San Ignacio (Belize) - San Ignacio (Belize)

San Ignacio 1.jpg
San Ignacio
DistrictCayo District
Residents
16.977 (2010)
height
76 m
no tourist info on Wikidata: Add tourist information
location
Belize location map
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San Ignacio

San Ignacio is a city in the district Cayo to the west of Belize.

Map of San Ignacio (Belize)

background

The second largest city in Belize is right across the street on the Macal River Santa Elena. The two cities are currently growing together administratively and are nicknamed "The Twin Towns". The Hawksworth Bridge crosses the river. The first settlements go back to 1200 BC. back, although the city center was about one kilometer to the south until the 9th century. At that time the city was still called Cahal bad luck, but this was given up again in the 9th century AD. But the place offers strategically good control over the Macal River and so the Maya city of Tipú soon emerged 9 km to the south. From the 16th century onwards, many attempts at Christianization began, all of which were in vain. During this phase, a small European settlement was formed precisely at this location, but it was originally called El Cayo, as it was like being on an island in the middle of the Maya kingdom. In 1638 a real revolt broke out against the Spaniards, so that they had to leave the region. In 1707 they came back with military support and most of the Maya population was taken over by the Spaniards Guatemala carried off. But the Spaniards shouldn't have much of this area because more and more British lumberjacks settled here. In 1787, San Ignacio was first mentioned on a map. Then in 1930 the highway of Belize City built after San Ignacio, and so this place could suddenly be reached in a day's journey from the coast. The canoe race "La Ruta Maya" is still a reminder of the times when everything was transported across the Macal River.

Today less wood is extracted here. A lot of agriculture has settled around San Ignacio. The good connection between Belize City and Guatemala and the multitude of attractions in and around San Ignacio lead to a rapid influx of tourists. The infrastructure has now adapted to this. Restaurants and hotels in all price ranges leave nothing to be desired.

getting there

By plane

San Ignacio has a small landing field called "Mayan Flats". From here, single-engine multiseaters from Tropic Air take off for Belize City Municipal Airport several times a day. The flight takes just under an hour, costs almost 75 US dollars and is a very nice opportunity to see Belize from above from an altitude of around 1000 meters.

By bus

Actually all bus routes that run between the border and Belize City Driving along the Western Highway stop at the central bus stop at Coronation Park. The NTSL, BBOC, Middleton's Transport and Shaw bus routes run every hour. Taking for the ride from Belize City to San Ignacio you have to plan about 2.5 hours.

In the street

Since San Ignacio is located directly on the Western Highway, San Ignacio is very easy to reach with your own vehicle. It should be noted that the correct bridge is selected for the Macal River crossing. The old Low River Bridge runs from Santa Elena to San Ignacio, while the new Hawkesworth Bridge leads in the opposite direction.

mobility

Rental cars can be rented from Western Auto Rental on Burns Avenue (Tel: 824-3328)

Tourist Attractions

General map of San Ignacio
  • Hawksworth Bridge (1). This bridge is the only suspension bridge in Belize and connects San Ignacio in the center over the Macal River with the sister city Santa Elena. It was built in 1949 and named after Governor Hawksworth, who was in office here from 1947 to 1949. But here you can only leave San Ignacio, i.e. drive in one direction.
  • Cahal bad luck. Cahal Pech is an archaeological site of the Mayan culture and was one of the oldest Mayan settlements in Belize. It is about a 30 minute walk from the center of town. If you take your time, the place is a nice half-day excursion. Admission is 10 BZ $. Tours are offered in the village, but they hardly represent any added value and are quite expensive.
Cahal bad luck in San Ignacio
  • Weekly market (3). In the market hall near the city center you can buy vegetables and some other everyday goods all week long. The Saturday weekly market, however, is much larger and attracts people from all over the area, which clearly shows the multicultural aspect of Belize. Creoles, Garifuna, Mennonites and many others meet here to sell their wares. A few tourists complete the picture.
  • Medicinal Jungle Trail (4). A botanical nature trail with 70 different plants has been set up here in the rainforest. The route can be run in about 45 minutes. It's not very strenuous. It also invites you to watch animals. The path can be found south of the city center near Buenavista Road.
  • Iguana Exhibit (4). Here you can watch the life of the egg-laying over the hatching up to the complete rearing of the green iguanas. You will also be informed about the habits of these iguanas and their importance for the ecosystem. You should plan an hour for the exhibition. You can find it in the south of the city at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel.
  • Branch Mouth (5). At this special point, about 20 minutes' walk from the city center, the Macal River and the Mopan River converge to form the Belize River. In addition to the actual natural attraction, the Hammock Bridge, which is a loose suspension bridge, is not for visitors with a fear of heights. A small park with picnic and swimming opportunities rounds off this excursion destination. To get there, just follow Branch Mouth Road.
  • Tipu (6). The remains of the city about 8 km to the south lie near the village of Negroman.
  • Chaa Creek (7). If you follow Old Benque Road towards the border and then turn left into Chial Road after about 5km, then keep to the left after you have passed the village of Negroman. How to get to Chaa Creek. In addition to two very interesting overnight accommodations (see Accommodation), the Rainforest Medicine Trail and the Chaa Creek Natural History Center & Butterfly Farm can be found here.
  • Belize Botanic Gardens (8). If you follow the Old Benque Road towards the border and then turn left into Chial Road after about 5 km, then after passing the village of Negroman you will ultimately keep to the right. Here you can reach this artificially created botanical garden, which you can walk through on a 3 km hiking trail. In the middle of this paradise is the DuPlooys Jungle Lodge (see also Overnight stays).

