21 Awesome Things to Do in San Ignacio Belize (Cayo District)
Looking for the top things to do in San Ignacio Belize? Well, you’re in for a ton of adventure!
After chilling on Belize’s beautiful islands, I spent a week in the Cayo District in search of jungle adventures. And boy did I find some.
This guide is packed with 21 awesome activities that showcase the best of what the Cayo District has to offer.
From impressive Maya sites to mysterious caves where human sacrifices were held, there’s no shortage of things to do here. You’ll find yourself deep in Belizean culture and the raw beauty of the remote jungle.
By the end of this post, your San Ignacio Itinerary will be full.
Quick Guide to San Ignacio
- How to Get There: The best way to reach San Ignacio is by shuttle or rental car from the airport.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time for activities is during the dry season from December to April. You’ll enjoy sunny days and clear skies, perfect for exploring the jungle.
- How Long to Stay: A minimum of 3 days is recommended to enjoy Caye Caulker, but I highly recommend at least 5 full days to truly experience everything the island has to offer.
- Where to Stay: For a great stay, choose Vanilla Hills Lodge and stay in one of their tree houses.
21 Things To Do In San Ignacio Belize (Cayo District)
San Ignacio is the Adventure Hub of Belize. This cool town offers endless opportunities for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Here are 21 must do adventures in the Cayo District:
1. Take a dip at Rio on Pools
If you’re searching for a hidden gem in Belize, this is the place.
Rio on Pools is located within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and offers natural swimming holes where you can take a refreshing dip and cool off from the jungle heat.
The rocks are slippery and act as natural water slides. So be sure to add your swimsuit, water shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent to your Belize packing list.
Consider a guided tour if you feel you’d rather not make the drive yourself. Although
they continually improve the roads they can be a bit bumpy and challenging
at times.
2. Chaa Creek Nature Reserve
Chaa Creek Nature Reserve is a beautiful natural sanctuary that is home to many jungle animals. You can see monkeys, grey foxes, and over 300 different species of exotic birds. And if you want to spot the elusive jaguar, this place is probably your best bet.
The reserve is a great place for bird watching, hiking, canoeing or just exploring lush jungle rainforest trails.
Also, be sure to stop at the Blue Morpho Butterfly Exhibit where you can see the iridescent wings of the “Belizean Blue” butterfly.
3. Have a Blast on the ATM Cave Tour
The ATM cave Tour was the most exhilarating and interesting thing I did in San Ignacio, Belize.
It’s ranked as the world’s number-one sacred cave. It holds a dark history where ancient Maya performed human sacrifices.
The adventure begins with a 45-minute hike through Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. You’ll get wet right off the bat by wading across a river in chest-high, freezing water, pulling yourself along with a rope. Then, you’ll trudge through water all the way into the ATM cave.
But be warned—it’s not for the faint of heart. You will have to squeeze through some tight places and do a little climbing to get to the good stuff. And at times, you’ll find yourself in pitch blackness. I rate the difficulty at about a six on a scale of 1 to 10.
FYI: You need to join a tour or hire a guide to enter the cave. Oh, and socks are mandatory because, at some point, you have to take your shoes off to enter the most sacred part of the cave. And no cameras are allowed because someone dropped their camera and crushed a human skull once upon a time.
4. Tour Tikal National Park on the Belize Guatemala Border
Even If you’re not into archaeology, you’ve still got to check out the Tikal ruins just across the Guatemalan border from San Ignacio. It’s a perfect day trip from San Ignacio Belize.
Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the most famous archeological site in Guatemala, and the most magnificent ruins I’ve seen.
This place is packed with enormous temples, plazas, and pyramids, some of which you can even climb to the top of.
Without a guide, getting lost is almost guaranteed, so I highly recommend booking a tour. Having someone to explain the history and point out all the coolest spots will make your experience much richer.
As you wander through the National Park, expect to encounter spider monkeys, howler monkeys, and toucans along the way.
