Itineraries
Where to stay
San Ignacio town for walking to Burns Avenue and Cahal Pech; Santa Elena across the Hawkesworth Bridge for a quieter side; San Jose Succotz for early Xunantunich mornings.
The areas: San Ignacio town, Santa Elena, San Jose Succotz.
Where to stay in San Ignacio: areas and adviceHotels in San IgnacioPlaces to see
All things to do in BelizeNatureActun Tunichil MuknalA cave reached by a jungle hike and a swim, holding Maya ceramics and the Crystal Maiden skeleton.Entry: Guided tour only; tickets via licensed operators; BZ$[fee]
NatureBarton Creek CaveA wet cave you explore by canoe, with Maya ceramics and calcified skeletons inside.Entry: Guided tour only
NatureBelize Botanical GardensA 45-acre garden on the Macal River with native trees and an orchid exhibit of over 100 species.Entry: Pay at the gate
NatureBig Rock FallsA 150-foot waterfall in the Mountain Pine Ridge reached by wooden stairs, with a swimming pool at its base.Entry: Pay at the site; BZ$[fee]
FoodBurns AvenueSan Ignacio's bustling main street, popular for lunch, dinner and a cafe stop.Entry: Pay as you go
RuinsCahal PechHilltop Maya ceremonial center with temples, palaces and a ball court, a short walk from San Ignacio.Entry: Buy online or at the site
RuinsCaracolOne of the largest Maya cities, deep in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, with a vast field system.Entry: Buy online or at the site
RuinsEl PilarA large Maya site that shows how ordinary families lived, with excavated homes and planted gardens.Entry: Buy online or at the site
NatureGreen Iguana Conservation ProjectA project at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel that raises and releases green iguanas, which visitors can meet.Entry: Ask at the hotel
ViewpointHawkesworth BridgeThe only suspension bridge in Belize, joining San Ignacio to Santa Elena above the Macal River.Entry: Free to visit
NatureNohoch Che'en Archaeological ReserveA cave system on the Sibun River explored on guided tubing tours with a life vest and helmet.Entry: Guided tour only
NatureRio Frio CaveA quarter-mile cave with a 65-foot-tall entrance, pools and waterfalls in the Mountain Pine Ridge.Entry: Pay at the site; BZ$[fee]
NatureRio On PoolsGranite ledges, small waterfalls and freshwater pools with picnic spots in the Mountain Pine Ridge.Entry: Pay at the site; BZ$[fee]
NatureSt. Herman's Blue Hole National ParkA turquoise swimming pool on the Hummingbird Highway, next to St. Herman's Cave and its guided tours.Entry: Pay at the visitor center; BZ$[fee]
ViewpointThousand Foot FallsThe highest waterfall in Belize, in the Mountain Pine Ridge, about 1.5 hours from San Ignacio.Entry: Pay at the site; BZ$[fee]
RuinsXunantunichMaya site above the Mopan River, reached by hand-cranked ferry, with the 130-foot El Castillo pyramid.Entry: Buy online or at the site