San Ignacio Cayo, Belize

view of part of San Ignacio Cayo

San Ignacio Cayo is a town in the west of the nation of Belize; it is capital of Belize's Cayo District.

San Ignacio Cayo is on the banks of the Macal River, a branch of the Belize River, about 72 miles (115 kilometres) west of Belize City and 22 miles (35 km) from Belmopan. The population is largely Maya Indian and Mestizo, with some Lebanese. San Ignacio also boasts a fairly large Chinese population, most of whom emigrated from Guangzhou in waves in the mid-20th century. As a result, the town is peppered with Chinese restaurants(there are at least four) and Chinese markets(at least five.)

In recent years San Ignacio has absorbed the formerly separate village of Santa Elena. Santa Elena stands on the other side of the river, which is spanned here by the Hawkesworth Suspension Bridge. According to the 2000 census, San Ignacio/Santa Elena had a population of 13,545 people.

The ancient Maya ruins of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech are nearby.

San Ignacio is not exactly a tourist spot like Belize City or Belmopan, but it has its share of inns and resorts, ranging in price from $15 USD to $200 USD nightly. For a functional, clean living space with no real "frills"(like air conditioning,) visit Martha's Guesthouse, a one-point-five-star hotel in the center of town, for about $35 a night. A more sumptuous existence can be found at the resorts between San Ignacio and Benque Viejo del Carmen such as the Lodge at Chaa Creek, a five-star resort which features fine dining and a very well-stocked bar. It, too, lacks air conditioning, something one must get used to in Belize, but its otherwise luxurious accomodations make it well worth its $200-some per night fee.

Speaking of fine dining, the eating establishments in San Ignacio vary just as much as the lodging. As noted above, there are many Chinese eateries, such as Maxim's, near the aforementioned Martha's Guesthouse. Standard Belizean fare, rice and beans, mostly, can be found at just about any intersection and from wandering vendors. Just look for signs labeled either Belikin Beer or Coca-Cola. In "downtown" San Ignacio, one finds more "touristy" restaurants, such as Eva's, which also offers tours and internet access. One is cautioned to avoid their food in general, however, as it is expensive and of low quality. Various other restaurants offer American, Mexican and even Indian food. Fast food is the name of the game at "On D'Way," a tiny little shack between San Ignacio and Benque which offers nachos, burritos and the like for, essentially, pocket change.

San Ignacio is not the place to go for the standard tourist, but for ecotourism and ruins-climbing, it is hard to beat. Daily excursions are made to such places as the ruins of Actun Tunichil Muknal and Xunantunich, and it's hard to miss the surrounding jungle- take a few steps out of town and there you are! However, it must be noted that mosquito repellant and sunscreen are almost as essential in the city and its surrounding jungles as durable clothes and sturdy shoes.