activities

  • Animal observation - The easiest and closest possibility for animal observation can certainly be found in the Iguana Exhibit or on the Medicinal Jungle Trail. There are also some jungle lodges in the immediate vicinity, some of which also offer animal observation for non-guests. The surrounding nature reserves, however, offer the best opportunities to watch animals.
  • Biking - Numerous resorts offer bikes of all classes for a wide variety of purposes. Of Bullet Tree Falls can be bike rides to the Ruien of El Pilar to organize.
  • horse riding
  • Canoe / Rafting - To go on the Macal River, canoes can be rented in town.
  • Discover - The Mayan ruins and the many caves in the area invite you to explore. Many cities are only partially exposed and protrude from the rainforest. Here you can still guess how the researchers must have felt when they rediscovered the cities.

shop

There are a few options along Burns Avenue. Otherwise, Saturday is market day.

kitchen

In addition to the many good and sometimes very good restaurants in the city, the extremely cheap and at the same time high-quality meals in the street food stalls should not go unmentioned. Burritos, tacos and stew are freshly prepared there, are very inexpensive and of excellent quality. Despite the often simple conditions, consumption is safe.

  • Guava Limb, Burns Ave., San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize. Fine cuisine at not high prices. Beautifully located in a park, the food is served on the veranda on the 1st floor of a wooden house. Excellent, but light cakes round off the excellent meals.Open: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.Price: Around US $ 10.
  • Ko-Ox Han-Nah (Let's go eat!), San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize. Price: Around US $ 10.
    . - Regional cuisine of excellent quality. The restaurant is located directly on the entrance road to the city center and allows a glimpse of life on the street while you are eating. In addition to the menu, there are several daily specials to choose from with special dishes.
  • Pop's, San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize. Tel.: 501 824-3202. Price: Around $ 10.
    . - A small breakfast café on a side street in the center. Many different breakfast options, mostly with scrambled eggs, always good and cheap.
  • Hannah's restaurant, 5 Burns Ave., San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize. Tel.: 501 923014. Price: Around US $ 10.
    . - Enjoy your meal. The coffee is recommended.
  • Eva's restaurant, Burns Ave., San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize. E-mail: . Price: Around US $ 10.
    . - Also offers a lot of information about the offer in and around San Ignacio and arranges guides.
  • Martha's Kitchen, 10 West Street, San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize. Tel.: 501 804-3647. Price: Around US $ 10.
    . - Diverse cuisine with good pizza.
  • Serendib Restaurant, 27 Burns Ave., San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize. Tel.: 501 824-3202. Price: Around US $ 10.
    . - Probably the only Sri Lankan restaurant in Belize. After dinner, everyone can leave their mark in the guest book. The look into this can fill the entire evening.

nightlife

There are a few options in the city center, such as dance halls or riverside parties.

accommodation

  • The River Park Inn, Branch Mouth Road, San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize. Price: approx. 50 US $.Accepted payment methods: VISA, MASTER CARD.
    . Very quiet on the river bank and yet only 10 minutes away from the city center, various small buildings are spread out here in a spacious complex. From single rooms to your own hut or a parking space for a caravan, there are various options for overnight stays. Standard rooms have a private bathroom and air conditioning, but breakfast is not available. The owner, Bing, is helpful in every way, can quickly arrange solo tours and gives good tips about the city.
  • duPlooy's Jungle Lodge, San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize. Tel.: 501 824-3101, Fax: 501 824-3301. Price: From US $ 200 the lodge for 2 people to about US $ 500 the house for 14 people.
    .

security

After dark, especially at night, it is recommended to cover longer distances either in groups or by taxi.

health

  • La Loma Luz Hospital, in Santa Elena.

Practical advice

Information and advice for tourists can be found in the Welcome Center of the city, on the square in the center.

The post office is on Hudson Street near Waight's Avenue.

There are also several internet cafés in the city:

  • Cayo Community Center, on Hudson Street. For US $ 1.50 per hour.
  • Green Dragon, on Hudson Street. For US $ 3.00 per hour.
  • Tradewinds, on Hudson Street. For US $ 2.50 per hour.

trips

  • Xunantunich. This Maja site is 13 km west of San Ignacio and has over 25 temples and palaces. You can book tours there, but with just under 30 BZ $ it is cheaper if you let a taxi take you there. For the way back, you can have a taxi called for you at the facility's Visitors Center.
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal. This probably the most famous cave in Belize was used by the Majas as a ritual site. It can be visited as part of a day trip from San Ignacio. There are different providers for this tour. After a ride in an off-road vehicle, you will walk 45 minutes through a jungle, crossing several small rivers. Caving equipment is put on in front of the cave. Then you penetrate further and further into the cave, partly swimming, partly climbing, past stalactites and clay vessels. The highlight are the skeletons in the main chamber of the cave.
  • Tikal. Probably the most famous Maya site in the region. Regional and supra-regional power was exercised here for over 1000 years. Not only Star Wars fans will love the view from Temple IV.
  • Flores (Guatemala). Fantastic place on an island in the lake and ideal hub for the numerous Mayan sites in El Peten to visit.
  • Caracol. The largest city that ever existed in Belize. 140,000 people once lived here. Now there is only a ruin site here, but still with the tallest building in Belize.
  • El Pilar (Belize). One of the largest Mayan ruins in Belize also provides information about the agriculture of the ancient Mayans.

literature

  • Cahal Pech, the Ancient Maya, and Modern Belize: The Story of an Archaeological Park by Joseph W. Ball published by San Diego State University (1994) / ISBN 978-1879691179

Web links

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