FUN FACT: Tikal was a filming location for one of the Star Wars films.
5. Cahal Pech Maya Site
If you’re not interested in crossing into Guatemala to see cool ruins, you don’t have to. Western Belize has several cool sites, and Cahal Pech is one of Belize’s oldest Mayan ruins.
Cahal Pech is seriously underrated, super well maintained, and incredibly peaceful with few visitors.
The ruins are easy to stroll through and you can even climb some of the structures. Whether you pick a tour or go solo, I totally recommend checking out these Mayan ruins
6. Explore Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
First off, how in the heck do you even pronounce this place?
It’s pronounced “Shoe-nan-too-nitch.”
To get there, you’ll take a hand-cranked ferry over the Mopan River just outside San Ignacio. These Mayan ruins are the closest to town.
Xunantunich has over 25 Maya temples and palaces, and the biggest pyramid is called El Castillo. With four sets of stairs, you can climb to the top and look out over the entire Belize jungle and even get a glimpse of Guatemala.
FYI: If you believe in ghosts, keep a look out for the Xunantunich ghost, first seen in 1892 and spotted several times since. I didn’t see her while I was visiting, unfortunately.
7. Cave tubing Tour
Cave tubing is a blast and a jungle adventure you should seriously consider doing when you visit San Ignacio.
Plan to get wet again as you float on inner tubes down a crystal-clear river through a system of underground caves.
It’s not all relaxing, though. You’ll do some hiking and carry your tube down the trail to the river, where you put it in.
There are several cave-tubing guided tours you can choose from, but I highly recommend the tour we took. This tour is totally worth it for an unforgettable experience.
8. Jungle Zip-lining
Flying through the jungle treetops is a must when you visit San Ignacio.
I love this zip-lining tour! It’s such a rush and Belize has one of the best courses I’ve ever done.
Even though there are several courses in Belize the Mayflower Bocawina Park is the best. It’s got eight different courses across 12 platforms, with the longest run being 2,300 feet!
They have super safe zip lines with double cables and go beyond the usual safety standards so you can feel safe and just have some serious fun.
There are several different tours you can take for varying lengths and difficulty levels.
If you’ve never tried zip lining before, it might seem a bit scary at first. But trust me, it’s
like riding a rollercoaster—terrifying at first, but once you finish, you’ll be itching to clip
into the next zip line and zoom off again!
9. Swim, tube, or canoe in the Macal River
No matter what you’re up for, the Macal River in San Ignacio Belize is a great place to cool off from the jungle heat.
You’ll find many locals hanging out at the river. Join them by swimming, tubing, or taking a canoe down the calm waters.
It’s also a great place to have a picnic along the shore.
Just soak it all in and have fun!
FYI: There are crocodiles in the river. They’re usually not aggressive, and authorities will warn you if any are spotted. It’s your call if you want to take a dip! Just stay aware and listen to any warnings.
10. Canoe the Barton Creek Cave
You’ve got to see this Cathedral-like cave! It’s one of the most popular tour spots in the
Cayo District!
You’ll glide through on a canoe and see stalactites and stalagmites, and don’t be surprised if some bats swoop by.
Navigating the cave will be a breeze, but the drive there might actually be the trickiest part.
For the best experience, book a tour guide who’ll share all the history and tell fun stories about the Maya people.
Oh, and be sure to pack water shoes!
11. Go Horseback Riding through an Ancient Maya Jungle
Being a horse girl myself, I loved this tour!
You’ll get to see the Belize jungle from horseback and possibly see wildlife like never before. Because animals are less afraid of a four-footed beast coming down the trail than a two-legged one.
Here are two of the best horseback riding tours from San Ignacio:
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour: You’ll get to explore the ancient maya ruins from horseback and climb the El Castillo Pyramid. No horseback riding experience is needed, but be ready for a 4-5 hour tour. Of course not all that time will be in the saddle.
