Top Things to Do in San Ignacio
Things to Do in San Ignacio
Popular things to do
Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Ignacio.
Top Attractions in San Ignacio
Flea & Street Markets
Waterfalls
Open now
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins
Open now
River Rafting & Tubing • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours
Open now
Cultural Tours • Sightseeing Tours
Historical & Heritage Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
Open now
River Rafting & Tubing • Historical & Heritage Tours
Horseback Riding Tours
Cultural Tours • Archaeology Tours
Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours
Learn more about this content
Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- CatherineBHSan Diego, CA276 contributionsThis Mayan temple was only 5 minutes from our hotel. My husband and I dropped by at noon mid-May on our first full day in San Ignacio and Belize. We thought that this was a good way to get acquainted with the Mayan culture. I read that it was a small ruin so we didn’t hire a guide. There is a small museum which was educational. It was well worth the visit if you have time. My only recommendation is to go early in the morning before it gets too hot.Written 9 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- CatherineBHSan Diego, CA276 contributionsWe did a tour 3 weeks ago while we were in San Ignacio. The Green Iguana Conservation Project was established in 1996 to protect the threatened Green Iguanas. It is located in the beautiful San Ignacio Resort. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and we learned about the incubation, hatching, rearing, and releasing process. My husband and I were the only ones in the tour which was special since we had more quality time and experience with the guide and the iguanas. Highly recommend for families and a great learning experience for kids.Written 9 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- ajnavy04Denver, CO212 contributionsThis is the main market in San Ignacio. There is quite a bit of grocery food and day to day clothing available here for the locals. There are also some decent tourist/souvenir shops to visit. I spent about 45 minutes or so here, I wouldn't stay much longer than that.Written 15 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- buenoabogadoSan Diego, CA432 contributionsWe took a canoe down the river from Mystic River Resort and spent a few hours around the Gardens - they handed us a very big self-guided tour book which was helpful. A tour might have been nice to do, but ambling about was what we wanted to do that day. Lunch at Sweet Songs was pretty good before we paddled back. It was a nice day.Written 22 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Sarah TorgrimsonSan Diego, CA9 contributionsMy friend and I rented a car (was supposed to be AWD, but we suspect it was just a rear wheel). We drove several miles out of town, followed signs along the way, and ended up having to hike the road for about 45 min each way because the road was washed out. The pine forest surprised us as we expected to be in the jungle. The view from the vista was beautiful. Recommend making sure you have a 4WD car before venturing there though!Written 16 May 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- TravelingFamilyTripChicago, IL180 contributionsI found it really interesting to walk through this mostly unrestored and unexcavated site. It does have maintained trails that make it easy to walk through and around the ruins.
Due to some crime in the vicinity, I was actually warned against going here by my hotel, and they said they have stopped doing birding tours in the area because of that crime for the time being. Due to that, I was the only visitor there that day (maybe that week!). Also due to the crime potential (it's very near the border with Guatemala is part of the problem, apparently), I was required to pay extra to have a guard or guide accompany me as I explored the site. The guy I was assigned was pretty new, so didn't have much factual information to offer, but he told me a bit about his experience as a ranger there.
Also, when I left, they admonished me to not stop for anyone along the (bumpy, rough) road.
