Town in Cayo District, Belize
San Ignacio
A small jungle-edge town and base for Maya ruins (Xunantunich, Caracol) and cave tours such as ATM. Walkable, cheaper than the coast and close to Guatemala's Tikal, though hot and rain-prone.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,500–2,250Comfortable, one person · BZ$3,000–4,500Details
- Value for money45/100Better value than 44% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–MayWarmest: Apr, 36°CDetails
- Internet53 MbpsFixed broadband, Belize medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is not for drinking; buy bottled or use purified jugs.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$30–75Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBus to Belize CityVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards are accepted at hotels and larger tour operators, often with a surcharge; cash for taxis, buses and market stalls.Details
Where to stay in San Ignacio
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Town Center (Burns Avenue) | Walkable base: restaurants, market and tour offices |
| Santa Elena (across the river) | Cheaper rooms, supermarkets and the main bus stop |
| Cristo Rey Road / Hawksworth | Quiet lodges and jungle stays outside town |
Apps that work in San Ignacio
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: There are no ride apps; use fixed-rate taxis, which gather around Burns Avenue. Colectivo vans link nearby towns cheaply.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Belize.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards are accepted at hotels and larger tour operators, often with a surcharge; cash for taxis, buses and market stalls.
- Currency: Dollar (BZD). US$1 ≈ BZ$2.00 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Belize Bank, Heritage and Atlantic Bank ATMs take foreign cards and dispense Belize dollars; few ATMs outside towns.
- Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants unless service is already added; tip tour and dive guides around 10–15%.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards work in larger resorts and shops; otherwise cash. Local e-wallets are for residents.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the digital immigration and customs form before flying into Belize City; paper forms are being phased out.
- Visitor stays are extended month by month at Immigration offices, BZ$200 per 30 days.
- Leaving by land or boat costs a BZ$40 (US$20) exit fee at the border; air departure taxes are in the ticket.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B, G · 110 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Digi or SMART SIMs from their stores and resellers in towns; bring your passport. Data costs more than elsewhere in Central America. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Belize
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.