San Ignacio (Belize)

San Ignacio is a small town in the Cayo region of Belize. San Ignacio, or Cayo as it is called and is located on the Macal river, and makes a good and affordable base for exploration of the stunning regions around it, with plenty of day trips to be taken and several decent tour guides willing to take you. It's also an important transit town en route to or from Guatemala.

San Ignacio (Belize) Halal Travel Guide

San Ignacio is renowned for its close proximity to Belize's famous Maya ruins, as well as being a hub for outdoor activities including caving, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and more. It is also one of the last towns in Belize before entering Guatemala, where many visitors go to visit the Tikal Maya ruins.

Travel to San Ignacio (Belize)

By car

San Ignacio is easily reachable by car. The Western Highway is the best road in the nation and is fully paved and free of pot-holes. There are several gas stations along the route so you have no worries there. Once you reach the sister-city of San Ignacio - Santa Elena - be aware that there are two bridges and each is a one way bridge. You will need to make a right turn, if you are heading west, and run downhill to cross the bridge into San Ignacio. Locals apparently know tourists will miss this turn and are quite aware to signal you that you have made a mistake if you try and go the wrong way.

You leave San Ignacio across the Hawksworth Bridge which is the only suspension bridge in Belize. This is also a one-way bridge to leave town, unless the low lying bridge is closed.

Windy Hill - |Belize Flowers

Travel on a Bus in San Ignacio (Belize)

2nd Class buses (no air conditioning or "trunk" for suitcases) run frequently from Belize City; the trip is usually less than 2½ hours, in spite of numerous stops. Buses run to Dangriga on the coast in about 3 hours. In the other direction, buses run to the Guatemalan border quite close by, with connections to Flores and Tikal. As of 2022, a bus from Belize City to San Ignacio costs BZ$9 (Belize#Buy|Belizean dollars).

By shuttle

Belize Ground Shuttle offers daily shared shuttle service to and from San Ignacio and the International Airport, Belize City, Placencia, Hopkins, and Dangriga. They have a fleet of brand new vans for safety and comfort. Great for groups. Currently rated #1 on TripAdvisor.

Ron's Belize Shuttle specializes in private shuttle service offering door to door service between any destination in Belize.

BZ Shuttle Services has an outstanding recorder of transporting you to and from your destination on-time. Your Belize Shuttle Driver is Denfield Gomez, known locally as Denny, maintain an impeccable driving recorder when it comes to shuttling you to or from your destination. BZ Belize Shuttle

Teddy Bear shuttle and taxi service is safe and reliable, you can find him just behind the Belize Bank in the centre of San Ignacio Town. Teddy Bear Shuttle Service]

Offers private shuttle transfers from San Ignacio, Belize western border to Flores or Tikal in Peten, Guatemala. The company even have the ability to transfer you to just about any where from San Ignacio Town. Belize Tikal Shuttle]

Shuttles can pick you up at the airport, or most any other spot, and transfer you much quicker and with much more ease since they are door to door. William's Belize Shuttle has the best reputation.

See Belize City#By shuttle for a list which includes addresses and phone numbers of the shuttle companies as many of them are based in San Ignacio.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from San Ignacio (Belize)

Tropic Air offers Flights to San Ignacio from several other locations in Belize, including Belize City, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Goldson International Airport in Ladyville.

How to get around in San Ignacio (Belize)

The roads in town are quite walkable, and traffic is light. Most everything is within a 5-minutes walk from downtown. There is really no reason to drive. The town is foot-scaled so walking is your best option for getting about and really experiencing the town.

There are public buses with service to nearby resorts for only BZ$1 per person. This offers a great way to get into town, but if you expect to stay late remember you may have to take a taxi back, and they can get increasingly more expensive later into the night.

One can also rent a vehicle locally. There are a few vehicle rental agencies in town.

Flames Auto Rental has the best reputation and the best prices.
Matus Car Rental is also an option.
Premium Rentals in Santa Elena offers small SUV's and large passenger vans.

