value of their hotel (plus their views) can’t be beaten!

If not, we have also provided links to some of the more reputable tour companies you can choose from. Just make sure you do your research and ask all the questions before choosing your provider.

So here are the best activities to do in San Ignacio!

1. Explore the ATM Cave, the top attraction in San Ignacio

If you checked out other lists of the best things to do in San Ignacio, you probably read about the ATM Caves and the tour. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s really worth it because most people don’t have pictures and the price is a little steep. Well, we’re here to tell you that it’s absolutely worth the time and money you’ll spend on this! The ATM caves are one of the top attractions in Belize for a reason!

Known as the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, ATM cave for short, this site is located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, a roughly 45-minute drive from San Ignacio. Any tour you go on should include the transport in their pricing (as well as a guide and lunch). They will pick you up at your accommodations and take you to the cave and back. Please make sure this is the case with the tour you book.

The whole activity will take all day – we left at 8 am, and returned only at 4:30 pm. This included the 1.5-hour drive and about 1 hour for lunch. You’ll stop at a convenience store where you can buy snacks, but that shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes, tops.

Before we get to talk about the ATM cave, and before you get really excited to go on this tour, know that it is a very active trip. You will spend most of your time hiking, wading in water that is chest deep, climbing on rock and scaling ladders, and going through very tight squeezes. This is not a tour for those who have trouble with physical activity or who don’t like tight enclosed spaces. You’ll also see some human remains (skeletons) so be warned about that as well. Also, know that you can’t enter the caves without a certified guide.

Ok, now let’s talk about the ATM cave system! It consists of a series of chambers and tunnels that were used by the ancient Maya civilization for religious ceremonies. You’ll find well-preserved artifacts (ceramics, stoneware, and even human remains) scattered all over the cave. Most of them can be found in the upper chamber of the cave system. You’ll reach this area at the end of the hike inside the cave – you’ll need to scale a big rock and climb a ladder through a tight space to see them.

The whole trip is an amazing highlight of time spent in San Ignacio, but the real treat, one of the most famous sights in the ATM cave, is the “Crystal Maiden”. This is believed to be a skeleton of a young woman who was sacrificed to the Maya gods. The skeleton bears this name because its remains are coated in a sparkling layer of calcite, so it looks like it’s blinged out in crystals.

More details about the ATM cave tour

Here are a few more details to help you plan your trip to the ATM Cave.

• Price of ATM Cave tour: We paid $125 for our tour – including lunch, transport, a guide and the entrance fee. However, the full-day tour ranges between $90 to $125. Just make sure you find out what is included in the tour.
• Duration: The tour will last anywhere between 7-8 hours. This will depend on the size of the group and on the level of physical capabilities of the other people. You’ll probably spend 2-3 hours in the cave, 1.5 hours on the road, 1 hour for lunch, and the other time hiking to and from the site. Don’t plan any other activities on this day.
• Fitness level: Active tour – moderate fitness level required. You’ll need to be able to hike and swim comfortably. You also have to climb on rocks and walk on precarious steps. Not for those with mobility issues, heart problems or claustrophobia.
• What to bring: Water shoes for the hike and inside the cave. Socks for certain parts of the cave. Bathing suit and rashguard or top you don’t mind getting wet. Full water bottle (won’t be allowed inside the cave). Snacks (also not allowed inside the cave). A change of clothes and shoes (for after the hike). We don’t recommend insect repellent or sunscreen – most of the tour is inside the cave, or you’ll be walking in shaded areas enough that you won’t be bothered by bugs or the sun.
• What the ATM Cave tour includes: Make sure to ask, but ours included: Transport, a certified guide, helmet with headlamp, towel (for after), and lunch. Some tours will offer life vests if required.
• Restrictions: You can’t bring anything into the caves. No water bottle, no camera or phone, nothing.

2. Discover the Cahal Pech ruins, the oldest Mayan Site in San Ignacio

In the heart of San Ignacio, steps away from the Cahal Pech Resort, you’ll find the Cahal Pech Ruins, an ancient Maya site. The name “Cahal Pech” means “Place of ticks” in the Maya language. It was named this way because the local farmers found it covered in ticks. Luckily that is no longer the case!

Archeologists believe that the Ruins of Cahal Pech are some of the oldest and best preserved in Belize, which is why they are at the top of the list of sights in San Ignacio! They believe that the Maya first settled here around 1200 BC and abandoned the area relatively early, in 800 AD. The site covers an area of around 2 acres and is made of several plazas and courtyards, as well as over 30 structures.

The most notable structures at Cahal Pech are the main Pyramid (at 23 meters high), the ball court, the Temple of the Sun and the Acropolis, which is the largest structure on the site. You can pretty much climb all the structures, but be careful as the steps are narrow and steep.

Your entrance fee will also cover the entrance to the museum where you can see certain artifacts and pottery found at the site. You can choose to go on a guided tour or visit the site freely.

We recommend going either very early, at the opening, or around 4-4:30 PM, so you beat the heat. Going later will allow you to catch the sunset there, and see the structures with beautiful golden light.

More details about the Cahal Pech Ruins

Here are a few more details to help you plan your trip to Cahal Pech.

