Top Things to do in San Ignacio
Top 10 Walking Tours in San Ignacio, Cayo
It’s true: parts of Belize are getting touristy. But San Ignacio remains rustic, making it a great base for budget-friendly tropical adventure travel. Canoe on the Macal River, or walk to Mayan ruins at Cahal Pec (just be warned: it's uphill).
Restaurants in San Ignacio
1. Private Crystal Cave and Blue Hole National Park Day Trip from San Ignacio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
If an active adventure in Belize is what you’re looking for, head underground to the Crystal Cave, located in Blue Hole National Park. An expert guide will take you spelunking (cave exploring) after a hike through the lush tropical forest amid a rugged limestone landscape. Inside, you will spot caverns adorned with crystalline formations, you’ll find artifacts—including pottery, beads and obsidian blades—from the ancient Maya, who considered the cave a sacred passageway to the underworld (known as Xibalba). Your day trip from San Ignacio includes lunch, a swim in the cooling waters of the inland Blue Hole and round-trip hotel transport.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Lunch, Use of necessary equipment, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off within San Ignacio town limits
Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pick up and drop off outside of San Ignacio town
Reviewed By RetireBlz
I would highly recommend for tours or transfers. My husband and I were lucky enough to have Francisco "Cisco" as our guide for the transfers and the cave tubing. He is extremely knowledgeable about the trees, plant, birds, etc. We learned a lot from him. When we transferred to Placencia, our lodging was hard to find, but Cisco stayed with us until we found the place and made sure we were able to get into the room before leaving! He even carried our bag with all our snorkel gear in it!!. He was amazing! Rick & Donna H
2. Day Trip To Crystal Cave and Blue Hole National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
See some of Belize's top natural attractions on this day tour from San Ignacio to Blue Hole National Park and Crystal Cave. You'll experience the underworld of the ancient Maya as you go spelunking in the crystalline caverns, learning about this ceremonial site where the Maya people practiced sacrificial and sacred rituals. After venturing into the cave chambers, you'll have the chance to cool down in the waters of the Blue Hole, an inland jungle cenote (not to be confused with the country's offshore Great Blue Hole). Lunch is included.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees, and handling charges, National Park fees, Lunch with a drink, Rum punch, Use of helmet and headlamps, Guide
Exclusions: water bottle and snacks
Reviewed By sarahandnorm324
This was such an awesome experience. Juan Carlos was incredibly knowledgeable, so kind and so helpful. His passion for the area’s history is felt every step of the trail and through the cave. Highly recommend this tour and JC!
3. Xunantunich and Cave Tubing Combo Tour from San Ignacio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 87 reviews
A full day tour starts when your guide meets you at your hotel in San Ignacio Town followed by a short drive to Xunantunich. After exploring & climbing El Castilloand rest of the Maya site you will then be driving (approx 1.5hrs) to 'Jaguar Paw' where you will enjoy lunch before getting your cave tubing gear before hiking (approx 20 - 30 mins depending on your pace) to the starting point of the cave tubing tour. Go cave tubing, through the crystalline water of this underground system and enjoy a relaxing tubing adventure. (This tour may be affected by seasonal rains - flash floods, so your tour may be susceptible to changes only during extremely wet days) (lunch for this tour is packed lunch especially for special dietary needs - at times you may have lunch at a local restaurant at 'Jaguar Paw')
Inclusions: all entrance fees, cave tubing equipment, water, light snack, lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off (within San Ignacio), small group tours
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, gratuities, Excess luggage charges (where applicable), pickups & drop offs OUTSIDE of San Ignacio Town (contact us to confirm availability)
Reviewed By B5156FParielc
Loved our tour day! Elio was such a great tour guide!!! My husband and I had a blast with him. An absolute great way to see so many things in one day!
4. Xunantunich, Horseback Riding, and Chocolate-Making Combo Tour from San Ignacio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
This amazing once in a lifetime experience of 3 in one day is packed with fun and is suitable for those who prefer a sedate day. Your tour will start 7:3am pickup, then farm horse riding (1.5 - 2 hrs) on award winning horses, followed by a vehicular tour to Xunantunich, an authentic Belizean lunch at a local restaurant and end by making your own chocolate beverage and experience chocolate like never before. Let us know of any special dietary need before tour date. Your Tour may consist of 2 - 6 persons
Inclusions: Purified water & light snack, guide & lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off in San Ignacio Town area
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, gratuities, bug spray, sunscreen, AIRBnb/hotels OUTSIDE San Ignacio Town
Reviewed By G3431OHmarye
The Guide was fantastic- Elio! He was extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. I would recommend this tour to people busting Belize.
