10 Best Things To Do In San Ignacio, Belize

An image of sun-drenched Caribbean Islands with bright blue waters and white sands beaches often comes to mind when people think of Belize.

While those dreams are reality, there’s another side to Belize that many miss out on when traveling here. Inland Belize should not be missed, and in fact, was my favorite part of visiting this beautiful Central American country.

Inland Belize offers access to lush jungles and ample wildlife, Mayan ruins, hiking, waterfalls, and infinite caves. San Ignacio, located on the western edge of Belize is the best base camp for Belize’s many attractions. Read on for the best things to do in San Ignacio, Belize.

Back of girl in red bathing suit canoeing macal river near san ignacio belize, chaa creek — San Ignacio, Belize

Palm trees and lush greenery at Chaa Creek Resort Belize — San Ignacio, Belize

Table of Contents

The Best Things To Do In San Ignacio, Belize

Explore The Strip In San Ignacio

San Ignacio’s centerpoint is Burns Avenue, or The Strip. This main street is lined with colorful shops, markets, restaurants, and lively bars.

Browse the shops and markets, then enjoy a beverage on a sidewalk table while people watching.

San Ignacio town is a popular stopping point for backpackers meaning you’ll have no trouble finding casual hangouts to kick back and relax.

Go For A Cave Tour

Western Belize is filled with more caves than can be counted. In fact, Belize boasts one of the largest cave systems in Central America.

This is due to the area’s large limestone bedrock engulfed in holes. The holes were created millions of years ago by rainwater and underground rivers which eventually formed vast and seemingly endless cave systems.

With so many caves in the area you can find just about any experience you’re looking for. Quickly explore a small cave just outside of town, spend an afternoon leisurely tubing an underground river, or seek out something more adventurous.

You can tour ancient Mayan ceremony sites while hiking, climbing, and wading through water in pitch dark cave systems. Whatever level of adventure calls to you, you’re sure to find it in Western Belize.

Note: Many caves require a hired tour guide or guidance from a local.

Check out this popular tour: Cave Tubing from San Ignacio, Belize

Rio On Pools

A lovely feature in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve are the inviting and relaxing Rio on Pools. As suggested by the name, small waterfalls cascade into numerous connecting pools enclosed by granite boulders. The wading pools create a perfect spot for a day of relaxation or cooling off after hiking the surrounding forest.

The site is easy to access from the parking lot, making it excellent for those wishing to take a break from arduous activities.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Rio Frio Cave nearby.

Rio On Pools, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

Mayan Ruins At Caracol Natural Monument Reservation

Caracol, located near the boarder of Guatemala, is Belize’s largest Mayan archaeological site. Visiting this site is one of the top things to do in San Ignacio.

The Mayan ruins here are 2,000 to 3,000 years old and have only been recently discovered in the last 100 years. Caracol houses 24 alters, two ball courts, reservoirs, causeways, 5 plazas, an astronomic observatory, and over 35,000 known buildings. This is significantly more structures than the popular nearby site, Tikal.

The best part about Caracol? You can climb the ruins, something you won’t be able to do at more popular and heavily trafficked Mayan archaeological sites.

The ruins are remote and will require a day trip from San Ignacio. The long jungle road is bumpy and not well marked. Additionally a portion of the drive requires a military escort.

While it’s possible to visit the site alone I’d recommend hiring a tour guide for this one. Not only for the ease of getting here but also for exploring the ruins. Once you arrive there’s no signage or information on site, without a guide we would’ve had little clue as to what we were looking at.

I was blown away by our tour guide’s knowledge, not just of Caracol’s ruins, but of Mayan history in general, he really knew his stuff.

If you wish to book a tour you can do so here, this includes lunch and a stop at the popular Rio On Pools and Rio Frio Cave: Caracol Mayan Ruins Tour. This isn’t the exact tour we booked, but it’s very similar.

Tip: Be sure to wear light breathable clothing here. There’s very little shade and climbing the ruins is a major workout. Also, wear shoes with good traction, the steps are extremely steep.

sky-palace-mayan-pyramid-caracol-belize — Standing on top of Sky Palace in Caracol – this is one of my favorite things we did in San Ignacio

Canoe The Macal River

This gentle waterway was once an ancient highway and a vital part of the Maya Empire. The river linked urban centers, making it essential for trade, communication, and connection to ceremonial sites.

Today most traffic on the Macal is canoes paddled by visitors taking in Belize’s pristine forest and wildlife. You’ll find locals nestled into a shady spot for a picnic or taking a dip in the river’s calm waters. This is one of the easiest and most relaxing things to do in San Ignacio.

Whether you find yourself canoeing or relaxing by the shore keep an eye out for green iguanas and the many colorful birds that call this area home.

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour

According to National Geographic, Belize holds one of the top sacred caves in the world, Actun Tunichil Muknal, simply referred to as ATM Cave.

Not only is this one of the top things to do in San Ignacio, but it’s one of the most popular tours in all of Belize.

The massive cave was a sacred Mayan site where ceremonial practices, including human sacrifices took place. In here you’ll find artifacts dating back to 700 A.D. and crystalized skeletal remains. Getting to the site requires swimming through ice cold waters and wedging yourself between massive stalactites – all with only a headlamp to guide you through the pitch black.

Witnessing this site is no easy task and therefore requires a tour guide but it’s truly one of the best things to do in San Ignacio, Belize.

You can book your ATM Tour here — this tour does sell out and should be booked in advance.

Canoe Barton Creek Cave

If the ATM Cave sounds amazing but is out of your comfort zone or abilities, check out Barton Creek Cave instead.

Found in the crisp, dark underground caverns of Barton Creek Cave are the remnants of ancient Mayan civilization. Stretching almost two 2 miles underground, this ancient site can only be explored by canoe.

While you slowly drift along wonder at the shimmering 50 foot stalactites and stalagmites surrounded by the eerie remains of human bones and centuries-old clay pots left by the ancient Mayan.

This also requires a tour guide, I’ve linked a popular private tour: Barton Creek Cave Tour.

Visit The San Ignacio Market

While you’re in town you must check out San Ignacio’s local markets. Farmers from surrounding towns in the Cayo District come here to sell fresh fruits and vegetables as well as crafts, artwork, and a huge variety of medicinal herbs.

This region is made up of many groups of people, including Mayan and Creole which creates excellent diversity in the marketplace goods. The market is open every day with Saturday and Tuesday being the most popular.

Belize Botanic Gardens

The Belize Botanic Gardens are an information resource for the community as well as a place of immense beauty. Within the garden’s 45 acres are several miles of plant dense pathways for visitors to enjoy.

The center includes a medicine trail highlighting plants used by the ancient Mayan people, rainforest garden, tropical fruit trail, and orchid house.

The gardens are open daily with guided and self-guided tour options. Also be sure to check out their special events such as Tea Tastings and Creatures of the Night tours.

Palms and greenery at Chaa Creek, Belize

Big Rock Falls

After a short, but laborious climb down a winding wood staircase into the forest you’ll arrive at the base of a stunning 150-foot waterfall. Tucked into the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve this waterfall will be well worth the climb when you lay eyes upon it.

Big Rock calls both adrenaline-junkies seeking cliff-diving and relaxation lovers who prefer wading in the water and laying out on the rocks. Since this gem is hidden deep within the Mountain Pine Reserve you are likely to have the place mostly to yourself.

This is a great spot to swim and relax after hiking in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest or exploring the Caracol Mayan Ruins.