Belize has become a hot destination for both vacationers and retirees in the last few years, but it still remains one of the most tantalizing secrets in the Caribbean. Despite growing interest in the country, the market is still far away from hitting the saturation point. But despite being the second smaller country in Central America, Belize isn't a monolith. And while popular tourist destinations like Ambergris Caye are becoming increasingly crowded and increasingly expensive, some of Belize's best areas continue to fly under the radar. If you want to see the richness and diversity of this Caribbean country, there's no better area to visit than San Ignacio Town.
A Gateway to Adventure
San Ignacio is the capital of the Cayo District — a district regarded as Belize's "Wild West". If you're a nature lover, there's no better place in the country to be. Rio Frio Cave, Mountain Pine Ridge, and Barton Creek Cave are all easily accessible from San Ignacio, and the Macal River offers some of the best bird watching in the continent. But just because the Cayo District is rich in natural majesty doesn't mean that it's never seen civilization. The Cayo District was once a critical region in the Maya Empire, and it's one of the most fertile regions for exploring the remnants of that lost civilization — from the allegedly haunted pyramid of Xunantunich to ATM Cave's legacy as a site of human sacrifice to the surprisingly intact city of Caracol.
An Impressive Town in Its Own Right
It's not just ancient Maya towns that are worth exploring in the Cayo District. San Ignacio itself is a modern destination that's home to a mix of cultures and offers plenty to see and do. The Macal River cuts right through town, and the busy Farmer’s Market that sits alongside its shore offers an intimate experience with the locals that's not quite like anything else. The nearby Rainforest Medicine Trail offers a fascinating look at the roles various natural herbs serve as medicine. It's also home to both a botanical garden and a butterfly ranch.
With Super Belize Lodgings
The ancient city of Cahal Pech was once one of the wealthier settlements in the Maya era of Belize, and Cahal Pech Village Resort seeks to offer the same level of comfort to visitors staying in San Ignacio. The staff will be happy to help transform the resort into a base camp for your adventures, or we can help you simply indulge in your private corner of paradise. Even if you never leave the resort, the panoramic views of the Belize River Valley are worth the visit.
Questions about visiting Belize? Contact us at info@cahalpech.com. We’d love to help you plan your Belize vacation.
