Beautiful sub-tropical weather on the shore of Central America awaits every traveler passionate about the mesmerizing Caribbean Islands. Embraced by splendid turquoise water, the center of ancient Mayan civilization, Belize, attracts millions of tourists every year. When exploring the country's western part, visitors should not skip the historical town of San Ignacio. This small city is also known as Cayo and is the hub of the amazing Macal River, astonishing ancient monuments, and breathtaking sceneries. Here are the top 10 things to do when visiting San Ignacio, Belize. Related: Belize Vs. Costa Rica: Which One Should Get Your Attention First?

13 Visit The Xunantunich Ruins

Maiden of the Rock or Xunantunich is one of the most amazing and popular Maya ruins in Belize. Back then, this exceptional ancient inhabited town was considered one of the country's biggest city-states. Besides that, it is the terrain of the second tallest monument in Belize, The Castle or El Castillo temple. From its top, climbers will enjoy an incredible panoramic landscape of the Cayo district.

  • Entrance fee: BZD 14 ( USD 7) per visit or BZD 25 ( USD 12.5) per person for a guided tour.
  • Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

12 Explore The Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave

11 Nominated as one of the top 10 most sacred caves in the entire world, the astonishing and intriguing Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave is the focal point of travelers from all over the world. Seeing the fabulous antique cave where Mayas celebrated and offered human sacrifices is the aim of Belize tourists. The cave is full of awesome stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors will enjoy this unique San Ignacio experience.

  • Entrance fee: BZD 63 ( USD 31.5) per person.

10 Walk The Medicinal Jungle Trail

9 The superb Medicinal Jungle Trail entrance faces the mesmerizing Green Iguana Exhibit directly. The wonderful trail is easy, and it only takes hikers about 45 minutes to walk it. Along the way, tourists are likely to encounter a variety of cute animals like anteaters, iguanas, and an immense variety of beautiful twittering birds. A guide will convoy tourists and explain to them the medical uses of the healing flora.

8 Canoe The Barton Creek Cave

Chosen as one of the most unusual and beautiful caves in the world, the Barton Creek Cave is a must-visit site in San Ignacio. Travelers who want to explore this huge ancient cave must take a guided tour due to its holiness and inaccessibility. Typically, the guided trip includes a distinctive canoe ride within the magnificent structure, where tourists may examine the rare cave formations and have the opportunity to swim inside.

7 Visit The Local Market

Starving on fresh vegetables, fruits, and dairy products? Eager to discover Belize's traditional artwork and crafts? Looking for medicinal herbs? Visitors to San Ignacio have to head toward the town's market. It is a busy market that opens on a daily basis. However, Tuesdays and Saturdays are the most crowded days. Since the Cayo District consists of many distinct ethnic groups, including Creole and Maya, the market becomes a nest for activities as residents exchange not only beautiful products but gossip and news also.

6 Trip To The Green Hills Butterfly Ranch

5 A shout-out to the lepidopterist! Who doesn't like butterflies? While in splendid Belize, tourists interested in these insects have to go to Green Hills, where the largest and most amazing butterfly display is located. They will be enchanted by about 30 species of native Belizean butterflies, in addition to a huge collection of mesmerizing and colorful Passiflora, Orchids, and Heliconias flowers.

  • Entrance fee: BZD 40 or USD 20 per person
  • Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

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4 Experience Wildlife At The Green Iguana Exhibit

Interested in reptiles? Looking for interaction with iguanas? What about seeing them from egg to rearing? Travelers have to head to The San Ignacio Resort Hotel, where a conservation program about the Green Iguana takes place. The enlightening tour educates and creates awareness for locals and visitors about this attractive endangered creature. Moreover, people will enjoy fascinating fauna and flora neighboring the resort.

  • Entrance fee: BZD 23 or USD 11.5 per person
  • Tour availability: Daily at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM

3 Walk Along The Macal River

A magnificent river surrounded by colorful houses situated along the side of The Macal River awaits tourists in San Ignacio. It is a calming destination with amazing nature views. Sunrise and sunset are the best times for this stroll: the sun's light accentuates the amazing colors of the enchanting landscape! Hikers shall ensure to cross the beautiful and well-known Hawkesworth Bridge on their way back.

2 Explore The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

Different kinds of activities are available for The Mountian Pine Ridge Forest Reserve visitors. This is where they will discover unique Mayan ruins, contemplate fantastic waterfalls and antique caves, hike different splendid trails, swim in the Rio On Pools, admire the 46-meter (150-foot) Big Rock Falls, and explore the Caracol Ruins. Nature lovers will fall in love with this hypnotic forest. Guided tours are the perfect way to see Belize's wildlife.

1 Discover The Ancient Ruins Of Caracol

The stunning Caracol Pyramid is the tallest man-made monument in Belize. The gigantesque ruins terrain is bigger than any town in the country. In this charming land, discoverers found admirable and astonishing shells, and based on that fact, they called the area Caracol (or shells in Spanish). Travelers will enjoy a historical pyramid surrounded by spectacular sceneries. Next: Does Visiting Belize's Great Blue Hole Live Up To Expectations? What To Plan For