What to see in San Ignacio (Belize)

Crystal Maiden - |Mayan sacrifice at Actun Tunichil Muknal

Many tour companies in San Ignacio, Pacz Tours and wiiltours.com/belize-adventure-tours/ KaWiil Tours being the best for safety and quality per outside evaluators, run al-tours/ tours to a wide variety of interesting caves, ruins, rivers, and jungle trails. K'in Winik is known for providing amazing al-tours/ tours and overnight jungle camping throughout Mountain Pine Ridge, including Caracol.

It's a good idea to read reviews for other tour companies before booking, just because some of them have treated guests poorly.

Most of these are day trips, leaving early in the morning and returning the same afternoon. Note that not all al-tours/ tours are available on any given day. Most tour companies require a certain minimum number of registrations before they'll make the run. Checking in the night before for which al-tours/ tours are available the next day is often the best option.

Actun Tunichil Muknal - usually abbreviated to "ATM" - 17.189878, -88.49765 Actun Tunichil Muknal Actun Tunichil Muknal Mayan sacrificial burial site near San Ignacio. The site is contained entirely within a cave system, and access to the relics is gained via some 500 of climbing over rocks, wading and swimming through water that is at times over 1.5 deep. The cave was a sacred site for the Mayans and it contains many examples of pottery, ceramics, and stoneware, as well as several sets of human sacrificial remains, one of which (known as the "Crystal Maiden") has been almost entirely covered in limestone crystals by the water in the cave. The site is a 45-minutes drive from San Ignacio, and, due to the caving aspect, it may only be visited when accompanied by an official guide (who will provide appropriate safety equipment) and you can not take photos inside. Most tour companies in San Ignacio are able to offer officially guided tours.

Cahal Pech 1 7.155556, -89.061111 Opening Hours: Sunday - Saturday during daylight hours Admission is BZ$10 (or USD$5) but may change Cahal Pech Cahal Pech Belize - The major tourist attraction in the town. The name literally means "Place of the ticks" and Cahal Pech is a smallish set of Mayan ruins that were abandoned around 800-900 AD. There is an indoor museum displaying artefacts, a site plan, and information on the ruins in a regional context. There are, allegedly, guided tours, but these are unneeded, as the site is easy to traverse. The entire site should take 1-2 hours at most for a thorough exploration. Once at the ruins and the site is fairly flat, but Cahal Pech is at the top of the hill overlooking San Ignacio. The walk uphill to it from the main town is quite exhausting and is difficult even from the San Ignacio Resort Hotel on the hill. If you have any disability, or are in poor physical condition, you will want to drive.

Caracol 1 6.763928, -89.117592 - Caracol Caracol-Temple Biggest ruin in Belize, yet mostly unexcavated, so you really feel like you are in a national park on a ruin. Ca'ana, place of the sky, is one of the biggest and most massive temples in the Mayan world. Definitely a must see ruin, and it comes with stops at Rio On Pools and Rio Frio Cave too.

Xunantunich - Maya Ruins - 17.083889, -89.133889 Admission: BZ$10 Xunantunich Xunantunich main temple Wear good shoes, bring water and plan to spend about 3-4 hours. There is a free ferry in Succutz over the Mopan River. From there you can easily walk the miles 1 to the site.

Tikal - 17.222094, -89.623614 - Tikal Guatemala 074

}}(in Guatemala)

Iguana Hatchery - - Visit the Iguana Conservation Project and the interpretive Medicinal Jungle Trail at the San Ignacio Hotel. Ranked as one of the best family excursions in San Ignacio.

Green Hills Butterfly Ranch

Tropical Wings Nature Center - Mocated on the outskirts of San Jose Succotz, a 10-minutes bus ride from San Ignacio going towards Benque. Includes a butterfly farm & small educational museum, 9-hole disc golf course (the first in Belize & Central America) and a restaurant located on site.

Best things to do in San Ignacio (Belize)

Canoe or kayak on the Macal River.
Rent bicycles.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in San Ignacio (Belize)

Belize Gifts In the JNC mall - They have a huge selection of great gifts and souvenirs.

