This active market town in western Belize sits near Maya ruins like Cahal Pech and Xunantunich. Local food stalls and craft markets line Burns Avenue's sidewalks.
San Ignacio sits along the Macal River in western Belize. You can climb the 130-foot El Castillo pyramid at Xunantunich, explore the 34 stone structures at Cahal Pech, or swim through ancient limestone caves. The town connects to Santa Elena via the country's only suspension bridge, forming the largest urban area in Cayo District. Walk through the busy Saturday market to buy mangoes and handmade crafts, or stop at small restaurants along Burns Avenue to taste Belizean dishes like garnaches and black relleno.
Getting to San Ignacio
The Western Highway connects San Ignacio to Belize City, about 70 miles away. You can take a regular bus service (2.5 hours), arrange a private shuttle, or rent a car at the international airport. Local airlines like Tropic Air operate flights to San Ignacio's small airstrip, though most travelers choose ground transportation for better value.
Layout and Rivers
The Macal and Mopan Rivers flow through San Ignacio, meeting at Branch Mouth to form the Belize River. Cross the Hawksworth Bridge over the Macal River to reach Santa Elena. Burns Avenue runs through the center of San Ignacio, where you'll find most restaurants, tour operators, and shops.
Maya Sites and Caves
Walk through water-filled chambers in ATM Cave to see ancient Maya artifacts and skeletal remains - all visits require a guide. Climb to Cahal Pech right above the town to explore stone temples and plazas dating back to 1200 BCE. Drive 8 miles west to reach Xunantunich, where you can climb the 130-foot El Castillo pyramid and see into Guatemala. At Barton Creek Cave, paddle a canoe through chambers where Maya once held ceremonies.
Saturday Market Life
Every Saturday, farmers, craftspeople, and food vendors gather from surrounding villages to sell their goods. You'll find seasonal fruits like soursop and mangoes, locally-grown vegetables, handmade crafts, and ready-to-eat meals. While vendors sell goods throughout the week, Saturday brings the most sellers and the widest selection.
Local Food Scene
Small restaurants line San Ignacio's streets with Mestizo and Maya dishes. Look for street vendors making salbutes (fried corn tortillas with toppings) and panades (fish-filled pastries). Around Burns Avenue, restaurants serve cow foot soup on weekends, while market stalls sell fresh tamales and garnaches. Several Belizean-Chinese fusion restaurants run by the local Chinese community add variety to the food options.
Weather and Best Times
Visit between December and April for clear skies and less humidity. During these months, the dry weather makes it easier to explore caves and walk around archaeological sites. While temperatures stay warm year-round, summer months (May-November) bring afternoon rains that can make roads muddy and harder to navigate.
