So you have already decided that 2024 is going to be the year you visit Belize, the next step on your travel journey is figuring out where you want to visit. If you are not quite sure where you want to go, why not try San Ignacio Town (the country's ecotourism capital) in the Cayo District.
Why San Ignacio is a Strong Choice
San Ignacio, originally called "El Cayo" by the Spanish, is the second-largest settlement in Belize, with only Belize City being more populous. What began as a simple town for loggers and chicle farmers has developed into a properly metropolitan sector that serves as a major hub of activity within Belize's Cayo District. It is also loaded with all sorts of attractions that are bound to get you interested whether you are making this a family vacation, honeymoon holiday, solo getaway, or an adventure trip with your partner.
For those with a keen interest in the ancient Maya civilization, San Ignacio is the gateway to four famous Maya ruins: Caracol, Cahal Pech, El Pilar and Xunantunich.
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave that was only discovered in 1989 and is a notable site for its skeletal remains of Maya ritual sacrifice, pottery, and stoneware is a popular cave tour to do from San Ignacio Town. The cave's name translates as "Cave of the Stone Sepulcher"
Barton Creek Cave is a major spot for anyone with an interest in adventure tourism in San Ignacio; traverse the cave involves canoeing within dark caverns.
San Ignacio is also the gateway to verdant nature sites like: the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Bask in Belize's glorious and verdant natural setting in the Mountain Pine Ridge. This nature reserve is also close to Caracol Maya ruins, making it notable for anyone more concerned with history than hiking, waterfalls or caverns.
San Ignacio is also close enough to Flores in Guatemala which is home to the UNESCO site of Tikal.
The entire Cayo District is a dream for birders keen on seeing vibrant species of avian. You can find countless excuses to go tubing and ziplining throughout the district.
If even one of these attractions have convinced you that you should visit San Ignacio during your trip to Belize, please consider Cahal Pech Village Resort as a base for your Belize vacation. It is the biggest hotel in the area and has an eclectic menu of all the various tours throughout the region.