Minanha Forgotten Jungle City: Just the name alone sparks curiosity! You’ll have a full-day adventure through the Maya mountains and uncover hidden caves, ceremonial temples, and burial chambers. Expect to spend a lot of time in the saddle on this tour and riding through some rugged terrain. This tour is best for experienced riders.
12. Big Rock Falls in the Mountain Pine Ridge
Belize has several popular waterfalls, but Big Rock Falls is my FAVORITE!
Standing at 150 feet tall, they call it Big Rock for a reason. It’s absolutely stunning, whether you admire it from a distance or get up close.
The road to get to the parking lot for Big Rock Falls is not well maintained, and you will definitely want a high-clearance rig to get there. We almost got stuck in the ruts in the road!
Once you get to the parking lot, you’ll have a short hike on an obvious trail down to the falls. Take a break from the heat by swimming in the deep pools at the base of the waterfall.
The water is cool and refreshing, so don’t be afraid to get in. Just be very careful because the rocks are very slippery. Be sure to pack water shoes!
13. Explore the Rio Frio Cave
If caves haven’t made your bucket list yet, you might want to rethink that! The Rio Frio Cave is
super easy to access, whether you’re 7 or 70, with no worries about squeezing through
tight chambers.
The entrance is impressively wide and as you explore, you’ll be amazed at how some of the stalactites resemble chandeliers.
Sunlight floods the cave, so you won’t need a headlamp to explore this ancient burial
ground. But if bats give you the heebie-jeebies, brace yourself—this is their favorite
hangout.
While you’re headed to the Rio Frio Cave, you’ll also get to enjoy the jungle scenery of the
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.
14. Caracol Maya Ruins
One last ancient ruins site you got to see in Belize is the Caracol Maya Ruins.
Deep in the Belizean jungle, 25 miles south of San Ignacio town, lie the Caracol Ruins. They are the largest mayan site in Belize. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but trust me, it’s totally worth it.
You can explore three different plazas, temples, palaces and a whole bunch more cool structures. It has some 35,000 different structures!
The best of them all is the Sky Palace (Caana)! It’s the tallest man-made structure in Belize.
You’ll also be blown away by the reservoirs and causeways that show off the incredible sophistication of the Mayan people who built this empire.
Things to do in San Ignacio Town (Within Walking Distance)
Not everyone’s into ziplining, cave tubing, or hiking up to a waterfall. Or maybe you just need a chill activity between all the adventures. I’m totally with you.
So, I’ve put together a list of low-key activities for when you’re not chasing the coolest stuff. They’re all definitely worth doing!
15. Mingle with Locals at the San Ignacio Market
The Belizean people are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. I’ve made some
great friends there. And what better place to mingle with the locals than at the Farmers Market?
The San Ignacio Farmers Market is open every day from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm, even on
national holidays. But the busiest day is Saturday.
You can find it on Savannah Street, right across from the main soccer/football stadium in downtown San Ignacio.
Vendors from surrounding villages sell everything from fresh produce and handmade clothing to
jewelry, art, and medicinal herbs. It’s the perfect way to get a glimpse into local culture and
traditions.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of cash!
16. Visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project
If you love supporting a good cause, then check this out!
Located at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel you will find the Green Iguana Conservation
Project. Green iguanas are a threatened species, and at the Green Iguana
Project, you will learn everything about these little green reptiles and how they are trying to save them.
You can even cuddle them if you want.
I highly recommend this for an affordable and fun activity for the whole family and to support a good cause. We had a great time visiting and hanging with these green guys
17. Take a Mayan Chocolate Making Class
Every time I eat my Hershey bar from now on, I think of chocolate a little differently.
At JAWA, you can make your own chocolate the old-fashioned way!
This fun, hands-on experience will have you grinding your own cacao beans with primitive tools to make chocolate. It’s not as easy as it looks—there’s a definite technique to it.
You’ll learn about the cacao bean’s life cycle and its important role in Maya culture.
If you happen to be visiting Belize during the Chocolate Festival, you’ll get to try everything from chocolate beer to chocolate soap.