• Price of admission to Cahal Pech Ruins: The entrance fees for Cahal Pech are $10 BZD for non-residents and $5 BZD for residents.
• Opening hours for Cahal Pech Ruins: The site is open from 8 am to 5 pm. You can stay past 5 pm if you have entered before the ticket office closes.
• How long do you need: We took about 1.5 hours at the ruins, but we really took our time. If you breeze through it without a guide, you can do it in 1 hour. With a guide, tours will take between 1-2 hours.
• What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes. Water. Sunscreen. A hat. Sunglasses.
• Accessibility: Cahal Pech is located on a hill, so you need to be comfortable walking and hiking. It’s not a very strenuous hike, but it’s not short. It might be a challenge for people with mobility issues. The site is not wheelchair accessible.
• Restrictions: No drones are permitted on the site.

3. Head into the Barton Creek Cave, another amazing attraction in San Ignacio

The Barton Creek Cave is another must to add to your San Ignacio bucket list. It’s one of those amazing places that make you stare in awe! If you’re not up to the challenge the ATM cave offers, this is a much easier tour where you’ll still be able to see some artifacts.

The cave itself is located on the Barton Creek Archaeological Reserve which is a great place for enjoying the great outdoors. It’s a popular destination so make sure you book this one ahead of time as well!

It is said that the cave is 4 miles long, but you won’t be able to visit its entirety. Instead, you’ll barely visit a mile of it. But that’s ok because it’s still very cool! And it was one of the best tours we did in San Ignacio – not only is the cave beautiful, but our guide from the Reserve was very informative!

What makes the cave so unique is not only that it’s home to some more archeological artifacts that were found from Mayan times. It’s also a natural beauty! While navigating through the cave, you’ll be able to admire some beautiful geological formations – stalactites and stalagmites, crystal formations, and more.

Similar to the ATM cave, this ancient Maya site was also used as a ceremonial place for rituals. They found evidence of human sacrifice, and other artifacts like bones, tools, pottery and signs of smoke. They have found the remains of over 20 individuals, though you won’t see them in the cave today. While we going through the cave, we saw only a few pots and skulls, but nothing more.

This tour is quite leisurely, as there is only 1 person per boat who will navigate the canoe. However, you will need to duck down quite a few times, as the stalactites make it difficult to go through some of the parts. We also found that the tour guide gave so much info about the cave and the artifacts that were found here. It was a fascinating tour in San Ignacio!

More details about the Barton Creek Cave

Here are a few more details to help you plan your trip to Barton Creek Cave.

• Price of admission to Barton Creek Caves: The entrance fees for the site are $10 BZD for non-residents and $5 BZD for residents. As for guided tours, they will be from $100 BZD to $200 BZD per person. You require a guided tour to enter the cave (and it’s best to get a deep understanding of the place).
• Opening hours for Barton Creek Cave: The site is open from 8 am to 5 pm. However, guided tours only run from 9 am to 4 pm.
• How long do you need: The tour will take between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the group or the number of questions asked.
• What to bring: Comfortable clothes (they might get wet). Your camera or phone
• Restrictions: Guides are required to enter the cave. If you don’t go on a tour, you can get a guide at the Barton Creek Reserve.
• How to get there: Tours will bring you directly to the cave. If you’re going to Barton Creek Cave independently, you’ll drive about 30-45 minutes on a bumpy dirt road and cross two small creeks by car. Keep that in mind if you’re getting a rental car.

4. Explore Xunantunich, another epic Mayan Ruin in San Ignacio

Xunantunich (Chu-nan-tu-nich) is another Maya archeological site in San Ignacio. It’s probably the most popular of the ruins in town because it’s large and very accessible. Although its main temple is not as tall as Caracol, the latter’s more difficult to reach, which deters a lot of people. The name Xunantunich means “Stone Woman” in the Maya language.

The legend of the Stone woman of Xunantunich goes as such:
During the Mayan times, a very powerful healer woman lived in the community. She was very well respected by her people and she had magical powers which allowed her to communicate with their gods.
One day, the woman’s huband died in battle. She was striken with grief and couldn’t live without him. So she climbed a nearby mountain and chose to kill herself so she could join her husband in the afterlife. She jumped off the mountain with a stone on her head.
However, things didn’t go as planned – instead her spirit was trapped in the stone. She was doomed to wander the earth as a ghost.
It is said that many people have seen the Stone woman appear at Xunantunich – a spectural figure, all dressed in white, carrying a large stone on her head. They say she is a good omen that brings luck and prosperity to those who she appears to.

The site was occupied by the Mayan people from the 7th century AD, until the 10th century AD. Here, you’ll find plenty of structures and plazas that were progressively built over the centuries. Like most Mayan sites, the Castillo pyramid is the most impressive. It towers 130 feet over the main plaza. You can climb this structure – Make sure you use the wooden steps in the back. You’ll get stunning views of the site, as well as the surrounding mountains and San Ignacio.

Guided tours of Xunantunich last between 2-3 hours, with tons of info given on the history of the site and the Mayan culture. Or, you can choose to visit the site on your own. It will take you about 1-2 hours, depending on how fast you walk. There is also a visitor’s center on the site where you can get more information about the site and the artifacts that were found there.

As always with these famous sites, we recommend arriving early at Xunantunich to avoid the heat and the crowds. You can choose to drive to the site (you’ll go on this crank-powered bridge) or you can walk the mile-long route to get to the entrance.

More details about Xunantunich

Here are a few more details to help you plan your trip to Xunantunich.

