How to Spend 3 Days in San Ignacio, Belize
Slow mornings, wild caves, market fruit, and Maya ruins—this is what a stay in inland Belize really looks like.
San Ignacio isn’t a place you pass through. It’s a place you settle into.
It’s where jungle meets small-town rhythm, where ancient ruins sit just past the corner store, and where you can spend the day exploring—or absolutely nowhere at all.
Whether you’re already staying with us here at Las Haciendas, or you’re just researching how to make the most of a few days inland, we’ve put together this simple 3-day guide to help you find the right balance of adventure and downtime.
We live and work here — and we’ve hosted lots of travellers over the years. Here’s what we know works best.
Start Your Morning in Town
San Ignacio wakes up slowly. And that’s the best way to start.
Head into the center early to catch the farmers market at its peak—think fresh fruit, coconut oil, tortillas, and homemade jams. It’s open daily, but busiest (and liveliest) on Saturdays.
After that, grab breakfast at Pop’s, Ko-Ox Han Nah, or a roadside juice stand. Most places open early and move fast. But you don’t have to.
Choose Your Adventure
This part of Belize is packed with options—and it’s easy to customize how far you go (and how dusty you get). A few staples:
Xunantunich
Just 20 minutes away, this Maya site is known for El Castillo, a climbable structure with panoramic views all the way to Guatemala. To get there, you’ll take a short drive and cross a hand-cranked ferry.
Cahal Pech
Smaller but closer. Ideal if you’re on a tighter schedule or prefer to explore without a guide. It’s quiet, shady, and rich in history.
ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal)
For experienced hikers and the seriously curious. You'll swim, scramble, and trek through a cave used by the ancient Maya for sacred ceremonies—including preserved skeletons and ceremonial artifacts. This tour is not for the faint of heart, but it's unforgettable.
Cave Tubing
A more laid-back way to see Belize’s underground river systems. Float through cool, echoing caverns surrounded by nature. We recommend Nohoch Che’en for a relaxing route.
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
A day trip full of waterfalls, natural pools, and cave systems. Popular stops include Big Rock Falls, Rio On Pools, and Rio Frio Cave.
Explore the Town, Not Just the Tours
Some of the best moments here come without a plan.
Take a walk down Burns Avenue, stop for a coffee or a craft beer, peek into small shops and roadside fruit stands. Find handmade hammocks, local spices, and simple plates of rice and beans that taste like home. This is where San Ignacio’s rhythm really shows.
Stay In. Recharge. Repeat.
After a full day out, there’s nothing better than coming back to your own space.
At Las Haciendas, that means no shared pools, no hallway noise, no interruptions. Just a villa to yourself—and a pool that’s already waiting.
If you're in the mood to keep things slow, stay in.
Book a private chef to cook local dishes in your kitchen. Get a massage without leaving the villa. Or do absolutely nothing at all.
A good stay in San Ignacio isn’t about being busy. It’s about having options.
Final Thought: You Don’t Have to Pick a Side
Some guests never leave the villa.
Some come back dusty from ruins.
Most do both.
Las Haciendas was built for both.
