ABOUT SAN IGNACIO
San Ignacio Belize
Nestled between lush rainforests and peaceful communities, San Ignacio Town, also known as “Cayo,” is the second most visited area in Belize. This vibrant town, with residents of Mayan, African, and European descent, boasts a rich history dating back over 2,000 years to its original Mayan inhabitants. San Ignacio’s motto, “The Best Come from the West,” reflects the town’s pride and diversity, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to explore inland Belize.
San Ignacio is home to the ancient Mayan site of Cahal Pech, an archaeological gem just a short walk from the town center. Once an elite palatial estate, Cahal Pech provides a glimpse into the lives of the Mayan aristocracy. Additionally, the annual La Ruta Maya Canoe Race, Belize’s most popular sporting event, starts in San Ignacio and highlights the town’s vibrant community spirit.
From canoeing on jungle rivers and jumping into waterfalls to sipping homemade tropical fruit wines while listening to Caribbean music, San Ignacio offers a blend of adventure and relaxation. Explore ancient Mayan temples and cities, marvel at the engineering and astronomical skills of the Mayans, and discover why San Ignacio is continuously inhabited for thousands of years. MayaWalk Tours invites you to explore the “best of Belize” with the “best of the west.”
San Ignacio Town, also known as “Cayo”, has a motto: “The Best Come from the West”. This is a proud and diverse town located in the westernmost part of Belize only 9 miles from the Guatemalan border. San Ignacio is a beautiful town blessed with a productive community and a fascinating history dating back the original Mayan inhabitants over 2000 years ago.
There is a good reason why this area has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years. Rich soil, flowing rivers, lush jungles, and majestic views from the surrounding hills make the area a suitable home for kings. This is evident by the Mayan archaeological site of Cahal Pech, an ancient palatial estate, once home to an elite Mayan family, only a short walk from modern-day downtown San Ignacio.
San Ignacio is home to a variety of ethnicities and a melting pot of Belizean culture, including Mestizo, Maya, Creole, Mennonite, and an eclectic mix of expats. Here, you will find a variety of local restaurants and cafés serving delicious foods and drinks, bars and nightclubs for entertainment, small parks and gathering spots with live music, arts festivals, and scenic rivers.
And don’t forget the annual La Ruta Maya race, Belize’s most popular local sporting event, a four day canoe race starting in San Ignacio on the Macal River and ending in Belize City.
Last but not least, visitors can enjoy the weekly Saturday farmer’s market where you can feast your eyes, body, and soul on the colorful organic produce, local street foods, arts, and music.
San Ignacio town was for many years a frontier town, a border town filled with chicleros and mahogany loggers harvesting the riches of the forest and the land. Now it still retains this wild west feel, with its quaint historic downtown area and hardworking people, but with a modern touch of sophistication and style.
Come enjoy everything from canoeing on jungle rivers and jumping into waterfalls, to sipping on homemade tropical fruit wines while listening to Caribbean music, to marveling at the engineering and astronomical skills of the Mayans with temples and ancient cities spread throughout the area. So come explore the “best of Belize” with the “best of the west”, MayaWalk Tours.
Burns Avenue
Located at #19 Burns Avenue, MayaWalk Tours office is the perfect departure point for your adventures. Burns Avenue, the heart of San Ignacio, is a lively pedestrian street lined with bars, cafes, restaurants, hotels, gift shops, and even a bank. This bustling avenue captures the essence of San Ignacio’s vibrant culture and offers a great place to relax, dine, and shop.
San Ignacio Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday, the town comes alive with its weekly farmer’s market. While some vendors are present throughout the week, most vendors save their best products for San Ignacio Market Day. This colorful event is a feast for the senses, offering organic produce, local street foods, arts, and affordable clothing. It’s a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the diverse flavors of Belize.
I visited San Ignacio with my wife for a week and took four tours with MayaWalk. Their guides were knowledgeable and friendly and the whole experience went off without a hitch. I would recommend MayaWalk without reservation!
– Tripadvisor review
I visited San Ignacio with my wife for a week and took four tours with MayaWalk. Their guides were knowledgeable and friendly and the whole experience went off without a hitch. I would recommend MayaWalk without reservation!
– Tripadvisor review