• Price of admission to Xunantunich: The entrance fees for the site are $10 BZD for non-residents and $5 BZD for residents.
• Opening hours for Xunantunich: The site is open from 8 am to 5 pm.
• How long do you need at Xunantunich: A guided tour will take between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the group or the number of questions asked. Solo, you can visit the site within 1-2 hours.
• What to bring to Xunantunich: Comfortable shoes. Your camera or phone. Sunscreen. Bug repellent. Sunglasses. A hat. Drinking water in a reusable bottle.
• How to get to Xunantunich: Tours will bring you directly to the ruins. If you’re going to Xunantunich independently, you’ll drive 8 miles southwest of San Ignacio. Either way, you’ll need to cross the creek with the crank-powered barge.

5. Chill out at the Rio On Pools, an amazing activity in San Ignacio

Let’s head to Mountain Pine Ridge where you’ll be able to enjoy the next few fun things to do in San Ignacio. The first activity is hanging out at the Rio On Pools. These pools are located in a remote area of the reserve. Some roads to get to them are quite bumpy, though paving efforts are being made.

This series of natural swimming pools and waterfalls are the perfect places to cool down on a hot day in San Ignacio. They’re a popular destination for locals on weekends, so plan your trip accordingly. We don’t mean to avoid the place on weekends, because interacting with locals is our favorite thing to do, especially in places like Belize where the locals are the sweetest! It’s more to let you know that the location can get crowded. Depending on the vibe you’re looking for, you can head there on a weekday or weekend.

The pools vary in size and depth. But the water is super refreshing! There are also little waterfalls where you can sit and get a natural massage. This is the perfect place to go swimming (or rather wading in the water), have a picnic, or hike to find the perfect pool. Just be careful as the rocks tend to get slippery when wet. When you come, make sure you bring your bathing suit, some snacks (take all trash back home with you), water, reef-safe sunscreen, glasses and a hat.

If you’re looking to relax and enjoy one of the best natural attractions in San Ignacio, the Rio On Pools in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve are a must!

More details about the Rio On Pools

Here are a few more details to help you plan your trip to Rio On Pools in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve.

• Price of admission to the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve: There is no entrance fee to enter the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, or to visit the Rio On Pools.
• Opening hours for the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve: The site is open from 8 am to 5 pm, every day of the week
• How long do you need at the Rio On Pools: You could spend all day at the Rio On Pools, or a few short hours. Whatever you do, just enjoy it!
• What to bring to the Rio On Pools: Bathing suit. Sandals or water shoes. Reef-safe sunscreen. Sunglasses. A hat. Drinking water in a reusable bottle. Snacks (bring the packaging and all trash home with you). There are no vendors nearby.
• How to get to the Rio On Pools: You can take a tour that will take you to the best sites at the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, or you can get there independently. The pools are 20 miles outside San Ignacio. Just know that some roads are not paved, expect gravel or packed dirt, you don’t need a 4×4 car, but it will help.
• Amenities at the Rio On Pools: There are a handful of changing rooms near the pools and restrooms on the trail.

6. Hike to the Big Rock waterfalls, another amazing natural attraction in San Ignacio

Another great site in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve is the Big Rock waterfall. They’re also known as the Thousand Foot Falls or the Hidden Valley Falls. But rest assured, they aren’t a thousand feet tall! Closer to 65 ft!

The waterfalls are fed by the Privassion River which flows through the Maya Mountains, then plunges over the rocks, creating a stunning fall and many pools to swim in. On a hot day, the waterfalls are the perfect place to hang out – but they are tricky to get to.

There are a series of steps that lead you down to the foot of the waterfalls. The steps are steep and a little precarious. We would recommend wearing sturdy shoes to get there. Take your time and take it slow – you’ll get there in due time.

The waterfalls have a rock platform where you can drop off your belongings and jump in the water. If you have water shoes, it’ll make walking on the rocks and into the water much easier. You will have a great view of the waterfall, and be able to enjoy some downtime between swims. You can also swim across the river and climb up to a viewing platform to get a different vantage point of the falls.

Just know there are no facilities around, so come prepared with snacks and water. And bring all your rubbish home with you.

The best way to visit the waterfalls is on a tour, as they might be tricky to get to. The route is not paved and can get quite bumpy. The tour will take the worry out of getting there.

More details about the Big Rock waterfalls

Here are a few more details to help you plan your trip to Big Rock waterfalls in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve.

• Price of admission to the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve: There is no entrance fee to enter the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, or to visit the Big Rock Waterfalls.
• Opening hours for the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve: The site is open from 8 am to 5 pm, every day of the week
• Best time to visit the Big Rocks Waterfalls: The best time to visit the waterfalls is during the dry season, between December and May – the waterfall will still be running. The weather will be warmer and more enjoyable for chilling and hiking. You can still visit the falls in the wet season, but hiking will be tougher and everything will be wetter and muddier.
• How long do you need at the Big Rocks Waterfalls: You could spend all day at Big Rock Falls, or a few short hours. Whatever you do, enjoy it. It’s a great place!
• What to bring to the Big Rocks Waterfalls: Bathing suit. Sandals or water shoes. Reef-safe sunscreen. Sunglasses. A hat. Drinking water in a reusable bottle. Snacks (bring the packaging and all trash home with you). There are no vendors nearby.
• How to get to the Big Rocks Waterfalls: You can take a tour that will take you to the best sites at the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, or you can get there independently. The pools are a 45-minute drive from San Ignacio. Just know that some roads are not paved, expect gravel or packed dirt, you don’t need a 4×4 car, but it will help.
  As for the hike down to the waterfalls, they are not easy to get to. Although there are stairs, they are steep and will be a challenge for people with mobility issues.
• Amenities at the Big Rocks Waterfalls: There are none near the waterfalls, so come prepared.

