Welcome to the Cayo District, the adventure capital of Belize! As a cherished guest at Lucky Dreamer Lodge, nestled in the charming Cristo Rey Village, you’re perfectly positioned to explore a breathtaking array of natural wonders, ancient Mayan sites, and thrilling activities.
From serene river adventures to exhilarating jungle expeditions, our location makes us the ideal base for all the incredible things to do in San Ignacio Belize. This is your ultimate guide to the most captivating adventures; all conveniently located for your enjoyment.
Be sure to click on the links provided for additional information & images of anything you’re interested in.
Choose your own Belize adventure.
Quick links to activities by category below.
Food, Cultural & Artisan Experiences
Animal Conservation & Wildlife Education
Caves & Underground Adventures
Nature Trails, National Parks & Forest Reserves
Maya Sites & Archaeology Things to do in San Ignacio Belize
Exploring the ancient Mayan world is one of the top things to do in San Ignacio Belize for history enthusiasts.
- Xunantunich. One of the most common of things to do in San Ignacio, Xunantunich is a spectacular archaeological site accessible by a hand-cranked ferry, featuring the impressive El Castillo pyramid with panoramic views.
- Caracol. Belize’s largest Maya city, nestled deep in the jungle. Explore its towering temples, including the majestic Caana temple.
- Cahal Pech. A Maya palace complex conveniently located near the town of San Ignacio, offering a glimpse into the lives of the ancient elite.
- El Pilar. An expansive jungle archaeological reserve on the Belize-Guatemala border, known for its unexcavated ruins and nature trails.
- Pacbitun. Intriguing Maya ruins near San Antonio Village, featuring well-preserved plazas and stelae.
Food, Cultural & Artisan Experiences
Immerse yourself in the local culture, a rewarding part of any list of things to do in San Ignacio Belize.
- Maya Sisters’ Tortilla Class – One of the most exclusive things to do in San Ignacio Belize! Guests of Lucky Dreamer Lodge, can step into the daily life of our Maya neighbors during a tortilla-making class. This hands-on experience isn’t just about food—it’s an immersive cultural exchange that connects you directly with Belize’s living traditions.
- Ajaw Chocolate. A family-owned business offering hands-on, traditional Maya chocolate-making demonstrations and farm tours.
- San Antonio Women’s Cooperative. A community initiative where Maya women share traditional crafts, including cooking & pottery. A true experience in sustainable tourism.
- Mayan Carving Workshops. Learn how to write your name in Maya Glyphs and the traditional art of slate carving. A hands-on cultural experience.
- Eden Valley Maya Kitchen. Hands-on cooking and chocolate-making classes where you learn to prepare traditional Maya dishes and chocolate from scratch.
- Upe Nai. Experience the rich culinary traditions of the Maya Yucatec people. Prepare dishes like tamales and stewed chicken over an open-fire hearth using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Ox Mul Coffee Farm Tour. A family-run farm tour where you can learn about the process of coffee farming and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of local coffee.
- San Ignacio Market. A vibrant hub of local activity every Tuesday and Saturday, perfect for browsing fresh produce, sampling local food, and finding unique crafts.
- Rum Tasting. Sip, Savor, and Discover the Spirit of Belize! Choose between Traveller’s Rum or Tiburon Rum Tasting options – or Both!
- Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce Tasting. Ignite Your Taste Buds and Sweeten Your Day with the Flavors of Belize with this San Ignacio Tasting Tour!
- Walter Castillo Art Studio. A visit to the Walter Castillo Art Studio is a great chance to see the work of one of Belize’s most acclaimed artists.
- Reyna’s Art Gallery & Café. Their goal as an Art Gallery is to elevate the cultural level of everyone, both artists and viewers.
Animal Conservation & Wildlife Education Things to do in San Ignacio Belize
These wildlife-focused activities are fantastic things to do in San Ignacio Belize for nature lovers and families.
- Birding Tour. Explore the diverse ecosystems of the Cayo District with a local expert guide to spot resident and migratory bird species, including toucans, trogons, and motmots. There are so many opportunities for bird watching – this is one of the things to do in San Ignacio Belize over and over again, and it’s never the same!
- Green Iguana Conservation Project. A conservation project dedicated to protecting and educating the public about the endangered green iguana.
- Belize Raptor Center. A rehabilitation and education center for birds of prey, where you can see majestic owls, hawks, and falcons up close.
- RanchCraft Eco Park. Offers a fantastic experience for visitors and provides an informative tour with a wide variety of animals to see and learn about, including the opportunity to feed ostriches.
- Green Hills Butterfly Ranch. A beautiful butterfly farm where you can learn about the life cycle of various species and see hundreds of butterflies in a natural setting.
- Belize Botanic Gardens. One of the best things to do in San Ignacio Belize is to visit the Belize Botanic Garden is a 45-acre botanical garden in the Cayo District of western Belize, nestled in a valley along the banks of the Macal River, surrounded by the foothills of the Maya Mountains.
- Las Cuevas Research Station. Nestled within Belize’s Maya Mountains and in the heart of the Chiquibul forest LCRS promotes biological, botanical, wildlife, climatic, and archaeological research and education.