I didn't have any problems, and am glad I got to see a different type of Maya site.Written 20 June 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Todd MSammamish, WA9 contributionsThe museum is interesting, with information about local species and some Mayan history. The most fun is the butterfly room where butterflies land on you and we learned about their breeding project.Written 6 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Mark L75 contributionsInspiring people! I had been looking for a nice piece of Belizean art. While in San Ignacio I heard that Walter lived in a nearby village. His WhatsApp number was on Facebook so I sent a message. He was happy for me to stop by his studio. Bullet Tree Falls is an idyllic, peaceful, simple village where he and his wife live surrounded by natural beauty ... and the cool symphony of foraging chickens. They are infectiously energetic souls thrilled with being alive. Walter agreed to do a commissioned painting for me to preserve my favorite experiences from Belize: Mayan ruins, beautiful jungles, animals (including specific species of my request), and intriguing local folklore. Somehow he managed to capture it all in vibrant Caribbean colors and his characteristic landscape perspective. It is a treasure of a souvenir! Please make an effort to stop by to visit and pick up a Castillo work of art. The painting (and the memories) will make you smile every time you look at it. Thank you Walter and Mito!Written 14 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- AlohaoySan Ignacio, Belize4 contributionsJust right displays of a wide variety of art at reasonable prices, can see it all within one hour. Owner is very personable and knowledgeable about Belize.Written 29 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Beach girlUnited States6 contributionsGreat little spot in San Ignacio town. Decorated with lots of art work and the owner makes all these amazing artisanal fruit wines and herbed wine. Must stop in a check it outWritten 1 August 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Pamie273 contributionsThe only thing wrong Was it wasn’t long enough. So much information I wanted to spend the whole day. Luis was very knowledgeable about the plants and how to make teas etc. we will go back again next year for 4 days. We really enjoyed the day there!!!Written 7 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Dalton R2 contributionsFairly average as far as casinos go in Belize. It was the only casino in San Ignacio and was fairly small. A fair number of slots and a few tables. Only take US dollars, but cash you out in Belize dollars. Which was interesting, but overall pretty fun for a few hours.Written 2 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Alex SDeventer, The Netherlands551 contributionsAfter our visit to the Mayan ruins of Caracol, we drove to las Cuevas. I had contacted them a few weeks before and asked them if it was possible to stay at the station. Yes, it was possible, so we decided to stay there for 3 nights. We had bought our own food, which you can cook in the kitchen yourself. But the ladies in the kitchen were very friendly and prepared our meals. The station caters mainly for local and international students, but it is possible to go there as an independant traveller. It's in the middle of the rainforest and the camp itself is an open area in the forest. It's a great place for birdwatching and yoy can make shorter walks to a lookout tower, Mayan Ruins or a longer walk to the river. We like the place and saw many bird species.
You need a 4WD to get to the station. 99,9% of the track is a good grave road, but there is 1 spot of 50 meter long, which is impassable in a sedan car.Written 11 January 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Bill KGregory, MI64 contributionsWe were birding here and saw the Cara Cara flying along the main highway as well as landing on the highway before we approached the Reserve. One highlight was a Red-Capped Manakin.Written 7 March 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Brian5 contributionsRiver Rat was recommended to our family because the guide, Gonzo, is an expert archaeologist and great steward of the cave. This is an adventurous tour, and Gonzo did a great job at setting the right tone for a fun, safe, and thoughtful experience. Gonzo exudes a healthy respect for Mother Nature and the Mayan culture and it's contagious. What a great time in the cave and during our drive to and from San Ignacio with Hugo, who is also a wealth of local knowledge. Thanks for the experience!Written 8 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Ignacio
- The top attractions to visit in San Ignacio are:
- Cahal Pech
- Green Iguana Conservation Project
- San Ignacio Market
- Belize Botanic Gardens
- 1000 Foot Falls
- The best outdoor activities in San Ignacio according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Green Iguana Conservation Project
- Belize Botanic Gardens
- T'initz Tours Belize
- 1000 Foot Falls
- Masewal Forest Garden Medicinal Trail
- The best day trips from San Ignacio according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Tikal Day Trip with Local Lunch from San Ignacio
- Xunantunich and Cave Tubing Combo Tour from San Ignacio
- Jungle Pontoon Waterfall Adventure Tour
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic
- Full-Day ATM Cave and Xunantunich Maya Temple Combo
- The most popular things to do in San Ignacio with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Belize Adventure Trails
- Kin Winik Jungle Tours
- JC Inland Belize Tours
- Mayan Heart World Adventure Tours
- Hide-A-Way Camp Adventure Tours