Back to My Roots Burns Avenue Across from the JNC mall

Indita Maya Venus Hotel bottom floor

Tropicool Gift Shop Burns Avenue Next to Pacz Tours

A B C Supermarket Bullet Tree Road Opening Hours: 7.30am-9pm a large supermarket.

New Flags Supermarket Western Highway ☎ +501-824-0451 | Opening Hours: 8am-9pm a large supermarket with lower prices.

The Belize Bank & Scotia Bank & Atlantic Bank all 3 banks have ATMs in San Ignacio Opening Hours: 24 hour atms all three banks atms take master card

Halal Restaurants in San Ignacio (Belize)

San Ignacio is one of the more tourist-friendly towns in Belize, with a variety of restaurants keeping longer hours than in many other towns. There are a wide variety of restaurants, and many have both Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Ko Ox Han-Nah 5 Burns Avenue One block from downtown - From the lamb quesadillas to the lamb Curries to the omelettes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all covered here. They raise almost all of their own animals at their farm.
Hodes Place Next to Macal River Park, one block from the market

|fax= - Great for kids of all ages. Includes video games, air hockey, swimmingpool tables, playground (in a small orchard), jukebox, and a small casino. Try the burritos: they are big and affordable.

South Indian Restaurant In the Plaza Del Rio mall, a 5-minutes walk from downtown. - Try their ginger lime juice, which is delicious. Worth seeking out for very tasty dishes including fish or Chicken Curries and several Vegetarian options - their samosas are what they are known for, and must be tried.

Mr Greedy's Pizzeria Burns Avenue - Best pizza in town, and a great Burgers too. Greedy's has been completely redesigned; they've added a great bar, giving the place a much more open look and feel. They have an excellent menu, with plenty of great appetizers - try the onion rings; they are the best in the nation. They offer free high-speed wi-fi for clients.

Maxim's Chinese Restaurant Bullet Tree road About 2 blocks from downtown - One of the best Chinese restaurants in San Ignacio. Menu including: Delicious Fried Chicken(what they are known for) ranging from $5 and above, fried Rice, chao-mein, chop-suey, kun-pao, and etc.

Vivian's Joseph Andrews Drive 3 blocks from downtown, next to Sacred Heart College, and across the street from Mom's Place. - Vivian's Coffee and Ice Cream shop is great. Their coffee smoothies are always great to cool one off. Good ice cream too. All the local students go there, which is a good sign.

Mincho's Burns Avenue Downtown - Mincho's is the fast food place of San Ignacio. They are only open for breakfast and lunch. They have all the Belizean fast food: tacos, burritos, salbutes, panades, and garnaches. They have the best fresh juice in San Ignacio, and it's only $1 per glass.

Guava Limb
The Great Mayan Prince
Running West Steakhouse

Cappello's Up the Hill Grill - Next to Cayo Twist, near the Cahal Pech hill - Cappello's easily has 100 different drinks, and some of the best appetizers around. You can hang out under the steel palapas, enjoy the great view, and listen to mellow music like reggae, or hang out inside for more local music. Their happy hour goes from opening until 7PM every day.

Club Rehab Across the street from the casino - Great club to start off at or end up at since they are usually open from 4PM until after 2AM. They usually play great music, and you can request songs most of the time too. Great happy hour from 4 to 7 when they offer half-priced drinks. Thirsty Thursdays at Rehab is happy hour all day.

Remo's Roadhouse 1 7.16391, -89.10950 - Many of the ex-pats start at Remo's because of the great conversation and stories provided by the owner – he can tell you stories that even local residents don't know. Located in Bullet Tree Falls, just 3 miles from downtown – the first building on the right as you enter Bullet Tree Falls.

Bamboo Bar - Bambu Bar - 17.15908, -89.069418 ☎ +501 669-3684 - Cozy dive bar with sand floors and bamboo bar stools, located in the heart of town. Quite Americanized, but plays more classic rock as opposed to pop music you'll hear from other tourist bars.

