San Ignacio is a town in the Cayo District of western Belize, on the banks of the Macal River. It’s linked to the town of Santa Elena by the metal suspension Hawksworth Bridge. San Ignacio is the heart and soul of the Cayo District, a vibrant traveler center from where all roads and activities fan out. Together with twin-town Santa Elena, on the east bank of the Macal River, this is the main population center of Cayo, with lots of good budget accommodations, decent restaurants and frequent transport. Southwest, near the Guatemalan border, are the remote Xunantunich Mayan ruins, with views from El Castillo pyramid. East, the cave at Actun Tunichil Muknal is a Mayan burial site with ceramics and what are believed to be human sacrificial remains. Rock formations at Barton Creek Cave can be explored by canoe. Farther south, Caracol was a huge Mayan city with large structures like the Caana Pyramid. Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve has pine-covered hills, gorges and waterfalls, including Thousand Foot Falls and Rio On Pools, with paths to natural swimming pools. Most travelers come to San Ignacio as a base for the adventures of Cayo or as a stepping stone to or from Guatemala: many stay longer than they expected.
Things to do in San ignacio
- Xunantunich: Explore the archeological site of Xunantunich on a private tour from Belize City, and discover the fascinating history of a Maya ceremonial center on the shores of the Mopan River. Climb to the top of El Castillo pyramid, take in views of the lush jungle, then stand between the walls of a traditional ball court.
- Cahal Pech Mayan Ruin: The site consists of seven plazas and over 30 structures including temples, residential buildings, ball courts, an altar, and a sweat-house, all situated on just 2 acres. A royal burial chamber was found in one of the structures. Inside the tomb a ruler had been laid to rest with the accouterments necessary for the afterlife. Included in the find were shell & bone ornaments, pottery vessels, obsidian blades, and jade objects, the most impressive being a jade & shell mosaic mask.
- to San Ignacio Mini Jesuit Ruins: The Jesuit Ruins of San Ignacio Mini, in the south of Misiones Province. A great compliment for your visit to Iguazu Falls. We also include a stop in Wanda Mine, the semiprecious stone mine.
San Ingacio is one of the most popular parts of the country for tourism and the perfect place for a private tour.
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