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San Ignacio

Travel Guide Central America Belize San Ignacio

Introduction

San Ignacio is located in western Belize. It's usually considered to be a transit point between Belize and Guatemala. Most travelers coming here are either coming from or heading to Guatemala. The town itself though has quite a lot to offer.

It's located between the Macal River and the Mopan River. You will often hear it referred to as "Cayo" which mean island in Spanish. It has a population around 20,000 people.

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Sights and Activities

There are quite a few Mayan Ruins. For directions to them look here.

The big ones are:

Actun Chapat - This is a gorgeous cave system that is scattered with pots bones and other left-overs of the Maya. They have yet to find the end.
Actun Tunichil Muknal ATM - This is probably the biggest attraction in the area. You swim in to the cave and wade through tunnels and passages until you get to a raised ledge. On top, the cave opens into a large area. The remains of human sacrifices and offerings are all around you. The most impressive thing though is the crystal maiden. She was sacrificed and has since become encrusted in glistening limes stone.
Cahal Pech - This site is one of the oldest sites in the area, unlike most others Cahal Pech was actually something of a villa. It is about a 30-minute walk from the centre of town along the road to Benque.
Xunantunich - This temple complex is smaller in area but taller than Tikal in Guatemala. You are still allowed to climb to the top. From there you can see the entire area from Guatemala to San Ignacio. Entrance is $BZ 10. You can book it as part of a tour, or visit independently. Take the bus towards Benque ($BZ 1.75) and get off at the hand-cranked ferry. Cross the river, and walk 20 minutes up the road to the site.

In addition to the Mayan ruins, a number of tours can be booked for jungle walks, jungle tours and cave canoeing. There are a number of tour companies in the centre of San Ignacio.

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Events and Festivals

There aren't really any special events that are particular to San Ignacio, but every year they hold a festival at El Pilar.

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Getting There

Coming from Mexico/the north - Ado buses run regularly towards Chetumal. From here, either catch a premier bus from the ADO bus station or head to the old market where you can catch a local bus. The premier bus will cost you $16 bz to Belize City. The local Belizean bus will cost you $12 bz.
Coming from Belize City/Belmopan - Take the Benque bus. From Belize City, the trip will cost $7 bz. From Belmopan, it will cost you $3 bz.
Coming from the south - Again, you'll be traveling through Belmopan first. From Punta Gorda, the bus to Belmopan is $22 bz. From Independence, $15 bz. And from Dangriga, $6 bz.
Coming from Guatemala - From the Melchor border, you'll have two options; take a taxi to San Ignacio (should cost you $5 bz per person) or take a taxi to the Benque bus station ($3 bz per person) and then catch a local bus heading towards Belize City from there ($1.50 bz). If taxi drivers try to charge you more than this, simply go ask another driver. These are the prices.

By Boat

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Getting Around

The main part of the town is fairly compact. Here's a map.

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Eat

San Ignacio has probably the best selection of restaurants. Here's a pretty good list ofSan Ignacio's restaurants.

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Drink

Some note worthy bars would be Greedy's and Orleanito's. For clubs you have Blue Angel's and Fiya Wata.

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Sleep

Property	Address	Type	Popularity
Barton Creek Outpost	Barton Creek Cayo District	Campsite	88
Log Cab-Inn	Ml. 68 Western Hwy Cayo	Guesthouse	-
Midas Resort	Branch Mouth Road	Hotel	83
Rosa's Hotel	65 Hudson St	Hotel	83

There are lots of hotels. They usually range from US$10 to US$50. See here.

Budget

Unfortunately the dorm style hostel hasn't caught on here, but most hotels have rooms that will sleep more than one person so splitting a room is usually the best option.

Upscale

There are plenty of resorts. For instance Chaa Creek is pretty world renowned. There is also a place named The Parrot Nest where you can sleep in a giant tree house. You'll find all kinds.

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Keep Connected

Calling is very expensive and Skype is blocked. You can however unblock skype by installing a neat little program named hotspot shield. Download it here.

Internet

There are lots of places to use the internet. The cheapest is called Computer Excel in the old mall on west st. It's US$1.25 per hour. Most other places are US$2.5 per hour.

Post

The post office is in the center of town and things can easily be sent. If you are receiving it just goes general delivery and you pick it up. Watch out for the duties though.

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