San Ignacio, capital of the Cayo district
San Ignacio is a town in the Cayo District of western Belize, set along the Macal River at the edge of forested hills. Its streets are lined with simple buildings, local shops, and small restaurants that serve both residents and travelers passing through.
The town was founded by Spanish settlers and named after Saint Ignatius of Loyola, which is where its name comes from. Over time, it grew into a trading hub for farmers and merchants from the surrounding inland areas of Belize.
San Ignacio is known for its Saturday market, where locals sell fresh produce, street food, and handmade goods in an open setting. The mix of Maya, Creole, and Mestizo sellers and shoppers reflects the everyday life of the Cayo District.
The town is easy to walk around and serves as a base for reaching nearby Maya ruins, caves, and river tours in the Cayo District. Starting out early in the morning helps to avoid the midday heat and makes the most of daylight hours.
The ancient Maya site of Cahal Pech sits on a hill just above the town and can be reached on foot from the center. Many visitors do not realize this is one of the oldest known Maya lowland settlements in Belize, with occupation going back roughly 3,000 years.
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