Traveling to the Caribbean in 2021/2022? Make San Ignacio Belize your Destination
Not every travel destination is so beloved and popular it is given a nickname that sticks, but San Ignacio Belize meets that criteria, so it’s known affectionately as simply “Cayo.” With a name this short, you might think there’s nothing to do here, but far from it! You can stay busy from sunup to sundown over an extended holiday and still not see everything.
What’s the secret to making a Cayo vacation the best it can be? Stay at a centrally-located destination specializing in spoiling visitors: Cahal Pech Belize Resort. Newly upgraded rooms, a happening bar, onsite restaurant and a staff that’s eager to please—plus close proximity to multiple airports and resort pickup services—makes Cahal Pech an ideal base from which to see the wonders of Belize.
The town of San Ignacio is an explorer’s paradise. It has a rough and tumble jungle feel that’s energetic, fun, safe and fascinating. The Saturday morning San Ignacio open air market is a must see. Meet area farmers and pick up fresh snacks for outings, feast on hardy breakfasts and stock up on local jams. Don’t miss seeing the San Ignacio and Santa Elena House of Culture located beneath the Town Council building. This fascinating museum features the works of Belizean artists, hosts classes and interactive activities.
Are you eager to see Mayan ruins and cave systems? Cayo is located close to the Guatemala border and Cahal staff can transport you to world-famous Tikal, a famous archaeological site as well as book excursions that include San Ignacio’s rivers and ruins, thanks to dozens of tour companies affiliated with Cahal Pech vying to take visitors to popular sites near and far.
Take exploratory trips to Actun Tunichil Muknal where Mayan relics, skeletons and artifacts are found within a mysterious cave. Because Cahal Pech was literally built at another Mayan site, you don’t have to roam far from your accommodations to see restored temples and plazas. Add a tour to Xunantunich, another ancient site, where you can climb the 130-foot tall El Castillo pyramid ruin and finish your immersion on a day trip to Barton Creek Cave by indulging in cave tubing or canoeing in addition to touring this ceremonial ruin.
Let your Cahal Pech hosts know that you’re up for adventure and they can send you off to exciting natural wonders in Cayo like the interactive Green Iguana Exhibit housed at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. On your way to see the reptiles, spot 150 species of birds, wildlife and trees and plants unique to this rainforest. Called “the only jungle in town,” a visit includes seeing how iguana eggs are incubated, hatched, reared, and in some cases, released into the wild. Kids love this (so do adults!). While you’re in the neighborhood, visit the Medicinal Jungle Trail to see more critters and learn about medicinal uses of Belize plants.
When your curiosity has been satisfied, it’s time to move! Canoe the Macal River, stopping along the way to see the Botanical Gardens at Dyplooys. Move on to the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch followed by cave tubing at Jaguar Paw where you sail under dramatic stalactites and glimpse 1000-year-old sacred Mayan artifacts. Finish off your visit by checking out Jaguar Paw’s small zoo and/or taking a heart-pounding zip line ride.
Need more active adventures to satisfy your inner athlete? You’re the traveler Cahal Pech staff love most! Take a breath before you ask staff about a menu of trips and adventures to destinations near and far that include scuba and deep sea diving, sailing and fishing. When you stay in Cayo, you’re not far from any of them!
Questions about visiting Belize and San Ignacio Town in 2019? Contact us at info@cahalpech.com or call toll free 239 494 3281. We’d love to help you plan your Belize vacation.