FUN FACT: Chocolate was once used as currency among the Maya. Mayans typically consumed it as a drink laced with chili peppers.
18. Eat Local Street Food in San Ignacio Town
The best part of vacationing to me is trying all the different types of food.
You won’t be disappointed in the Belizean foods offered in San Ignacio Town. Here are some of my favorite street foods I tried in San Ignacio:
- Pupusas: These stuffed corn tortillas are filled with deliciousness.
- Tamales: Wrapped in banana leaves, these savory treats are packed with
flavor - Fry Jacks: Perfect for breakfast, these fluffy, fried dough pieces are
irresistible. - Hudut: A stew crafted from fresh fish and coconut milk.
- Panades: Delectable finger food – pockets of corn dough filled with meat,
beans, or fish, fried to perfection, and topped with slaw or hot sauce.
Dig in and enjoy the local flavors!
19. Stay in a Tree-house Jungle Resort
One of the best things to do in San Ignacio Belize is to stay in a treehouse!
You’ll love waking up surrounded by the jungle and listening to the sounds of birds and possibly even the howler monkeys.
We stayed in a gorgeous tree house at the Vanilla Hills Lodge, just on the edge of San Ignacio. We loved lying in bed with the floor-to-ceiling windows open and listening to the rainforest. It was hard to leave the tree house to go explore.
If you too want to stay in a treehouse, here are some other places to stay that offer treehouses:
If San Ignacio is just one of your stops in Belize and you’re on the hunt for more awesome places to stay, don’t miss my article on the “Best Places to Stay in Belize.”
20. Take a Walk Around The Belize Botanic Gardens
The Belize Botanic Gardens are a 45-acre paradise in the Cayo District, a hidden gem few people know about.
It’s such a beautiful spot that you could spend hours wandering around, admiring the pretty plants and flowers.
You can opt for a guided tour or a self-guided one, but I highly recommend the guided
tour. It’s $15 per person to wander freely or $30-$35 per person, depending on which guided tour you want to take.
You can choose between tea tours, medicinal tours, and flower tours, but the guides are very entertaining and informative.
Highlights include:
- The Orchid House: Home to over 200 species of orchids.
- Several Trails: Including the Maya Medicinal, Rainforest Trail, and Zingiber
Alley. - The 35-foot Lookout Tower: Offers a panoramic view of the gardens and
surrounding Maya Mountain foothills.
21. Hang Out In The Town Center and People Watch
Spending time in the town center of San Ignacio is another way to get a glimpse of daily life in Belize.
The town square is a busy place and the heart of San Ignacio, where locals and tourists like to shop, eat, and socialize.
Grab a seat at one of the many restaurants or park benches, and watch the lively scene around you. You’ll see street vendors selling all sorts of things to kids playing and musicians performing. There’s always something interesting happening.
It’s a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
Is San Ignacio worth Visiting?
Absolutely, YES!
San Ignacio offers the perfect mix of culture, history, and adventure for every traveler. This lively town is the starting point for so many awesome activities and excursions.
The Maya ruins of Cahal Pech and Xunantunich are just minutes away. Where else can you explore ancient royal palaces, wander through lush rainforests, spot exotic wildlife, and marvel at stunning natural landscapes?
Before you go, make sure to check out my post, “San Ignacio Belize: A Complete Travel Guide,” for everything you need to know when visiting San Ignacio.
Practical Tips for San Ignacio
Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your visit. From the best time to go to what to pack, we’ve got you covered with all the must knows.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit San Ignacio Belize is during the dry season, which runs from late November to mid-April. During this time, you can expect warm, sunny days and pleasant evenings, great for all your jungle adventures.
The peak tourist season is from December to March, so plan accordingly if you prefer a quieter experience.
Don’t miss the Chocolate Festival, the first week of May, a lively celebration featuring Belize chocolatiers with delicious chocolates of all kinds, music, and dancing.
How to Get to San Ignacio
Getting to San Ignacio is actually pretty easy.
