San Ignacio is the quintessential Belize contradiction: It’s the second largest town in the nation, but the population rarely surpasses 20,000, so even when tourists come, this destination rarely feels crowded. What should you know about making the most of your San Ignacio vacation? Keep reading and you’ll have no trouble filling your itinerary with unforgettable experiences that even the most cynical child will love.
-San Ignacio is conveniently located in the Cayo District and just a short drive to Guatemala, in case you are eager to give your children a multi-cultural experience. English is spoken in Belize; Spanish in Guatemala. Teach the kids a few words in Spanish so they feel empowered to converse with people they meet.
-Inspire your children to cherish the earth by taking them to the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve where Cayo’s most impressive waterfalls are located. Kids work off pent-up energy splashing in swimming holes and the forest itself is an ecological wonderland of plants and animals that bring biology and botany lessons to life.
-Several impressive Maya temples and sacred caves are located in Cayo. They include Caracol (the largest in Belize) and Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave. These visits intrigue children and open their minds to mysteries of the past. Children returning from San Ignacio often become so curious about ancient Maya practices, they beg to go to the library!
-Parents love strolling San Ignacio Town where shops and eateries await. For foodies who encourage kids to “try new dishes,” Belize’s multi-cultural food offerings are diverse and include Creole, Hispanic, Garifuna and other Central American cuisines. The food is so affordable, you can turn your teen loose at every opportunity.
-A Saturday stop at the San Ignacio Market is mandatory, especially if your kids want to use their allowances to pick up affordable, handcrafted souvenirs. Have the kids wear their swimsuits. When they grow weary of browsing, they can jump into the adjacent Macal River for a refreshing splash.
-Give your kids easy access to Cayo’s rich Maya heritage by booking lodgings just steps from Cahal Pech’s Maya temples at Cahal Pech Village Resort. You can also explore Xunantunich, another awe-inspiring Maya City, in just 15 minutes. Cahal Pech staff is happy to book family cave tubing, river tubing, canoeing and birding expeditions, too.
-By arranging a Belize family vacation at Cahal Pech, you’re assured a worry-free holiday because everything is taken care of before you leave home. Opt for a money-saving Belize vacation package and you get meals, lodgings and specialized tours. The kids will thank you. You’ll learn a little more about each other, and isn’t that what a family vacation is all about?