Fuego Grill 1 7.1590056, -89.0697928 ☎ +501 824-3663 - Popular among tourists. Its atmosphere and cuisine may offer a pleasant break from those uncomfortable with the less developed locations in town, at the consequence of a less authentic Belizean experience.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to San Ignacio (Belize)

San Ignacio (Belize) - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to San Ignacio (Belize), is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for San Ignacio (Belize). This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in San Ignacio (Belize) and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to San Ignacio (Belize). The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to San Ignacio (Belize). Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSan Ignacio (Belize): A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in San Ignacio (Belize).

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in San Ignacio (Belize): A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in San Ignacio (Belize), allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in San Ignacio (Belize).

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in San Ignacio (Belize), ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in San Ignacio (Belize), enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within San Ignacio (Belize) and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in San Ignacio (Belize), stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in San Ignacio (Belize), a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of San Ignacio (Belize) without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for San Ignacio (Belize) is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring San Ignacio (Belize).

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group San Ignacio (Belize) is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in San Ignacio (Belize), please contact:

eHalal Travel Group San Ignacio (Belize) Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in San Ignacio (Belize)

eHalal Group San Ignacio (Belize) is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in San Ignacio (Belize). Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in San Ignacio (Belize).

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in San Ignacio (Belize) ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within San Ignacio (Belize). Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in San Ignacio (Belize), offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in San Ignacio (Belize) are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Since San Ignacio is the biggest town close to Guatemala, from where many visitors enter and exit Belize and the city and therefore, has quite a few accommodations relative to its size and attractions.

Hostels

Bella's Backpackers Belize - Dorms are BZD25 or BZD30 for semi-private, while superior Muslim friendly rooms are BZD65 for walk-ins. Laundry service for BZD15 - Multi-levelled edifice with a tree growing right through it, a roof-top terrace and a hammock-room tree house overlooking the town and surrounding jungle. With plenty of couches, comfy chairs and hammocks to relax in. Great French pressed Coffee.

Purple Mayan - Female-only, male-only or co-ed dorms BZ$37; single superior Muslim friendly room BZ$100; double superior Muslim friendly room BZ$110. Sheets and towels not included. - This hostel features 12-foot ceilings, exotic hardwoods, custom mosaic sinks, and great woodwork by local artisans. River tubing to the Xunantunich ruins is included in room rate. Wi-Fi.

J&R Guesthouse - A small place with four rooms a couple of blocks from the downtown. Single with shared bath BZ$20. Also, have doubles and room with private bath. Owners are friendly and can help guests get to numerous destinations.

Hi Yet - Many backpackers stay here. A block from downtown, it has many rooms upstairs.

The Trek Stop - Mile 71½ Western Highway, on the outskirts of San Jose Succotz. It's next to the highway but with roughly 22 acres (9 ha) of land, you won't feel so close to civilization. Shared and private cabins available, composting toilets; spots for camping as well. Restaurant on site, disc golf course, butterfly farm, trails. Lots of birds and different wildlife on site.

Pacz Guest House - - The common area is basic but spacious, water refills and a fridge to store some of your food for the road and/or soft drinks. There is a small terrace leading into the rooms which was great for sitting and relaxing.

Mid-range

Cocopele Inn - - Offers apartments for groups and single/double rooms.

Tropicool Hotel 30 Burns Avenue One block from downtown ☎ +501 804-3052 - - They have nice little cabins encapsulated on their property.

Mahogany Hall Luxury Boutique Resort - A small 20-room colonial-style mansion nestled on the banks of the Mopan River in Bullet Tree Falls.

Marthas Guesthouse - Rates starting US$70 - Mocated in the heart of San Ignacio Town, offers a spacious room with almost all the amenities of most top resorts in the area
Cahal Pech - 17.148, -89.0753 US$90 Cahal Pech Village Resort San Ignacio Laslovarga008 Is on the most predominant Mayan hillside in San Ignacio, and next to the Cahal Pech ruins. This resort offers guests an amazing view of San Ignacio and surrounding local sites. The hotel has three pools and a jacuzzi, when it is working. Lately and they have had complaints due to substandard bedding, but the view is still the best, by far, in San Ignacio. Great for families.