5. Xunantunich & Food Tour from San Ignacio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Xunantunich & Food Tour: YOU, 4 local dishes, 3 Stops, 1 Mayan site Great adventure, lots lot of fun and food! This amazing food tour takes in the best of historical and cultural Belizean cuisine with a twist of mayan ingredients that may fire your appetite for more local food and hunger for more of the impressive El Castillo at Xunantunich. Your late morning brunch or midday dish, after Xunantunich, has you sampling scrumptious salbutes, empanadas and pibil (pork dish) . Your day concludes a 'Kekchi Maya chocolate making before being taken to your HOTEL/RESORT in San Ignacio town (for any AIRBnB please contact us to see if pickups are available for you location) (rice & beans or other local dish can replace Pibil for vegetarians)
Inclusions: Bottled water, guided tour of Xunantunich, Transportation to any hotel in San Ignacio Town (locations outside of Town incur additional FEE)
Exclusions: Souvenirs, Alcoholic drinks; gratuities, Transportation to hotels/Resorts OUTSIDE of San Ignacio Town are only available for an extra fee, infants' car seats & other facilities/expenses required by infants.
Reviewed By B5156FParielc
Loved our tour day! Elio was such a great tour guide!!! My husband and I had a blast with him. An absolute great way to see so many things in one day!
6. Tikal Maya Site with Local Guide & Lunch
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
Local tour guide shares there knowledge about Tikal and Guatemala, taste the delicious local lunch from Guatemala. Tikal is among the world’s travel wonders, many considering it one of the most spiritual spots on earth. With wildlife surrounding the temples it is a naturalist’s dream come true.
Inclusions: Lunch, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fee
Exclusions: Border Fee
Reviewed By Mia_the_explorerr
This tour was a highlight of my day! I was with a family and they made the tour even better! So much Mayan information in only one day! Leo, the guide, did a FABULOUS job teaching us about the Caracol history. He was awesome! Very knowledgeable and if he didn’t know the answer, he made sure to figure it out. The pools at the end was exactly what we needed on a hot day! The view there was amazing. All in all, this trip is a must as this Pyramid is known as Mother of ALL Belizian Mayans! A must if you want to climb it!!
7. Mopan River Kayaking and Xunantunich Tour from San Ignacio
Overall Ratings
3.3 based on 3 reviews
Ancient history meets jungle landscapes on this daylong combination tour that includes a visit to the archaeological site of Xunantunich and a thrilling kayak ride. Your small group of 15 people or fewer will be accompanied by a local guide who will share information about the Maya culture (past and present) as you explore the temples and after test your kayaking skills during a full day on land and water.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Small-group tour (maximum of 15), Use of equipment, Snacks and beverages, Lunch
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities
Reviewed By RetireBlz
I would highly recommend for tours or transfers. My husband and I were lucky enough to have Francisco "Cisco" as our guide for the transfers and the cave tubing. He is extremely knowledgeable about the trees, plant, birds, etc. We learned a lot from him. When we transferred to Placencia, our lodging was hard to find, but Cisco stayed with us until we found the place and made sure we were able to get into the room before leaving! He even carried our bag with all our snorkel gear in it!!. He was amazing! Rick & Donna H
8. Horseback Riding and Tour in San Lorenzo Organic Farm
See the best of Belize organic farming on this 2-hour leisurely horseback ride around a San Lorenzo Farm. If you’re looking to spend a shorter period of time horseback riding and want to see something other than Mayan ruins, come learn about organic farming in Belize!
Inclusions: Centrally located pickup and drop-off, Guided horseback ride
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By sarahandnorm324
This was such an awesome experience. Juan Carlos was incredibly knowledgeable, so kind and so helpful. His passion for the area’s history is felt every step of the trail and through the cave. Highly recommend this tour and JC!
9. Private Tour Of Xunantunich Mayan Ruin and Cave Tubing from San Ignacio
During this tour, you wlll visit the ancient Mayan center of Xunantunich which sits on an impressive hilltop just near the border of Belize and Guatemala. Xunantunich was a major ceremonial center during the classic period.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By saiofrelief
Our tour guide Paul notified us in advance to his arrival. Our Airbnb address was incorrect but he was still able to locate our lodging . Our guide Paul was extremely personable, relatable, knowledgeable about historical and contemporary facts about Belize and provided us with exemplary service and an unforgettable experience. During the drive he pointed out local landmarks, historical sites, answered our endless assortment of questions and brought us up to speed on contemporary matters pertaining to the country. When we arrived at Xuantunich Paul took us to each of structure offering insight as to its significance and purpose. He also assisted us with taking photos and answering any questions that we had on the archaeological site. Cave tubing was extremely fun and Paul ensured that we were safe, having a good time as well as gave us a history lesson on caves in Belize and how they related to the ancient Mayan civilization. After tubing my sister and I enjoyed a beverage we purchased from a local vendor who placed rum, coconut milk, fresh juice and melon into a half pineapple. Paul was kind enough to let us stop at a grocery store within close proximity to our AirBnb. He also provided us with restaurant recommendations and familiarized us with the general area that we stayed in. Private Belize Adventure provided an excellent tour and an overall amazing experience. Please request Paul as he will certainly show you a great time along with educating you.
10. Three Lakes Cave
Come explore one of Cayo's BIGGEST attractions! This cave, suitable for ages 16+, features 3 lakes, a skylight, and ancient Mayan artifacts/remains in pristine condition. An unforgettable experience that makes this a must-see in Belize! Allow 4 hours for this tour.
Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Local taxes, Local guide, Use of helmet
Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions
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