7. Go to the Rio Frio Cave, an amazing place to visit near San Ignacio

Although there are plenty of other things to do in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, the Rio Frio Cave is the last one we’ll include on our list! It’s quite stunning and should be on your list of attractions in San Ignacio, even if you visit the other caves on this list. The Rio Frio cave has something unique to offer.

Plus, if you’re at the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve anyway, why not stop here too? It will be a quick stop, well worth the detour.

Rio Frio has one of the largest openings we’ve ever seen. The name of the cave comes from the fact that it’s home to a series of underground rivers and pools which have cold water. The cave is also home to some beautiful geological formations like stalactites and stalagmites, as well as several large chambers and openings. It makes the place look very mythical! Now if only we could play the Indiana Jones theme song, it would be perfect!

What makes this cave even cooler is the fact that archeologists found evidence that the cave was used by Mayan settlements back in the day. Many artifacts were found here, from pottery to cave drawings and some remains, although none are in the cave today.

You have to drive to the cave, but you can enter it by foot. You can either use the stairs on the side to go into the upper part or climb on the rocks to get to the lower level. The cave is really cool to explore. You can spend a good hour checking out.

More details about the Rio Frio Cave

Here are a few more details to help you plan your trip to the Rio Frio Cave in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve.

• Price of admission to the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve: There is no entrance fee to enter the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, or to visit the Rio Frio Cave.
• Opening hours for the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve: The site is open from 8 am to 5 pm, every day of the week
• How long do you need at the Rio Frio Cave: You could spend a good hour in the cave.
• What to bring to the Rio Frio Cave: Sturdy walking shoes or hiking shoes. Comfortable clothes. Water. Snacks. Bring your rubbish home with you.
• How to get to the Rio Frio Cave: You can take a tour that will take you to the best sites at the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, or you can get there independently. Getting to the cave will be a 45-minute drive from San Ignacio.
• Amenities at the Rio Frio Cave: There is a restroom near the Cave, but it was not serviced or functional when we visited.

8. Go ziplining in San Ignacio

Belize seems to be home to some of the best zipline courses in Central America. If you want to live a few thrilling hours of zipping over the tree canopy at crazy speeds, make sure you add this activity to your bucket list of things to do in San Ignacio. Here are a few options of places you can go.

We went ziplining at the Bocawina Rainforest Reserve, and we had such a great time! It’s only a 2-hour drive from San Ignacio, so you can make a day trip out of it and enjoy the other activities offered on site, like waterfall rappelling or bird-watching.

Bocawina Rainforest lodge is home to Belize’s longest zipline, which makes it the perfect place to get your thrills in. The Fast & Furious line is a 2,300-foot zipline where you can reach speeds up to 70 miles an hour. It’s part of a 14-platform, 9-course zipline course. You’ll be zipping on top of the jungle canopy, taking in incredible views of the rainforest and mountains around. We did this course as part of our 7-day adventure with Island Expeditions, and it was an absolute blast. You can read all about our adventure here, and even get a discount code if you want to live this experience too!

For a closer zipline location, check out Calico Jack’s Zipline. They offer a 7-zipline course with 3 suspension bridges. You’ll be able to zip over the trees and walk in the rainforest in a beautiful setting. The zipline course should take about 2 hours, but Calico Jack also offers other activities to fill your day, like horseback riding and a butterfly farm.

If not, there is the Mystic River Resort with 7 ziplines and 2 suspension bridges. You can also go cave tubing here, or visit a nearby butterfly farm. And your final option is the Jaguar Paw Jungle Resort which boasts 5 ziplines and 2 suspension bridges and offers views of the Cave Branch River. You can also go cave tubing here or visit nearby Mayan ruins.

Here are some packages that offer a combo of ziplining and the next activity that’s a must in San Ignacio.

9. Go cave tubing on the Macal River

Another activity that’s worth booking ahead of time is cave tubing. This is one of the most popular things to do in Belize and especially in San Ignacio. The lush rainforest, immense cave system and lazy rivers make San Ignacio the perfect place to enjoy this activity.

Best of all, this is one day when you don’t need to get super active. Cave tubing is pretty lazy. Sure, you have to hike for about 30 minutes to get to the cave entrance, but after that, you just sit in the tube and enjoy the view.

Most of the cave tubing activities in San Ignacio take place in the Cave Branch Archeological Reserve. It’s located between San Ignacio and Belmopan, Belize’s capital. The Cave Branch reserve is a network of underground caves that include the Crystal Cave, the Jaguar Paw Cave and St. Herman’s Cave. Like all the other caves, you’ll be able to learn about this system and admire the special rock formations like stalactites and stalagmites and more.

Although we didn’t have a chance to go cave tubing, it is one of the most popular activities in San Ignacio. Many of the people we spoke to who went on this tour absolutely loved it. It was a relaxing yet thrilling day, as most enjoyed the tour with the ziplining activity. If the zipline is not in your palette, you can also go on a tour where you go cave tubing and visit Xunantunich, or go cave tubing, horseback riding and visit Xunantunich. There are a ton of options available in Belize’s adventure capital!

