Overview
Take a trip to San Ignacio on your Belize Vacation
Located on the banks of the Macal and Mopan Rivers, San Ignacio is the capital of the Cayo District in western Belize. In recent years, San Ignacio has absorbed the nearby village of Santa Elena and the two towns are connected by a suspension bridge across the Macal River built in 1949, all to be discovered on a Belize vacation.
The town was initially known as El Cayo by the Spanish but became well-known thanks to mahogany and chicle production under British rule. San Ignacio was officially declared a town by the government of British Honduras on 19 October 1904. Today, the town is an excellent base for exploring the many ancient sites that surround it and is also a transit town for those travelling to and from Guatemala.
There are many ancient Maya archaeological sites found near San Ignacio that make the town popular with tourists on a trip to Belize. Actun Tunichil Muknal is a cave that was once a sacrificial burial site that contains many Maya skeletons, ceramics and stoneware. It is famous for “The Crystal Maiden”, a set of teenage remains that have been almost entirely covered in limestone crystals. Caracol is also nearby and served as an important political centre during the Classic Period. Caracol covered an area larger than Belize City supporting more than twice the modern city’s population. Xunantunich, Belize’s most visited Mayan site, is located on a hilltop that forms six groups with around twenty-five temples and palaces.
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The Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19) is a powerful celebration of music, dance, and drumming that honors the Garifuna people’s arrival to Belize. It’s one of the most vibrant cultural events in the country.
Belize combines the Caribbean’s laid-back vibe with Central America’s cultural richness. You can snorkel the second-largest barrier reef in the world in the morning and explore ancient Mayan temples in the afternoon. Few destinations offer that contrast so seamlessly.
Globetrotters should look to visit Hopkins Village — a coastal community with strong Garifuna roots. It’s less touristy than Ambergris Caye but offers beautiful beaches, authentic culture, and easy access to both reef and rainforest.
Many assume Belize is only about the beach and reef. In reality, its inland adventures are just as extraordinary — lush jungles, hidden caves with Mayan artifacts, and wildlife encounters rival Costa Rica.
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