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San Ignacio

Nestled in the heart of Belize's magnificent jungle lies the unique town of San Ignacio, conveniently situated in the western part of the country near the border with Guatemala. As the cultural economic hub of the Cayo District, this tropical haven is best known for its diverse array of natural and historic attractions. With activities ranging from exploring ancient Mayan ruins such as Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, river tubing or canoeing down the Macal River, hiking in the surrounding lush rainforest to visiting the lively local market, San Ignacio offers a wealth of opportunities for the adventurous traveller. The town also serves as a gateway to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, a natural park boasting cascading waterfalls, breathing caves, and an abundance of native wildlife, ensuring an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.

3.9 /5

Based on our research

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Safety:Safe

San Ignacio demonstrates a generally safe environment for solo female travelers. Predominantly, locals are friendly and very helpful. While crime does exist, it's low compared to many places, and tourists are rarely targeted. However, it's vital to take normal precautions such as staying in well-lit areas at night, avoiding isolated locations and not flashing expensive items or large amounts of money. Local transport and taxis are reliable and trustworthy. It's a lively town with a wide range of accommodations, making it a good destination for solo female explorers.

Transport:Easy

San Ignacio is fairly easy to navigate. There are numerous walkable areas, making exploration on foot quite convenient. Local buses and taxis are also options for longer distances. However, there may be occasional language barriers or lack of clear signage that could make navigation slightly challenging.

Things to do:Interesting

San Ignacio is a veritable playground for adventure-seekers and nature lovers. It is the heart of the Belizean jungle and a gateway to numerous ancient Maya ruins like Cahal Pech and Caracol. Moreover, you can enjoy countless activities including river tubing, jungle hikes, horseback riding, birdwatching, and cave exploring. The city itself provides a great balance between small-town charm with a lively market, fabulous food options and vibrant local culture. However, its options for nightlife and shopping are rather limited.

Food:Above average

Belizean cuisine is known for its mix of Caribbean, Mexican, and Afro-Caribbean influences and San Ignacio is no exception. This city offers a variety of local and international dishes that caters to diverse palate preferences. The staples like fry jacks, Belizean tamales, and conch soup are a must-try, and the fresh seafood is exquisite. However, those looking for extreme variety and excess of gourmet options might find the selection slightly limited. Nonetheless, San Ignacio boasts several outstanding joints that serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The local street food culture also adds a touch of authenticity to the food scene here.

Budget:Affordable

San Ignacio offers a range of affordable accommodations, local food, and public transportation that are easy on the pocket. While there are expensive tours, there are also various activities and attractions like Mayan ruins, nature reserves, and local markets that you can explore at a low cost or even for free. However, compared to the extremely cheap countries in the world, it is still a bit more expensive, therefore not earning the highest score.

Jenny

United States

Couple travel experience

Lodging: Falling Leaves Lodge — highly recommend. This place exceeded our expectations after a pretty sketchy drive over from Belize city. This spot much more affordable and frankly much nicer than some of the “high end” accommodations nearby. Falling leaves is a hidden gem. It’s in an amazing location directly next to the Cahal Pech ruins. The rooms are beautiful, clean and comfortable. The property is incredible with expansive views and a tasty restaurant on site. The staff is friendly and welcoming. I feel very safe and would happily stay here solo if I were to come back. Downtown is walkable with a lot of small shops and markets. I felt safe but there are few tourists (at least when I went) and we definitely stood out. People are friendly but I’d recommend avoiding solo travel at night — drivers are a little wild and the lighting isn’t great. Lots of amazing attractions nearby. ATM caves and Mayan ruins are a must see. Overall a great trip and I’m looking forward to seeing the coast over at Placencia in a few days.

Posted: December 22, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 3/5

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