San Ignacio Resort Hotel - 17.153811, -89.068178 San Ignacio Resort Hotel - A lovely place on beautiful grounds, impeccably clean rooms with air-conditioning, a swimming pool, and very helpful staff. Cute little extras like fresh sprigs of herbs on bathroom towels. Quite pricey by Belizean standards, at US$114/per day for two queen beds. The occasional wall of cinder block or slightly frayed rug shows this hotel is not quite up to the standards the price would imply, but they're close.

Nearby lodges & resorts

Parrot Nest Lodge - US$50 to US$75 a night per cabin - One can sleep in a treehouse in a ft 100 tall Guanacaste tree. The lodge is surrounded on three sides by the Mopan River since it's on a peninsula. Parrots, iguanas, agouti and otters are all able to be seen on the grounds. The cabanas are in a huge garden, which, though lush and exotic, is virtually mosquito free. The Parrot's Nest is in Bullet Tree Falls, which is just a couple of miles from downtown San Ignacio, so you don't have to endure the city noise and lights.

Bullet Tree Riverside Cabanas - - Is another great place to stay just 10 minutes from down to San Ignacio, on the banks of the Mopan River. The cozy thatched cabanas are tucked among lush palm trees, with a remote jungle feel to it! Enjoy freshly prepared local Belizean dishes. Tours and activities included trip to Tikal, horseback riding and explore nearby Mayan ruins, cave or river tubing. Pick-up or drop off at Belize International Airport can all be arranged.

Windy Hill Resort - - Windy Hill is a few kilometers outside of town on a hill. Ask any taxi driver. Beautifully landscaped grounds and spacious cottages. Peaceful surroundings. Nice open air restaurant. The owners offer canoe and other tours. Local experts give herb walk and bird viewing. Price is around US$100 but the taxi driver gave a promotion coupon for US$30.

Chaa Creek - - Chaa Creek is the best resort in Central America, bar none. Totally eco-friendly, and they have hundreds of acres. They are on the Macal River, and do canoe rides, biking, and horseback riding. Located 30 minutes from downtown. You can choose to stay at an expensive and luxurious cabin, or at the Macal River Camp, which has casitas and is geared towards those who prefer the outdoors. The Macal Camp is $55/person/night and includes breakfast, dinner, hot showers, toilets, and excellent service.

Ka’ana Resort - - Ka'ana is out of the town of San Ignacio, in a valley nestled among the Maya Mountains of Belize’s Cayo District and surrounded by lush tropical gardens. They have a nice infinity swimmingpool and a great restaurant. A definite treat for the high-end traveller.

Benque Resort and Spa - From BZ$111 for double room with AC, BZ$36 for dorm - Situated in the mountainous Benque Viejo Del Carmen (on the way from San Ignacio to the Guatemalan border). Built in 2008 and freshly renovated in 2014, situated along the Mopan River and the hotel offers Wi-Fi, big verandah. Away from San Ignacio, listen to the Succotz Marching Band training while you sit on your deck overlooking the river and quiet jungle. Benque Resort is a popular destination due to its proximity to Xunantunich ruins being right outside your door, and the river tubing from the dock at Benque Resort. Actun Chapat cave and Che Chem Ha cave and numerous waterfalls and grottoes. There's a Mayan Spa and the first of its kind in Cayo, with such treatments as ancient cave mud facials, and Mayan massage.

Telecommunications in San Ignacio (Belize)

News & References San Ignacio (Belize)

Travel Next

Belmopan - the capital of Belize is a good jumping off point for other destinations. from San Ignacio to Belmopan is 42 km. and takes one hour in a bus.
Hopkins it is 140 kilometers from San Ignacio to Hopkins. a bus via Belmopan takes three hours.

Guatemala

Tikal - across the border is the world legacy site of Tikal with ruins dating back to 6th century B.C.

San Ignacio

San Ignacio (Belize)

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