Museums
For a deeper look into the region’s history and biodiversity, these museums are excellent things to do in San Ignacio Belize.
- Belize Natural History Archive & Museum. Visiting this museum is one of the more unique things to do in San Ignacio Belize. They have exhibits on Belize’s rich biodiversity and environmental history, located in Santa Elena.
- Benque House of Culture. Explore the historical journey of Belize’s Mestizo community on your visit to the Benque House of Culture in Benque Viejo Del Carmen.
- Belize Archaeology Museum. A collection of Maya artifacts and a research center dedicated to the archaeology of Belize.
Caves & Underground Adventures
Exploring the underworld of Belize is one of the most adventurous things to do in San Ignacio Belize.
- Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave). A sacred Maya ceremonial cave where you hike, wade, and swim to see ancient artifacts and the famous “Crystal Maiden.” This is our number one recommendation of things to do in San Ignacio Belize.
- Barton Creek Cave. Canoe through this massive ceremonial cave with a guide, viewing impressive formations and learning about Maya rituals.
- Crystal Cave. A challenging but rewarding adventure involving hiking and rappelling into a stunning cave filled with crystal formations.
- Rio Frio Cave. A large, easily accessible cave with a walking trail running through its impressive archway and cathedral-like chamber.
- Che Chem Ha Cave. A significant Maya ceremonial cave, known for its extensive collection of ancient pottery and artifacts.
- Cave Tubing. Float on an inner tube through a network of ancient Maya caves, a mystical and exhilarating experience.
Waterfalls, Rivers & Swimming
The Cayo District is home to some of Belize’s most beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes, all fantastic things to do in San Ignacio Belize.
- The Showers. A beloved local spot in Cristo Rey Village, featuring a small waterfall and a natural swimming hole. A perfect place to relax and cool off; one of the more off-the-beaten path things to do in San Ignacio Belize.
- Big Rock Falls. A popular and picturesque waterfall with a deep, natural pool for swimming, located in the Mountain Pine Ridge.
- Rio On Pools. A series of cascades and natural pools carved into granite, offering a perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming.
- Five Sisters Falls. A stunning series of waterfalls and pools ideal for hiking and swimming, located within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.
- Butterfly Falls. A beautiful, secluded waterfall located on private property, offering a serene and exclusive experience with a paid access pass.
- Thousand Foot Falls. The viewpoint for the highest waterfall in Central America, plunging into the lush forest below.
- St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park. Home to an inland blue hole cenote, perfect for a refreshing swim, and the impressive St. Herman’s Cave.
- Pinol Sands. A small waterfall on Pinol Creek that creates a shallow, sandy-bottomed pool, making it a favorite for children. The name “Pinol Sands” refers to the sandy beach area around the pool.
- Santa Maria Pool. A tranquil natural pool in the Douglas Da Silva area, surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for swimming, picnics, and relaxation.
- Vaca Lake. Located in the upper part of the Macal River Valley, Vaca Lake is a large body of pristine water surrounded by verdant jungle and waterfalls.
Nature Trails, National Parks & Forest Reserves
For those who want to immerse themselves in nature, these are some of the top things to do in San Ignacio Belize.
- Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. A vast protected area filled with trails, spectacular waterfalls, and impressive caves.
- Night Hikes. In addition to the link provided many resorts offer Night Hikes, even if you aren’t staying with them.
- Elijio Panti National Park. A community-run park with guided hikes and medicinal trails, preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the Maya. Night hikes are also available for a chance to see nocturnal jungle life.
- Guanacaste National Park. A small but accessible park at the confluence of the Belize and Mopan Rivers, known for excellent birdwatching and nature trails.
- Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area. A massive, protected forest reserve, managed for conservation and research, with limited public access.
- Five Blues Lake National Park. A stunning park centered around a beautiful lake with five shades of blue, offering opportunities for hiking, swimming, and birdwatching.
- Victoria Peak. A famous and challenging multi-day guided hike to the summit of one of Belize’s highest points, offering stunning panoramic views for experienced hikers. While technically not in Cayo, you can only hike to it from the Cayo District.
- Chiquibul National Park. Discover the vast wonders of Chiquibul National Park, Belize’s most extensive national park, spanning 414 square miles.
Outdoor Adventure Things to do in San Ignacio Belize
Get your adrenaline pumping with these extra-exciting things to do in San Ignacio Belize.
- Ziplining. Soar through the rainforest canopy on exhilarating ziplines, a thrilling way to experience the jungle.
- ATV Jungle Tour. Explore the jungle on guided off-road adventures, with tours starting right in Cristo Rey Village.
- Horseback Riding. Guided tours through jungle paths and across rivers offer a unique perspective of the landscape.
- Canoeing & River Tubing. Enjoy a peaceful paddle on the Macal River or float leisurely down the Mopan River on an inner tube.
For an unforgettable stay in the heart of the adventure, choose Lucky Dreamer Lodge in Cristo Rey Village. Our convenient location puts all these amazing things to do in San Ignacio Belize within easy reach. We look forward to welcoming you to the Cayo District!
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