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Home / Destinations / San Ignacio

San Ignacio

Belize · City · BZD · 17.158800, -89.069600
Family friendly 7.1/10 · Rank 656 of 2 709
Best season: December-May

Best for

Suitable for active holiday lovers, archaeology and nature enthusiasts, and those wanting to explore inland Belize and nearby Guatemala.

Best season

December-May

Daily budget
$120.00 (≈ 10 070 ₽)
For 7 days
$840.00 (≈ 70 493 ₽)
San Ignacio is Belize's second-largest city and the main tourist hub of the western part of the country. From here, routes open to the famous Maya ruins of Xunantunich, Caracol, and Cahal Pech, as well as to the ATM Cave. Surrounded by jungle and the Macal River, the city is an ideal base for adventure lovers.
Summer
34.0°C
Winter
19.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

San Ignacio residents are mainly Mestizos and Creoles. They are friendly, used to tourists and always ready to help with organising excursions.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Excellent base for archaeological excursions
  • Rich nature and adventure opportunities
  • Diverse gastronomic scene
  • Affordable prices
  • Proximity to the Guatemalan border

Cons

  • No beach
  • Hot and humid climate
  • Many mosquitoes in the rainy season
  • Transport needed to get around
  • Limited nightlife
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
27.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
34.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
24.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
28.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
19.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
June-October
Attractions

Xunantunich

Maya temple complex on the riverbank, one of the most impressive sites in Belize

ATM Cave

Maya archaeological site with ritual artefacts, accessible only with a guide

Cahal Pech

Ancient Maya city on a hill with panoramic views of the town

San Ignacio Market

Colourful market with local produce, crafts and street food

Macal River

Scenic river for kayaking and boat trips, popular recreation spot

Best areas

Town Centre

Close to the market, restaurants and main attractions

Cahal Pech

Hilltop area with hotels and town views, popular with tourists

Burns Avenue

Main street with bars, restaurants and shops, the centre of nightlife

Must-try food

Pupusa

Corn tortilla filled with cheese, meat or beans, popular street food

Rice and Beans

Rice with red beans in coconut milk, served with chicken or fish

Garnaches

Crispy corn tortilla with minced meat, cheese and salad

Panades

Fried turnovers with chicken or fish, a traditional dish

Fry Jack

Fried dough flatbread for breakfast with cheese or beans

Where to go next

Xunantunich

Maya temple complex on the riverbank, 15 minutes by bus

ATM Cave

Maya archaeological site with ritual artefacts, 45 minutes by bus

Blue Hole National Park

Natural sinkhole with turquoise water and tropical forest, 1 hour by bus

Tikal

Largest Maya city in Guatemala, 3 hours by bus

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт имени Филипа С. У. Голдсона (BZE).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
December-May
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$87.00
≈ 7 301 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$130.00
≈ 10 910 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$160.00
≈ 13 427 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$9.00
≈ 755 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
San Ignacio: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-May. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
San Ignacio: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +34.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
San Ignacio: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +19.0°C, during the day — up to +28.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
San Ignacio: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on June-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
San Ignacio: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $120.00 (≈ 10 070 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
San Ignacio: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $87.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $130.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $200.00 per night, an apartment — $60.00 per night, a villa — $160.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
San Ignacio: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $8.00, dinner at a restaurant — $20.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.00, a 0.5L beer — $2.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
San Ignacio: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $50.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.50, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
San Ignacio: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Xunantunich — Maya temple complex on the riverbank, one of the most impressive sites in Belize; ATM Cave — Maya archaeological site with ritual artefacts, accessible only with a guide; Cahal Pech — Ancient Maya city on a hill with panoramic views of the town; San Ignacio Market — Colourful market with local produce, crafts and street food; Macal River — Scenic river for kayaking and boat trips, popular recreation spot. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
San Ignacio: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Pupusa — Corn tortilla filled with cheese, meat or beans, popular street food; Rice and Beans — Rice with red beans in coconut milk, served with chicken or fish; Garnaches — Crispy corn tortilla with minced meat, cheese and salad; Panades — Fried turnovers with chicken or fish, a traditional dish; Fry Jack — Fried dough flatbread for breakfast with cheese or beans. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
San Ignacio: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Town Centre — Close to the market, restaurants and main attractions; Cahal Pech — Hilltop area with hotels and town views, popular with tourists; Burns Avenue — Main street with bars, restaurants and shops, the centre of nightlife. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
San Ignacio: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
San Ignacio: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт имени Филипа С. У. Голдсона (code BZE). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $50.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
San Ignacio: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — BZD. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $120.00 (≈ 10 070 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
San Ignacio: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
San Ignacio: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
San Ignacio: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Xunantunich — Maya temple complex on the riverbank, 15 minutes by bus; ATM Cave — Maya archaeological site with ritual artefacts, 45 minutes by bus; Blue Hole National Park — Natural sinkhole with turquoise water and tropical forest, 1 hour by bus; Tikal — Largest Maya city in Guatemala, 3 hours by bus. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.1/10
Overall rank: 656 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 188