10. Visit the ruins of Caracol, one of the best Mayan attractions in San Ignacio

Another Mayan ruin to visit in San Ignacio is Caracol. It’s located near the Guatemalan border and accessible through the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. It’s about 22 miles from there. We didn’t have a chance to visit it, but it is one of the best sites in San Ignacio.

Truth is, Caracol is hard to reach. Not only is it a long drive there from San Ignacio – about 2-3 hours each way. But it’s also a bumpy trip as most of the roads aren’t paved. But if you’re a history buff and want to learn more about these ruins that were one of the most powerful Mayan settlements back in the day, we recommend you make the trip there. Caracol was one of the great rival cities to Tikal in Guatemala in their heydays.

Caracol was rediscovered in 1937 by a logger. Since then, archaeologists have been working hard to uncover its secrets. Today, Caracol covers an area of about 30 square miles, with over 35,000 structures – pyramids, palaces, ball courts and more. This makes it one of the largest archaeological sites in Belize. Its tallest pyramid, the Caana or Sky Palace, is over 140 feet tall, which makes it the tallest one of all the Mayan ruins in Belize.

We highly recommend visiting Caracol on a guided tour. It would be a shame to get to one of the hardest Mayan sites to reach in Belize and not get a full understanding of this marvel.

Most tours to Caracol will include a stop (or a few of them) at Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. This is perfect because, after a long drive to the ruins, you’ll want to stretch your legs out and enjoy the refreshing waters of the Rio On Pools or the Big Rocks waterfall. These full-day tours are the perfect mix of history, culture and relaxation.

11. Go on the Jungle Pontoon Waterfall cruise

Another fun thing to do in San Ignacio is the Jungle Pontoon Waterfall cruise. These types of relaxing adventure cruises have gained in popularity in the last few years. We didn’t have a chance to go on this adventure, but when we spoke to some guests at Cahal Pech Resort that had done this, they had nothing but amazing things to say. It was one of their favorite excursions.

This day trip takes you deep within the jungle. On a pontoon, you and other guests will ride on a pontoon through the lush jungle in the heart of the Maya Mountains. You’ll visit many different waterfalls during the day, and the boat will stop at various locations so you can jump in and enjoy the water. Tours will vary depending on the season, but stops include the Sandpaper waterfall, the Twin Waterfalls, the Un-Named waterfall and Rio Frio waterfall.

Most tours allow you to bring drinks and snacks, so you can spend the day on the boat, exploring waterfalls, munching on snacks and jumping in the refreshing waters of the river. You’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Belizean jungle, including the impressive howler monkeys!

This tour will include transportation and fresh lunch. Make sure you bring water shoes, light clothes (to protect you from the sun), a towel and a change of clothes and shoes for after the activity.

12. Go birdwatching in San Ignacio, a paradise for watching wildlife

Since San Ignacio is located in such a lush jungle area, there is plenty of bird-watching to do. And although Carine is scared of birds, we still enjoy watching them from a distance. Luckily, there are a ton of places in San Ignacio where you can go birding.

Here are some of the places we enjoyed it the most:

• Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve: Since this is a reserve, after all, there are plenty of opportunities to look out for birds. In fact, our guide brought his binoculars with him at all the sites we visited: Rio On Pools, Big Rock Waterfall and Rio Frio Cave. So if you love to bird, this is a great place to do it, while combining the activity with the other stops in the Reserve. Here, you can expect to see the black-headed trogon, blue-crowned motmot, and the keel-billed toucan. The latter is very present at the Rio Frio Cave.
• Mayflower Bocawina Rainforest Park: During our week-long adventure trip with Island Excursions, we had the chance to spend 3 nights at Bocawina. Although the park is 2 hours away from San Ignacio, if you combine it with other activities, it’s well worth the day trip. After all, this is the premier place to rappel down a waterfall and glide on Belize’s longest zipline. You can get all the details about the park here.

• Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: This is another place we visited during our week with Island Expeditions. If you love to bird-watch, you could go to Bocawina and the CBWS in one day. You’ll likely see the same type of birds, considering they are in the same area. Or, you can combine your day at the CBWS with a chocolate-making activity in Hopkins. You can get all the details about the Sanctuary here.
• Belize Botanic Gardens: Located just outside of San Ignacio, the Botanic Gardens are a beautiful place where can not only see plenty of birds, but you can also discover the local fauna and flora. Check out their official website here.
• Guanacaste National Park: This park is located half an hour from San Ignacio, near the city of Belmopan. Here, you can see plenty of birds like the rufous-tailed hummingbird, the black-faced antthrush, and the blue-crowned motmot. Here is more info about the Park.

13. Check out the Raptor Center

If you don’t want to visit the birds in their natural habitat, you can support a great organization in the heart of San Ignacio. The Belize Raptor Center is a non-profit that is dedicated to educating and inspiring the conservation of birds of prey. They help rescue and rehabilitate them so they can go back to the wild.

You can visit their site, and learn more about these birds, but you have to reserve ahead of time. Most of their tours are guided, but there are some options to walk in if that is a better fit for your schedule. Here are the tours available:

• Sunday-Wednesday – VIP programs (by appointment only) – 10:30 am – 1:30 pm and 1:30pm – 4:30 pm
• Thursday – Saturday VIP programs (by appointment only) – 10:30am – 1:30pm
• Thursday – Saturday ath1:30pm- 3pm. Donation-based educational programs. Walk-ins possible

The entrance is about $20-25 USD per adult and $10 USD for kids under the age of 12.

