San Ignacio Travelers Recommend

Located in western Belize near the Guatemalan border, San Ignacio is within easy day-tripping distance not only of the ancient Maya ruins at Caracol in Belize, but also from the jungle-set Tikal National Park in Guatemala, one of Central America’s most impressive Maya sites. Here’s what you need to know about Tikal tours from San Ignacio. 

Highlights

• Climb up the huge Tikal temples, which rise high above the surrounding jungle canopy at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

• From the top of the Temple of the Masks, admire views of the Temple of the Great Jaguar, the centerpiece of Tikal’s Great Plaza.

• Learn about the advanced Maya civilization and their sophisticated use of mathematics and astronomy from a tour guide. 

• Hear howler monkeys screeching in the trees above as you make your way along jungle trails that weave through the archaeological site.

• Examine stone carvings etched with ancient glyphs. 

Things to Know

• Tikal is about 96 miles (115 kilometers) from San Ignacio. The drive normally takes 2.5 hours, though it may be longer depending on border-crossing times. 

• Bring a passport as you’ll be passing through immigration at the border between Belize and Guatemala. 

• Most organized Tikal day trips from San Ignacio are full-day tours, lasting upward of nine hours.

• Round-trip transport, lunch, and entrance fees are typically included on Tikal day tours from San Ignacio. 

In Belize’s Cayo District, San Ignacio is conveniently located near caves, Maya ruins, and a forest reserve with beautiful waterfalls. With a 3-day stay, you’ll have time to explore several of these sites, and even cross over into Guatemala. Here are some ideas for your itinerary.

Day 1: Flora and Fauna

Head to the San Ignacio Resort Hotel to tour the Green Iguana Conservation Project, where you’ll learn all about the country’s iguanas while observing them in their on-site habitat. Then, walk along the property’s nature trail to see native Belizean plants, many of which have medicinal properties. In the afternoon, walk or take a taxi to Cahal Pech, an archaeological site known for bird watching—the ruins are about a mile (1.6 kilometers) up a steep hill. Alternatively, look for the majestic blue morpho at one of Cayo’s butterfly farms, and wander around the Belize Botanic Gardens. In the evening, return to town to grab a drink and dinner. San Ignacio’s nightlife scene is pretty quiet, with the bars generally catering to a backpacking crowd.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures

Venture into the surrounding rain forest and hike along the foothills of the Maya Mountains, admiring waterfalls and swimming in natural pools filled with crystal clear water. Or, canoe down the Macal River to town. Later, hop in a bus or taxi to the border town of Benque Viejo del Carmen (just a few minutes away), and make your way to Xunantunich, one of Belize’s top archeological sites. Climb 130-foot-tall (40-meter-tall) El Castillo for views of the jungle canopy. Cave tubing at Caves Branch River is another option.

Day 3: Across the Border

Don’t miss the chance to visit Tikal, in Guatemala, about two hours from San Ignacio. This Maya archaeological site is a must for travelers interested in ancient civilization. It can be tricky to cross the border, so book a group tour to eliminate some of the stress. Alternatively, if you’re up for an Indiana Jones–type adventure, journey to Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, accessible only with a guide. Hike through a rain forest to the cave, which you’ll need to swim through at times. (This activity isn’t recommended for people with claustrophobia.) Inside, you’ll spot ancient ceramics and human bones—including the skeleton of a young girl who was sacrificed thousands of years ago.

A 2-day stay in San Ignacio gives you time to explore further and relax a bit between adventures. From Maya archaeological sites to outdoor activities like cave tubing and hiking, here are a few options.

Day 1: Beyond the Border

**Morning:**Venture across the nearby Belize–Guatemala border to visit Tikal, an ancient Maya ceremonial center located in Petén, Guatemala. It can be tricky and involve some coordination to cross the border, so book a group tour to eliminate travel-related stress. Alternatively, check out nearby ruins like Cahal Pech and Xunantunich.

**Afternoon:**Make your way to the San Ignacio Market, the country’s most popular outdoor market. Saturdays are a must, with vendors descending on the town from around the district to sell goods like produce, clothing, and pupusas and tacos made and served on-site. Grab lunch from one of the stands for a riverside picnic.

**Night:**Watch the sun set behind the mountains as you ride around the countryside on horseback. Tours depart in the late afternoon, and sometimes include a glass of wine. Alternatively, hit one of the local bars for a drink and a bite to eat.

Day 2: Chasing Waterfalls

**Morning:**Head out into the surrounding rain forest, hiking in the foothills of the Maya Mountains to waterfalls such as the Rio Frio. When you need a break, take a swim in the natural pools filled with crystal clear water. Or, spend an action-packed day at Actun Tunichil Muknal cave.

**Afternoon:**If you haven’t yet been there, walk or take a taxi to Cahal Pech, a Maya archeological site popular among bird-watchers—the ruins are about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from San Ignacio. Or, see the beautiful blue morpho at one of Cayo’s butterfly farms.

**Night:**San Ignacio isn’t known for its nightlife, but there’s a handful of bars and restaurants that cater to the backpacking crowd. Night owls might opt for the Princess Casino, open until 5am.

Situated in Belize’s Cayo District, San Ignacio serves as a base for adventure seekers and a layover for travelers on their way to or from Guatemala. Horseback riding, cave tubing, and hiking are just a few of the activities offered—and with some planning, you can pack a lot of action into a single fun-filled day. Here are some options.

Morning: Archaeological Adventures

Many travelers stay in San Ignacio because of its convenient location near major archaeological sites such as Cahal Pech and Xunantunich. To maximize your time, see both Maya ruins on a group tour. Known for bird watching, Cahal Pech is the smaller of the two sites; at nearby Xunantunich, climb 130-foot-tall (40-meter-tall) El Castillo for views of the jungle canopy, the other ruins, and the Guatemalan border. Alternatively, spend the entire day cave tubing at Caves Branch River or ziplining through the jungle.

Afternoon: Butterflies and Blooms

If you didn’t join an all-day excursion or you’re looking for something less strenuous, head to one of the butterfly farms in Cayo after lunch. Belize is home to about 700 butterfly species—keep an eye out for the blue morpho. Or, tour the Belize Botanic Gardens, and learn about traditional uses for medicinal plants. Don’t miss the orchid house, which contains more than 120 orchid species.

Night: Relaxation

Most all-day tours return to San Ignacio in the evening, just in time to grab dinner at one of the local eateries. Overall, the San Ignacio nightlife scene is fairly quiet, with a smattering of bars and restaurants serving up a range of cuisine, from pizza to Chinese. Alternatively, catch the sunset as you explore the Cayo countryside on horseback. Riding tours sometimes include a glass of wine to enjoy at the end of the day.