BZ
San Ignacio
Base for Maya temples, the ATM cave and rainforest rivers in Belize’s Cayo District
Base for Maya temples, the ATM cave and rainforest rivers in Belize’s Cayo District
On a hill on the edge of town, this Maya site was occupied for centuries and was once the home of an elite family. Its compact plazas and temples, surrounded by forest, can be seen in an hour or two, with a small museum at the entrance.
Walkable from the town centre; the hill is steep.
Photo: Denis Barthel, CC BY-SA 4.0
On a ridge above the Mopan River near the Guatemalan border, Xunantunich was a Maya ceremonial centre that flourished around AD 700–900. Its main pyramid, El Castillo, is about 40 metres tall, with carved friezes and views into Guatemala. Visitors cross the river on a small hand-cranked ferry.
Go early for cooler temperatures and quieter ruins.
Photo: PLBechly, CC BY-SA 4.0
In the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, this cave was a Maya ceremonial site. Visitors swim and wade into the river passage to reach chambers holding pottery and skeletons, including the calcified “Crystal Maiden”. Tours are only allowed with licensed guides, and cameras are banned after a visitor damaged a skull in 2012.
The cave can close after heavy rain; book with a flexible date.
Photo: Antti T. Nissinen, CC BY 2.0
Deep in the Chiquibul forest, Caracol was one of the most powerful Maya cities of the Classic period and is the largest Maya site in Belize. Its main temple, Caana, is the tallest structure in the country. The trip involves a long, rough drive through Mountain Pine Ridge, usually as a full-day guided tour.
Combine with waterfalls and Rio On pools in Mountain Pine Ridge.
Photo: ryanacandee, CC BY 2.0
The small town centre is full of restaurants, tour agencies and guesthouses, and the market by the river is busiest on Saturdays. The Macal River is popular for canoeing and tubing, and the Green Iguana Conservation Project is in town.
Rent a canoe to paddle the Macal upstream.
Photo: Kaldari, CC0
Belizean staples include rice and beans with stewed chicken, panades and salbutes (fried corn snacks), fry jacks for breakfast and tamales. San Ignacio’s mix of cultures also means Mestizo, Lebanese, Chinese and international restaurants.
The Saturday market is the place for fresh fruit, snacks and local produce.
San Ignacio is about two hours by road from Belize City and its international airport, via Belmopan on the George Price Highway. Buses run regularly between Belize City and San Ignacio; shuttles and taxis are faster.
The Guatemalan border at Benque Viejo is close by, with onward transport to Flores and Tikal. Local taxis, tour operators and rental cars serve the Maya sites and caves.
Belize uses the Belize dollar (BZD), fixed at two to one US dollar; US dollars are widely accepted.
Cahal Pech is walkable and cheap to visit.
ATM and Caracol tours cost more.
Book ATM tours a few days ahead in high season.
Three days covers the main Maya sites and the ATM cave.
Explore the town and market, walk up to Cahal Pech, and paddle the Macal River in the afternoon.
Visit Cahal Pech in the late afternoon light.
A full-day guided tour to Actun Tunichil Muknal.
Bring clothes that can get wet and closed shoes; the guide supplies helmets.
Morning at Xunantunich, then lunch in Benque Viejo or San José Succotz, or continue to Guatemala.
Carry your passport if crossing the border.
You will swim and wade; leave cameras and valuables behind.
June to November brings heavy rain and occasional cave closures.
Caracol and Mountain Pine Ridge roads are rough; go with a tour or a 4WD.
US dollars are accepted, but small Belize dollar notes are handy.
Quick answers for planning time in San Ignacio.
About 63 miles (100km), around two hours by road.
No. Visits are only allowed with licensed guides, and cameras are banned inside.
It is a short drive or taxi ride west towards the border, followed by a hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River.
Yes, it is Belize’s largest Maya site, but the drive is long and rough, so allow a full day.
December to April is drier; caves may close after heavy rain in the wet season.
Planning a wider trip? Our Belize travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.