From talented local artisans like Artemis Glass… to the best ice cream in town at Cayo Twist Ice Cream… through to great margaritas at Rolson’s Hotel & Cantina… and onto a local pub to hang out and meet with friends, San Ignacio is full of funky hideaways and “Old West” charm.
Only forty five minutes from Better in Belize, the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena are a “bustling metropolis” of 22,000 people. Market Day is every day here, with Saturday market capping off the week. There’s always a slice of something delicious at the market while you mingle with Mennonites, Taiwanese, Belizeans and fellow ex-pats.
Don your hiking shoes, pack a picnic lunch, grab your camera and binocs and head out into 880,000 acres of national parks and nature reserves! Cayo’s breadth of 2,000 square miles is both breathtaking and fulfilling. On your way back to Better in Belize, stop off at Hannah’s or Serendib’s for dinner. Then, head home to Better in Belize for a night of stargazing and commingling with your neighbours. It really is Better in Belize.
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Experience: Voyage into the Mayan underworld!
Blue Hole National Park: Take a dip in the beautiful blue waters of the Blue Hole!
Caracol: Explore the 136-foot pyramid of this Maya city-state that toppled Tikal!
Drumming and dancing: Join the festivals and fun of ancient traditions!
Enjoy tacos, tamales, tortillas: Add a splash of Marie Sharp’s famous Belize hot sauce!
Fruit & Veggies: Shop at the daily market for homemade granola, wine, cheese, clothes & more!
Galen University: Take a course in Archaeology or Environmental Science at Galen!
Hike the Mountain Pine Ridge: Keep your eyes open for tapirs, cougars and coatis!
Iguanas: Check out the breeding program at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel!
Jog: Take a long jog along picturesque Branch Mouth Road to the Hammock Bridge!
Karaoke the night away at Belmopan’s Bull Frog bar!
La Ruta Maya River Challenge: Compete in this wild and fun Belize festival!
Mennonite Country: Visit the best farmers in Belize in Spanish Lookout!
Nightlife: Dance, enjoy Happy Hour, or party at one of San Ignacio’s watering holes!
Orange Gift Shop & Gallery: Shop for 100% Belizean Arts, Crafts & Furniture!
Pizza at Blancaneaux Lodge: Enjoy a slice at Francis Ford Coppola’s Cayo resort!
Q‘eqchi’ Maya: Learn the language of the Mayas!
Rio Frio Caves: Be dazzled by the stalactites in this half-mile long cave!
Spas: Relax in the rainforest with botanical facials, Mayan massages and mud wraps!
Three Hundred Species of Birds: Sight Macaws and Keel-Billed Toucans in Cayo!
Unique Cultural Mix: Enjoy Cayo’s Creole, Mestizo, Lebanese, Chinese, Mennonite, Maya cultures!
Victoria Peak: Scale Cayo’s 3,675-foot high mountain (Belize’s second highest)!
Waterfalls: Picnic beside Cayo’s Thousand Foot Falls – the highest in Central America!
Xunantunich: Scope the Cayo district from atop these magnificent Mayan Ruins!
Yoga Retreats: Become one in the jungle of Belize with sunrise Yoga sessions!
Ziplining in Belize’s rainforest: What could be more fun?