San Ignacio Map

San Ignacio, in the hilly Cayo District in western Belize, is the base for Maya ruins, caves, rivers and rainforest.

DistrictCayo
From Belize CityAbout 2 hours by car
To Guatemala borderAbout 20 minutes
Known forMaya sites, caves, rivers

What to do

Day trips from San Ignacio include Xunantunich (about 20 minutes away), the ATM Cave, the great city of Caracol in the Chiquibul Forest, and the waterfalls and pools of the Mountain Pine Ridge. In town, the small Maya site of Cahal Pech sits on a hill, and the Saturday market is the liveliest in Belize. Canoeing and tubing on the Macal and Mopan rivers are popular too.

The Guatemalan border at Benque Viejo is about 20 minutes away, and tours run from San Ignacio to Tikal.

Getting there

San Ignacio is about 2 hours by car from Belize City on the George Price Highway, passing the Belize Zoo and Belmopan. Buses and shuttles also run. See Belize City to San Ignacio.

Plan Your Trip

🌿 San Ignacio toursRuins, caves and river trips🛕 Tikal from BelizeDay trips across the border

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many days should I spend in San Ignacio?

Three days lets you see Xunantunich, the ATM Cave and either Caracol or the Mountain Pine Ridge.

Can you visit Tikal from San Ignacio?

Yes. Tours cross the border to Tikal in Guatemala, about 2 to 2.5 hours away each way.

Related Maps

XunantunichMaya site with El Castillo, reached by a hand-cranked ferry.ATM CaveActun Tunichil Muknal, a cave with Maya remains.CaracolThe largest Maya site in Belize, deep in the Chiquibul Forest.Belize City to San IgnacioAlong the George Price Highway by bus, shuttle or car.