When most people imagine visiting Belize, they picture lounging on white-sand beaches next to crystal clear water. That makes for a wonderful vacation, but there are other areas of the country worth seeing too, especially ones less frequented by tourists. Here is why it is worth visiting San Ignacio Town in western Belize.
A Vibrant Town
San Ignacio is the second-largest settlement in Belize, but with a population of only a little over 20,000 people, it hardly feels like a big town. This vibrant community is the main hub and cultural center of the entire Cayo District, which alone makes it worth visiting if you will be in the area. San Ignacio is connected to its twin town, Santa Elena, via Hawkesworth Bridge, which is the only suspension bridge in the country. Amenities you are sure to enjoy include restaurants, parks, cultural events, and more. Be sure to check out the open-air market, where produce, crafts, and household goods are all commonly offered for sale. This is a great way to experience the local culture.
The Ecological Heart Of Belize
The Cayo District is often considered the heart of Belize's eco-tourism industry, which makes San Ignacio a great jumping-off point to experience the ecological wonders of the area. San Ignacio is especially close to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, which offers visitors the opportunity to experience its caves, waterfalls, and thick pine forests teeming with exotic wildlife. Other major ecological sites accessible from the city include Elijio Panti National Park, Big Rock Falls, and Guanacaste National Park.
An Ancient Land Comes To Life
For the Maya people, Belize is their home and it has been for over a thousand years. Many Maya historical sites are present in western Belize and are easy to access from San Ignacio. One of these is Caracol, which is a large site that showcases the Mayas' extensive city planning and agricultural systems. The site is thought to have been a major geopolitical center of the Maya world. Another ruin is Xunantunich, which was an important ceremonial site and holds a number of temples, plazas, and stelae.
San Ignacio is a wonderful place to visit and get a good sense of all Belize has to offer. When you come, stay at Cahal Pech Village Resort. Located right in San Ignacio, guests will have access to both the amenities of a major settlement and the surrounding rustic natural world.
For Reservations and General Inquiries
Email: info@cahalpech.com
Tel: +501-824-3740