14. Visit the Iguana conservation project

If birds aren’t your thing (we totally get it! Did we mention Carine is scared of them. lol), there is another animal sanctuary you can visit. It’s one of the coolest places we visited in San Ignacio. The Green Iguana Conservation Project!

Located in the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, in the heart of San Ignacio, the Green Iguana Conservation Project has been ongoing since 1996. Their mission is to protect the endangered green iguanas of the country and to help regrow their population.

The tour takes about 1 hour and it’s a very interactive one. Your guide will walk you to their sanctuary, where he’ll tell you about the dangers the iguanas face (mainly human poachers), and tell you about these beautiful reptiles. Here, you will learn about their life cycle at the sanctuary, from the incubation, hatching, rearing, and releasing process of this species.

We got a chance to get up close and personal with a few of the iguanas that will never be released into the wild. These are animals that are either very injured, like the 3-legged female iguana, or that used to be domestic pets. They don’t have the ability to hunt or defend themselves, which is why they won’t be released. We got to hold and pet this batch of 3-4 iguanas.

There were also other iguanas in the same enclave – about 5-8 of them. They kept their distance and don’t interact with humans. These are the iguanas that will be released back into the wild when they are ready. The Project limits their interaction with humans so that they have a better rate of succeeding once they’re on their own!

We also got a chance to see the baby iguanas, those little bright green ones. They were recently hatched and learning how to do life. We weren’t able to touch them because they will be released into the wild, and the staff wants them to have the least possible interaction with humans.

Here are some more details about the Green Iguana Conservation Project:

• Cost: $22.50 BZD (about $11.25 USD)
• Location: San Ignacio Resort Hotel
• Opening hours: From 8 am to 4 pm, daily. The tours leave every hour on the hour.
• Tour duration: About 45 to 60 minutes long.
• Official website

15. Go to the local market, an incredible activity in San Ignacio

If you’re like us, you love to discover more about the local culture and immerse yourself in experiences that allow you to mingle with the locals. Enter the San Ignacio market! The perfect place to spend a Saturday morning exploring the real life of the people of San Ignacio.

Although the market is open every day, the best day to visit, aka the busiest, is on Saturdays. This is when local farmers, traders and vendors set up their booths and all sorts of things. Fresh produce from the Mennonite farmers of the area, medicinal herbs, handcrafts from the indigenous communities, clothing, plants – whatever you want, you’ll likely find it here.

The San Ignacio market runs from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm. You can get here by boat (there is a designated dock for it) or you can walk there from anywhere in the city. You can ask anyone where the market is, and they will point you to it. It’s right next to the football stadium, but its official address is Savannah Street in San Ignacio.

This is the perfect place to people-watch. If you have a fascination for this, make sure you bring your camera, because you’ll have a field day taking pictures of the people interacting together. It’s also a great place to shop for some souvenirs or get some produce for your time in San Ignacio. We highly recommend you visit the market – it was one of our highlights in San Ignacio!

• Location: Check it out on google Maps here
• Cost: Free to visit, but if you buy anything, you’ll need to pay
• When: Every day from 5 am to 6 pm but Saturday is the most active day
• What you’ll find: Food, produce, souvenirs, plants, clothes, and more
• What to bring: If you plan on buying anything, bring your own reusable bag, bags for your produce, straw and utensils if you plan on eating.

16. Learn to cook local Mayan cuisine

We were lucky enough to be able to learn how to cook some local Belizean food while we were in San Ignacio. One of the great things about the Cahal Pech Resort is that they offer these courses internally, hiring local women to teach people how to make their food.

During the course, we learned how to make bollos, a cornmeal dish that can either have chicken or chaya in it, wrapped in banana leaf and steamed. Chaya is similar to spinach and is very commonly used in Belizean meals. We also learned how to make tortillas, which we were not great at. It gave us a whole new appreciation for tacos! And we also learned how to make chocolate.

It was such a great experience. We got to bond with the lady who taught us how to make these dishes, and gave us a whole new level of understanding and appreciation for the meals we ate during our travels!

If you love to form deeper connections with the places you visit, we highly recommend reaching out to Cahal Pech Resort and booking this experience with them. Learning how to make typical Belizean meals was fun, talking to our chef was great, and enjoying the meal afterward was the cherry on the sundae!

17. Relax by the pool and enjoy the view at Cahal Pech Resort

It gets hot in San Ignacio. Even if it’s located in the mountains. Even if there is a lush forest that surrounds you always. It’s so hard to escape the heat. That’s why we recommend taking some time to just chill and get refreshed at Cahal Pech Resort. This hotel is located near the Cahal Pech ruins, and it sits on the highest point of San Ignacio.

Here, there are 3 different pools you can enjoy. Each has a different depth. Some are closer to the bar, while the others are more kid-friendly (and shallow). On hot days, so basically any day, and after full days of adventures, the pools of Cahal Pech are the perfect place to cool down and relax.

We also recommend staying here for sunset. Being located on the highest peak of San Ignacio, you have stunning views of the surrounding mountains and town. The sunsets at Cahal Pech Resort are unbeatable!

So grab a drink, pull up a seat and take a moment to enjoy the present. After all the adventures you’ve been on and all the amazing things you’ve done, this is the perfect way to end the day!

18. Enjoy sushi at the only sushi restaurant in San Ignacio

If you are craving some fresh and authentic Japanese sushi, why not try the only sushi restaurant in all of San Ignacio? Welcome to Sky Sushi Bar by JYOTO. Here, chefs Toshiya and Onie will whip up some of the most delicious sushi meals you’ve ever had, probably in all of Belize.

