The small town, still called Cayo by many locals, is the ideal location to visit the large Mayan cities of Caracol and Xunantunich or to explore the diverse nature of the Cayo district. The mountainous, hilly landscape in Belize’s west is characterized by forests and rivers, some of which flow underground and have dug extensive, spectacular cave systems whose caverns already served the Maya as places of worship and sacrifice. A prominent example of this practice is the skeleton of a Mayan boy in Actun Tunichil Mukna, a cave called ATM Cave. The skeleton is falsely called “Crystal Maiden” and shines like a crystal due to calcification.
San Ignacio itself has no attractions to offer except for tranquil paddling tours on the Macal River and the small Mayan city of Cahal Pech, which can be visited during a short walk.
The offer of small, mostly inexpensive hotels, pubs and restaurants is surprisingly varied and reflects the multicultural origin of the inhabitants.