About San Ignacio Belize

Not only is San Ignacio the most populated area of Cayo (approximately 16,977 residents as of 2023), but it offers a variety of attractions for Belizean natives and especially for our international visitors craving outdoor fun.

San Ignacio town is the ideal getaway from hectic urban living and provides a rustic experience rich in Belizean culture and history. Crystalline rivers and waterfalls, exotic wildlife, scenic hilltops and mysterious Maya ruins are only some of the amazing features that characterize a visit to San Ignacio.

Apart from having an eclectic collection of flora, fauna and other natural treasures, San Ignacio is also the perfect place to become familiar with Belize’s cultural diversity. With its twin town Santa Elena, San Ignacio is home to Belizeans from local ethnic groups such as: Mestizos, Maya, Mennonites, and Garifuna as well as expats from regions all over the world.

Saturdays are a weekly communal highlight because it is Market Day and sees a great deal of interaction between locals and tourists. The smell of traditional Mestizo dishes such as tacos and pupusas waft through the air while Mennonite traders display their home grown fruits and vegetables as well as their artisanal cheeses, jams, wines, and other fresh produce for sale.

San Ignacio is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes – 2 hours drive from Belize City via the George Price Highway. It is located on the west bank of the Macal River which diverges with the Mopan River a few miles upstream to form the famous Belize River.

The weather in town is tropical and temperatures vary from 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 C) to 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 C) throughout the year. Rainfall is most seen in the month of October with an average accumulation of 6.6 inches (the wet season lasts from May to November). According to the weather spark weatherspark.com the best time of year for warm weather activities is from Mid-December to Mid-March.