If Belize makes you think exclusively of islands lined with palm trees and sandy beaches, you're missing out on some of the most extraordinary beauty and some of the most unique experiences that this Central American country has to offer. The town of San Ignacio is often seen as the gateway to Belize's ecologically rich Cayo District, and it's an exceptional place to set out on adventures — and that's especially true in the summer as the green season begins to overtake the beaches. Here's why you should make it your destination this summer.
The Bones of a Lost Civilization
The jungle has reclaimed much of what once constituted the Maya Empire, but the Cayo District is still rich with memories of how these people lived. The temple of Xunantunich is still today a feat of engineering and art, but its design and purpose are very distinct from the Royal Palace of Cahal Pech which was once home to the privileged ruling family.
A Journey to the Center of the Earth
The Mayas believed that Actun Tunichil Muknal — more commonly known as ATM Cave — served as a gateway between the land of the living and the land of the dead. It's as awe-inspiring today as it was then, but today's visitors have the opportunity for tubing through the cave's underground river or zip lining across the massive underground canyons. And while ATM Cave is the more popular of the two, the impressive Barton Creek Cave is well worth your time as well.
A Hub of Human Experience
While the Maya Empire may be long gone, their legacy lives on in the people of San Ignacio. Along with its sister town of Santa Elena, San Ignacio sits alongside the Macal River and has the vibe of a relatively quaint small town. Despite that, San Ignacio is a hub for eco-tourism, and it's developed a number of notable restaurants and a nightlife that's worth checking out.
Rivers Above Ground Too
Tubing through caves is an incredible experience, but the rivers of the Cayo District can be just as stunning. The Macal River and the Belize River are the two most prominent, and they offer a lazy way to drift down the river and see the wilds of inner Belize.
Cahal Pech Village Resort
Cahal Pech Village Resort once represented the standard of splendor, and Cahal Pech Resort does an exceptional job of offering that same level of splendor to our contemporary guests. A favorite of guests, Cahal Pech is committed to offering the perfect experience whether you're traveling with your family, with friends, or on your honeymoon.
Questions about visiting Belize? Contact us at info@cahalpech.com. We’d love to help you plan your Belize vacation.
