How to spend a perfect weekend in San Ignacio Belize

San Ignacio is located in Belize’s Cayo District and is known for its natural beauty. It’s the perfect place for a weekend getaway, as it’s located in the heart of some great attractions. Of course, if you’d rather just chill, that’s OK too! After all, taking it easy is an art form in Belize.

If you choose to explore, a great place to start is the San Ignacio Market on Saturday morning. Arrive early to break your fast on delicious fry jacks and fresh-squeezed juice. You’ll find plenty of stalls serving not only prepared street food but also organic local produce including spices and herbs you may want to stock up on. There are also vendors selling hand-made crafts, clothing, and souvenirs who will be happy to chat with you about the local area.

Next, head over to the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, which is home to the Green Iguana Conservation Project. This is the top tourist attraction in the area and is truly a unique experience. Started in 1996, the goal of the project is to conserve this beautiful and gentle threatened species. The exhibit educates visitors and allows them to enjoy these amazing reptiles in a serene natural setting where the iguanas can hatch and rear their young in peace before being released into the wild. An Adopt an Iguana Program helps to raise funds not just for the conservation effort but also for local scholarships.

While on-site at the hotel, you can enjoy fine dining at the Running W restaurant. It features local meats from the family-owned ranch as well as jungle views of the surrounding hills. Local cuisine features comfort food such as fish and plantains stewed in coconut milk as well as more adventurous fare such as spicy local barbecue.

To round out your weekend, schedule a trip to the Xunantunich and Cahal Pech Maya ruins for Sunday. Cahal Pech is a pleasant walk from San Ignacio. It features beautiful views and has a welcoming Visitors’ Center. Here you will find 34 discrete structures which include courtyards, temple pyramids, and residential buildings.

Meanwhile, Xunantunich features the second largest Maya pyramid in Belize and is one of the most impressive archeological sites in the country. You can explore numerous temples, palaces, and dwelling structures just a short 8-mile drive from San Ignacio.

While exploring the lovely Cayo district, you’ll find the best place to stay is indeed the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. Not only is it an impeccable retreat, but it’s also at the heart of some of the best attractions that you will want to visit!