san ignacio, BZ
I honestly didn't have too much in the way of expectations when I pulled into San Ignacio as I was on my way through the country and into Guatemala. I figured it would just be a little relatively uneventful stop along the way. I had never heard much in the way of praises regarding mainland Belize. I thought the sights to see were the islands, the beaches, and that was it. At this point I was growing tired of the Western-washed culture of Belize, and was ready to get back to exploring cultures. Upon arriving in San Ignacio I was really pleasantly surprised to find a totally different Belize than I had previously been exposed to. One that felt more culturally interesting and authentic. San Ignacio is a charming small city in the jungle of Belize — near the border of Guatemala. It's a little place with some tourism, but nothing like what you will have witnessed in other parts of the country. It's traveled enough to be interesting to travel, but not so much that it has become a place that is well-traveled (if that makes any sense). The old buildings feel rustic, and the small little streets you can walk around have interesting shops and restaurants. There's cheap street food. Walking streets with tables set up. It's just nice and mellow and cool if you ask me. It borders a river, where you can witness locals hanging out or doing some washing. It's a really nice little spot. It really feels like you are traveling in Central American jungle towns, and it's pretty cool. It is also home to some beautiful natural stuff like the ATM caves, which are probably the most famous thing to see from a tourism perspective in Belize outside of the islands. So you have some things to do and see as well. There's a really nice hostel here that I could have easily stayed at for a week. — Filled with cool and interesting people. The kind of interesting people that you meet when you come through a backpacking town that's essentially not on the backpacking trail. All said and done, if you are on a trip through Belize, and have some time, San Ignacio is certainly a place that you should hit.
San Ignacio is located in far western Belize, right in the center of the county from a longitude perspective. It's about as close to the border of Guatemala as one can realistically get. Lying only 5 miles from the border crossing. If you are anything like the typical Central American backpackers and are traveling by land and through Belize, then you will at some point make the crossing through this border. I would recommend making a few days stop here in San Ignacio. That being said there are a few ways to get here.
BY BUS
1. Coming from Guatemala - If you are coming from Guatemala, then you will need to come from Flores. Well... that is the easiest way anyways. More on where and what this is on the Flores page. There is a shuttle company called Gekko (very popular and prevalent shuttle company in Central America) — you can find information about the daily departures on their website. It will cost about $27, and the journey will take 4 hours from the northern Guatemala lake town, including the border crossing.
2. Coming from Belize - It's only a few hour drive from Belize City to San Ignacio. Your two options here are going to be chicken bus or shuttle. The chicken bus will be the cheapest, and the most interesting. The bus terminal is here, and you can easily find a bus up to San Ignacio. English is prevalent here so it will be easier than other countries. The other way is by booking a shuttle. There is an option here for about $20. The ride shouldn't take more than 3 hours.
BY CAR - The easiest way to get here is by car. But obviously not everyone will have a car. If you are overlanding and traveling by car it's pretty simple. San Ignacio is located right on the main highway — the George Price Highway. Take that from Belize City, or get there from wherever you are and just take it west. You will run right into it. The drive is only a few hours, no matter where you are coming from.
TIP - if you are traveling by car, make sure you have your insurance and make sure it is up to date. I made the mistake of having expired insurance and was practically arrested.
HOSTELS, CAMPING, AND HOTELS (IF ANY)
I am only going to bother getting into the hostel scene here. I only experienced that, and I really loved it. Like I mentioned, I met really interesting and cool people up here in the hostels. There are a handful of really good ones, but one that I recommend above all is 'The Old House'. However, it's a really small place so if it's sold out, don't worry — you will have a few other options.
I am sure that you could find some hotel options if that's what you are looking for, but most of the hostels I mention will have private room availability, and you'll have a nice community at least.
If you are overlanding and want to find somewhere to sleep in your car here, that won't be difficult either.
This was my favorite little hostel in Belize. It's a cute little spot that is nothing more than a converted house that has become a quaint little home for backpackers. There's a few dorms, a nice kitchen that anyone can use, and couches and stuff all over the inside part to hang out. People are just hanging around chatting and planning their next stops. I found the community here to be really good. The best part is the giant outdoor terrace with beautiful views of the town nestled in the jungle. — With hammocks and tables and such, it's a great place to hang out. I wouldn't look any further than this place if I was to return.
Another cute little hostel here in San Ignacio. It's relatively new, clean, and checks all the boxes. Comfortable rooms, and places to sleep — all that stuff. Great option. Will be on the mellower side.
Bellas is another option. Will be the most party centric one in town. It is from the same company that has the Bellas Backpackers in Caye Caulker, and the vibes are similar. It's going to be filled with a lot of younger backpackers. But the place is certainly nice. Lots of cool places to hang out. If you are looking for the most social place you can find, this is it.
EATS
I wouldn't say that most people are going to come to San Ignacio Belize with food in mind. It's certainly not going to be one of those places that has an extremely memorable food scene. However, that's not to say there aren't some good options up here if you know where to look.
I will only highlight a few spots that I liked, but also want to point out that you shouldn't sleep on the street food. There's a good amount of it all over the place, and it's a great way to eat cheaply, well, and support the locals.
Restaurants
This little unassuming spot is the 'go to' for breakfast in San Ignacio. It's only open until about 3, but they will have your typical Belizean breakfasts and what not. Good spot... Fry jacks, eggs, hot cakes, etc.
A cute little spot right in downtown serving up basic and good food. They have sandwiches and the like here. The name of the restaurant translates directly to "Let's Go Eat". A good option for some good lunch up here. The food is an interesting mix of Belizean and Indian food.
Tiny little spot right in downtown. Probably some of the best Belizean food that you can get. Great chicken and rice, yada yada yada. I would say if you have a few days here, this is a 'must go'. Cute and authentic place.
and many more...
Lots of other little places to explore that I never went to. It's not a big town at all, so just walking around and getting some food somewhere new is an excellent activity for an afternoon.
NIGHTLIFE
Not much of a nightlife city from my experience. I would say that the biggest and best nightlife you will find here is going to be in your hostel, — Bellas Backpackers being the hub for that. I was totally content just drinking Belikins on the patio of The Old House until late into the night though.
SIGHTS
San Ignacio is in the jungle, so when it comes to the things to do here they are going to be jungle-centric. The most famous thing to do here is far and away the ATM caves though. People come from all over the world to see them, and people come to San Ignacio for no other reason than to see them as well. There's more on that below. But in addition, there's also other jungle-related stuff to do, some ruins, and other fun stuff. Other than that it can be a relaxing place, so just laying around in a hammock or something is a good way to pass the day.
Far and away the most popular thing to do up here. Also known as Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM), is located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, seven miles from the main highway. The cave is a Mayan archaeological site that features skeletons, ceramics, stoneware, artifacts. Most notably there are areas in the cave where you can see skeletal remains from sacrifices and ceremonies that were performed here centuries ago. A pretty cool thing to see.
There are some ruins up here that you can go visit. From a ruins perspective, they are okay. But if you are on your way to Guatemala, you might want to just wait until you get to the absolutely stunning Tikal. They are the best ruins in all of Central America. Unless you love ruins I would say you can skip this.
GO TO GUATMELA
A random thing to do but a lot of people here will be doing it. It's a stopover town a lot of the time for people who are heading over to Guatemala. It's something you'll frequently talk about with other people here. Make a group of friends and go together.
There's a small little market here in town. It's fun to walk around, buy some food from little vendors, or get groceries and some fresh fruit if you need. Nice afternoon activity.
SURFING
You're in the Jungle.