If you’re flying into Belize City, you can catch a local bus from the main bus terminal, which takes about 3 hours.
For a much more comfortable ride with air conditioning, consider booking a shuttle service that provides door-to-door transportation directly to your accommodation.
The best option, which is the route I chose, is to rent a car. Having your own car gives you so much more freedom to explore and is the fastest option.
San Ignacio Packing List
Packing for San Ignacio is all about staying cool and prepared for outdoor activities. Here’s a handy list of essential things you’ll want to pack:
- Sun Protection: Reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and a lightweight sun shirt with UV protection.
- Lightweight Clothing: Think shorts, tank tops, swimsuits, and cover-ups. The jungle is hot and humid!
- Water Shoes: Useful for exploring the caves and waterfalls.
- Insect Repellent: Essential for keeping biting flies and mosquitos away, especially in the evenings.
- Filter Water Bottle: Stay hydrated with safe clean water while reducing plastic waste.
- Sand Free Towel: Perfect for rivers and waterfalls, as it shakes off dirt easily, keeping your space tidy.
- Dry Bag Backpack: Ideal for carrying and keeping your belongings dry during water activities
- Waterproof camera: Capture your waterfall adventures without worrying about water damage to your phone.
Safety Tips
San Ignacio is generally safe, but it’s always good to stay vigilant and prepared. The town has a busy but friendly atmosphere, and most visitors have a trouble-free experience. However, like any travel destination, it’s wise to take basic precautions to ensure your safety and well-being.
- Stay Hydrated: The tropical climate can be dehydrating, so drink plenty of water.
- Sun Protection: The sun can be intense, so reapply sunscreen frequently and wear protective clothing.
- Use Trusted Transportation: When getting around, opt for reputable taxi services or pre-arranged shuttles. If you’re renting a car, park in well-lit areas.
- Lock Up Valuables: While the town is pretty safe, still keep your valuables secure in your accommodation.
- Respect Local Wildlife: Observe jungle life from a safe distance and don’t touch or try to feed without a professional guide.
Resources To Help You Plan Your Trip To San Ignacio
These are my go-to resources and the first place I check when planning my trips to Belize. They consistently provide the best deals, helping you stretch your travel dollar further.
Accommodations 🏨
My favorite accommodation booking sites are Hotels.com and VRBO! You start racking up One Key Cash from the get-go, which you can use for future bookings.
Flights & Car Rentals 🛩️ 🚗
Just a heads up – you can score even more One Key Cash by booking your flights and car rental through Expedia. It all adds up, so you can travel MORE!
Activities and Tours 🏝️
Check out GetYourGuide and Viator for all the best tours and activities.
Travel Insurance 🛄
If you’re thinking about scuba diving, caving, or any other crazy adventure in Belize, seriously, grab some travel insurance. I always use Safety Wing.
Travel Credit Card 💳
Rack up those points to slash your travel costs and tick more adventures off your Belize bucket list! Here’s my favorite travel credit card that’ll help you earn free travel fast!
FAQ’s: Things to Do in San Ignacio Belize
Got more questions about San Ignacio? I’ve got the answers! Here are some quick tips to help you plan your visit.
What is San Ignacio Belize known for?
San Ignacio is known for its rich Maya history, adventure activities, and authentic local culture.
How many days should you spend in San Ignacio Belize?
Plan to spend at least 3-4 days to really enjoy all the amazing things there are to do in San Ignacio.
Is it safe to walk around San Ignacio?
Yes, San Ignacio is generally safe, especially in the town center. Just use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings.
Is San Ignacio walkable?
Absolutely! The town is compact and easy to explore on foot.
That’s a Wrap: Best Things to Do in San Ignacio Belize
As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do in San Ignacio, Belize.
I hope this list helped you narrow down the best activities you want to add to your Itinerary.
In my opinion, the top three things to do in San Ignacio are:
Now go have an epic adventure.
Talk to ya later!