San Ignacio Town, the hub of the Cayo District, offers a perfect mixture of old and new. It's a blend of various cultures, and activities such as shopping at the vibrant farmer's market, visiting the numerous restaurants with different food styles, and taking a leisurely stroll along the Macal River make San Ignacio a perfect starting point for your tour adventure.
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, also known as the "Maiden of the Rock" is located on the western border of Belize. This historic site features majestic architecture and sculptures made from limestone. Here, you can take a unique journey through ancient civilization while learning about the Mayan history and culture.
Cahal Pech Mayan City, an ancient Mayan site dating back as far as 1,200 BC, is located on a beautiful hill overlooking the town of San Ignacio. The site contains more than 30 structures, including temples, residential buildings, and a ball court where you can witness relics of the once-great Mayan civilization.
Guava Limb Restaurant, a well-known dining spot located in San Ignacio, is a perfect place to have your lunch after exploring the Mayan ruins sites. The restaurant is known for its Belizean cuisine with a contemporary twist, and it offers a unique dining experience that suits different preferences and dietary needs.
Green Iguana Conservation, located at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, is a great place to experience and learn more about the green iguana species. You can witness the hatching of baby iguanas, hold and feed them, and learn about the iguana's role in Belize's ecosystem.
It is advisable to hire a taxi or rent a car when touring around Belize and San Ignacio Cayo. Belize has good road networks and hiring a taxi is relatively affordable. Car rental prices vary, and doing research to find affordable car rental rates is essential. On this itinerary, transportation costs vary depending on the mode of rental, but a taxi ride costs approximately BZD 20 for every 5 kilometers. The estimated travel time between the sites on this itinerary is not more than 20 minutes.
If you have more time, you can explore other sites such as the Barton Creek Cave, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, and the Belize Botanic Gardens. However, if you have less time, you can skip visiting Green Iguana Conservation. This itinerary can be done all year round, but it is advisable to visit the Mayan ruins sites during dry season (January-May) when the weather is dry and less humid.
Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) is the main airport in Belize and is located in Ladyville, which is about 16 miles north of Belize City. Belize City is approximately 68 miles and a 1.5-hour drive from San Ignacio Cayo. Visitors can hire a taxi or rent a car to travel from the airport to San Ignacio Cayo.