First time · San Ignacio

First time in San IgnacioSan Ignacio

San Ignacio is a base, not a sight: sleep two or three nights, do the town on foot in the morning, and book the Maya sites and caves by licensed guide — and leave for the airport with two hours of road in hand.

Everything here is a short version of the San Ignacio guide. Prices and hours are estimates: check before you rely on them.

The honest verdict

San Ignacio is a small river town in the Cayo District, about two hours by road from the international airport near Belize City. The town itself takes half a day on foot; the value is the base for Xunantunich, Caracol and cave tours. Trips go wrong on the road at night, on rain that floods river crossings, and on cave or site tours booked with an unlicensed operator. Four walkable areas cover the town; the sites are day trips by guide from one kept bed.

From the airport

Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)

Fastest and cheapest: Pre-booked shuttle or taxi to the hotel door · about 110 min · about BZD 240

Typical ride times and fares, 2026 desk estimates (check). Last services and night options are on the gateway page.

Airport-to-bed timings →

How long to stay

2 days: Town morning, Cahal Pech, one guided day trip
3 days: Town, Cahal Pech, a guided cave or Xunantunich day
5 days: Town + two guided days (a cave and Caracol) + one river or rest day

Itineraries by length →

Three mistakes to avoid

Do not enter caves or climb Maya structures without a licensed guide.(Survive · red lines)
Petty theft happens: keep valuables out of sight and use taxis at night.(Survive · safety)
Do not remove or buy artefacts.(Survive · red lines)

Scams and safety →

Money and SIM

Budget day: Bz$80–160 excl. bed
Cash: The Belize dollar is fixed at 2 to 1 US dollar and US dollars are accepted; check which dollar a price is in. Withdraw at bank ATMs on the main street and keep Bz$100 in small notes.

Money, SIMs and apps →