For a country that consumes and harvests so much fresh fish, straight from the Caribbean, it’s surprising that there aren’t more sushi bars around. Luckily, there is Sky Sushi Bar. With their creative menu, and locally sourced fish, they have something for everyone.

Derek thoroughly enjoyed his meal of fresh sushi rolls, tuna sashimi and some nigiri as well. As for Carine, the restaurant had plenty of vegan options to choose from. There was a very large helping of vegan ramen soup, as well as some vegan sushi rolls, and even edamame. It may seem surprising to get excited about edamame, but considering the limited selection of vegan proteins in Belize, this was a welcomed option.

If you’re looking to try something different than the typical Belizean food, and to enjoy an authentic sushi dinner with a stunning view, make sure you stop by Sky Sushi Bar. You will not be disappointed. Just make sure you check if they are open as the chefs split their time between San Ignacio & San Pedro, so they are not always open.

Where to stay in San Ignacio – Cahal Pech Resort

If you’re looking to do all the best things in San Ignacio, while also staying in a comfortable and unique place, we highly recommend Cahal Pech Resort. They are a one-stop shop when it comes to amazing tours in San Ignacio, as well as affordable accommodations.

First of all, their location can’t be beat. A short walk up the hill, they are located at the top of the highest peak in San Ignacio. This means you get an amazing view of the surrounding mountains and the whole town. The sunrises and sunsets are some of the most amazing here.

Next, they have different kinds of accommodations. Our favorite was the cabanas they have on their site. They come with a hammock in an enclosed area (yup, no bugs here!) that you can chill in all day – but don’t do that! Because there are so many adventures to be had in San Ignacio, you don’t want to miss out! They also offer suites in the hotel part of the building. These are also very comfortable to stay in and offer and amazing view of the property and the town.

The staff at Cahal Pech Resort is also some of the sweetest people we’ve met. Each was super kind, and funny and made sure all the guests were having a great time. They ensured the tours ran smoothly and found ways to make everyone’s itinerary and stay in San Ignacio the most comfortable. They have great recommendations to give, no matter what you’re looking for. Some of the people we shared tours with even got to spend time with a staff member’s family because they hit it off so well! These are the experiences that make a trip memorable!

Everything to know about San Ignacio

To help you better plan your trip, here are the answers to some of the most popular questions about San Ignacio.

When is the best time to visit San Ignacio?

It’s important to know that there are 2 distinct seasons in Belize and the weather in San Ignacio is affected by them.

You have the dry season which is from December to April. You’ll find dryer weather and more comfortable temperatures. As most people are looking for this kind of weather, and to escape the frigid cold of North America and Europe, this is also the busiest season in Belize and San Ignacio.

Although most consider December to April to be the best time to visit San Ignacio, this is when costs are higher and accommodations and attractions will be busier. You should book things in advance to avoid missing out on what you’re looking to do. December and early January tend to be busier, so if you visit outside this timeframe, you’ll still get to enjoy the best of San Ignacio, but with less crowds.

May to November is known as the wet season, where you have a higher chance of humidity and rain. But since San Ignacio is in the jungle, you’ll have more lush vegetation. You’ll also have more bugs around, so plan (and dress) accordingly. And as we mentioned, some of the sites may be harder to access since water levels may rise during this timeframe.

It’s also important to know that June to October are known as hurricane season in Belize, but San Ignacio isn’t really affected by it. You can expect increased rainfall during this season, however.

How to get to San Ignacio?

There are so many ways to get to San Ignacio from within Belize, or even from Guatemala. You can do it by bus, by car, a private shuttle or you can take a flight. Here are the details you need to know.

Getting to San Ignacio by bus

This is the easiest way to get to San Ignacio from either Belize City or Dangriga. You can also take a bus from Punta Gorda. The bus from Belize City will take around 3 hours. A trip from Danriga will take around 4 hours.

Don’t be alarmed because the buses in Belize are often old-school buses from Canada and the US. They are quite safe and comfortable to use. They do make a few stops along the way, but they are a cheap and convenient way of getting around. Tickets often cost around $10-15 BZD, depending on where you hop on.

Getting to San Ignacio by car

You can also rent a car from Dangriga or Belize City and drive there. however, this will be an expensive option. Gas prices have recently soared in Belize, and the price to rent a car is about $85 USD on a good day, especially if you’re looking to get a 4×4, which is almost required to go on all these adventures.

Getting to San Ignacio by shuttle

You can arrange to have a shuttle take you from your current location in Belize to San Ignacio. However, these tend to be more expensive than using the bus.

Getting to San Ignacio by air

Another expensive option, for your wallet and the environment, is to take a domestic flight from Belize City to San Ignacio’s small airstrip. When we tried to search for flights for writing this article, we didn’t find any air providers that offered flights. It may be a seasonal thing, so make sure you plan accordingly.

How long should you spend in San Ignacio?

If you can, we would recommend spending 4-5 days in San Ignacio. And if you can, try to make sure you’re there on a Saturday, so you can experience the local market. Within 4-5 days, you’ll be able to explore all the best of San Ignacio – the ruins, caves, and the other activities that are in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve.

Of course, this will depend on how long you’re traveling through Belize and what your interests are. If your time is limited, we would recommend spending at least 3 full days here. This will allow you to do the highlights – The ATM caves, Xunantunich and a few things at the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve.

How to get around San Ignacio?

The best way to get around San Ignacio is either to walk around to the locations that are in the city. Most of the attractions within the city are very walkable to get to.

For attractions that aren’t deep into the jungle or the reserves, taxis are a great way to reach them. They are safe and practical to get around San Ignacio. Just make sure you agree on pricing before. Taxis in Belize have a green license plate, which is a way to distinguish them.

If you’re visiting the sites, you’ll probably need to book a tour, which we recommend – it will be the best way to get more information about the places you’re visiting and to get everything included – transport, food, entrances, etc.

Another option to get around San Ignacio is to rent a car, however, this is an expensive option. Small cars start at $65 a day, including insurance. But if you want a larger SUV, you’ll be spending upwards of $80 USD.

Here are some places you can rent a car from: Cayo Auto Rentals, Matus Car Rentals, Flames Auto Rentals

Is San Ignacio worth visiting?

If you don’t love adventures, lush rainforests and exploring caves and Mayan ruins, then San Ignacio is not worth visiting. But if you do love those things and are looking to explore a part of Belize that has more to offer than blue waters, then San Ignacio should definitely be on your Belize itinerary.

If you’re planning on spending 2-3 weeks in Belize, this is the perfect place to base yourself for a few days and to check out all the great things this town has to offer.

Is San Ignacio budget-friendly?

This is a tricky question because it will depend on how you travel. San Ignacio can be budget-friendly, but if you plan on seeing the best sites in town, you’ll need to invest in some tours. For example, the ATM Cave, which was one of the best things to do in Belize, is only accessible by tour, and with a $125 USD pp price tag, it’s not a cheap day.

Some of the other activities, mainly the ones located in the city, like the Iguana Conservation Project, Xunantunich, the market or the cooking classes, are more accessible for those with limited budgets.

It’s no secret that Belize is one of the more expensive places to visit in Central America. If you want to make the best of your time here and check off some of the cooler things on the Belize bucket list, you’ll need to splurge a little bit more than in other countries. But we can promise you that the activities you do here will be well worth the budget.

Is San Ignacio safe for tourists?

Yes, San Ignacio is very safe for tourists. All of Belize is quite a safe destination for travelers and tourists. Sure, there are bound to be some incidents, just like anywhere you travel. But overall, if you’re a conscious traveler, you shouldn’t have any problems in San Ignacio.

The best thing is to avoid purchasing drugs – although locals will tell you it’s legal. And don’t be too flashy with your belongings. Make sure you keep an eye out for your goods and don’t walk around with too much on you.

If you follow these simple rules, not only in San Ignacio, but wherever you travel, you should be fine.

What are the best day trips from San Ignacio?

As we mentioned, there are plenty of things to do in San Ignacio. If you’re looking to make the best of your time here, we recommend doing tours – although they aren’t the most budget-friendly way to visit the town, they are the most efficient and most educational. Here are the best day trips to book in San Ignacio:

1. ATM Caves on a full day trip with lunch and transport included
2. Caracol, Rio Frio Cave and the Rio On Pools
3. Jungle Pontoon Waterfall Tour
4. Cave tubing & Ziplining
5. Xunantunich & Barton Creek Cave
6. Optional: A day trip to Tikal. If you’re not planning on visiting Guatemala, then spending a day visiting Tikal from San Ignacio might be a good option for you.

What are the best festivals & events in San Ignacio?

There are many events & festivals that take place in San Ignacio. Here are some of the largest and most notable ones. Make sure you check the official website of the events, or the Tourism Belize website for the most up-to-date details.

• La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge: We missed this festival by a few days. We saw them setting up the tents for this annual canoe race which takes place in March. Participants canoe a distance of 170 miles along the Belize River. The River Challenge passes through San Ignacio where celebrations, cultural activities and live music take place. Official website.
• Chocolate Festival of Belize: We’re so disappointed we missed this, but during 3 days in May, there is the annual Chocolate Festival that takes place in San Ignacio, and all of Belize. Since chocolate is such an important part of Belize’s culture and dates back to Mayan times, this festival is a popular one. It’s a chance to learn about the country’s cacao and chocolate heritage. You’ll be able to enjoy tastings, workshops, live music and other cultural activities.
• Garifuna Settlement Day: This is a national holiday that is celebrated on November 19. The Holiday commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna people to Belize. During this day, you’ll be able to experience traditional Garifuna music, dance and food.

The 18 best things to do in San Ignacio

Here are the best attractions and activities in San Ignacio.

1. Explore the ATM Caves
2. Discover the Cahal Pech ruins
3. Check out the Barton Creek Cave
4. Explore Xunantunich
5. Chill out at the Rio On Pools
6. Hike to the Big Rock waterfalls
7. Go to the Rio Frio Cave
8. Go ziplining
9. Go water tubing on the Macal River
10. Visit the ruins of Caracol
11. Go on the pontoon cruise
12. Go birdwatching
13. Check out the Raptor Center
14. Visit the Iguana Conservation project
15. Learn local Maya cuisine
16. Go to the local market
17. Relax and enjoy the view at Cahal Pech Resort
18. Enjoy the only sushi restaurant in San Ignacio

There you have it! The very best things to do in San Ignacio. From the best attractions, top sites and adventure activities, we hope our list was enough to give you a good idea on how to spend your time in San Ignacio.

Let us know in the comments which activities you’re looking the most forward to doing. Are there other activities that were not on our list that we should include?

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