Top 5 San Ignacio Outdoor Adventures: An Expert’s Review

San Ignacio, Belize, that pretty awesome hub for adventure seekers, presents a super cool buffet of outdoor experiences. We’re talking lush rainforests, ancient Maya sites, plus crystal-clear rivers that are totally asking to be explored. I have wandered around San Ignacio, soaked in all the vibes and I put together a list of five killer outdoor activities that promise to make memories which are unforgettable. You may want to pack your bag, prepare for this ultimate Belizean adventure.

1. ATM Cave Exploration (Actun Tunichil Muknal)

Okay, folks, this one right here is genuinely one for the books! ATM, which is short for Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, just is not some ordinary cave, you know. Its literally a portal into a lost Maya world, filled with mysteries. First off, that starts with swimming into the cave mouth, isn’t that nuts? Like some kind of movie? You go inside with trained guides. And by trained, that usually means very experienced. Because they have been there, done that, time and time again. They also give loads of information that will really make you think, in fact. As you push deeper into the cave you’ll wade through cool waters and trek, yes, trek through large chambers. Get this: you’re literally following ancient Maya footsteps. Look closely, so closely, as you go, though.

This cave actually holds a ton of Maya artifacts. They even include intact skeletons. Now, the most famous would probably have to be “The Crystal Maiden,” it really is what they call it, anyway. Her skeleton glistens. It has a sparkling look because it has become covered with calcified crystals after so very long. I tell you what. Exploring ATM is not something that you just do, you know? It truly is like stepping directly into a movie set! ATM could just be that place that ends up being the absolute best memory that you share from Belize! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (ATM Cave Tours)

Read our full review: Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Full Review and Details

2. Caracol Maya Site and Mountain Pine Ridge

Want to dial it up a bit? This is an idea: Combine culture along with scenery in equal amounts. Just head towards Caracol. Caracol is that huge Maya site that is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Now, you are just not going to believe these views: Caracol, it was once larger when compared with Belize City, believe it or not, this makes it that mega important historical location that you should see in person! Roam this sprawling complex and stand way, way, way up high atop “Caana” (Sky Palace). This is Caracol’s biggest pyramid, that gives you the incredible 360 views of this amazing jungle all around. I found it hard to leave after the views; they really were breathtaking.

Next up? Just take that side trip to Mountain Pine Ridge. Its terrain will remind you of some other location, probably because its pine forests, pretty cool waterfalls, not to mention its refreshing swimming holes make for this awesome change of scenery that can recharge batteries and boost moods as a result! Pools, like Rio On, and waterfalls, such as Big Rock Falls, present chances where you could take that swim in nature or just relax under the cool, swaying pines. Experiencing Caracol plus the Mountain Pine Ridge provides a one-two punch mixing ancient wonder that really packs a punch and also loads of the planet’s beautiful greenery. Really worthwhile! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Caracol Tour)

Read our full review: Caracol Maya Site and Mountain Pine Ridge Full Review and Details

3. Cave Tubing at Barton Creek

Okay so now what about getting your relaxation on with that little bit of adventure mixed right in? Picture yourself right here for just a moment: Floating super slowly and leisurely on that tube, going directly through underground caves while everything all around you is breathtaking! Cave tubing that is offered at Barton Creek just delivers a relaxing yet thrilling experience unlike others you may have been through. Because after you gently float on that inner tube you find yourself drifting right into a super large cave system. How cool is that?

I sure loved seeing all the cool stalactites plus stalagmites, that looked super stunning. What I thought too, was really cool, was seeing bats flitting way, way above while the guide pointed out some geologic things or details regarding cave history! Its relaxing to allow those very mild currents simply guide you while you sit back. Oh, that darkness that engulfs everything seems surreal. You need to remember to make sure that your eyes keep adjusting to those mysterious surroundings there as well! It’s probably something fun which most people will enjoy, you know, because it blends these aspects of nature along with calm exploration together into a tidy bundle. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Barton Creek Cave Tubing)

Read our full review: Cave Tubing at Barton Creek Full Review and Details

4. Horseback Riding to Xunantunich

Are you trying to locate some cool means with which to experience culture along with a dash or dab of old world-charm thrown right into your San Ignacio trip? Why not just go for horseback riding for getting yourselves to Xunantunich? That combination really is a fun and fabulous blend of adventure plus Maya history for you to think about! That guided horseback journey tends to meander, it winds slowly through some pretty stunning jungle trails up to, that’s right, Xunantunich. While you take this little ride that’s relaxing on your trusty horse you’ll simply get some views along the way that, if honest, would knock socks off.

Arriving at Xunantunich itself? Just make sure you drink it all in! Feel the history around you in its beautiful setting that sets it totally apart from others. “El Castillo,” which is the main pyramid there, will have you stand in awe as its size is very impressive as well as the carvings are amazing as heck. Going there on the horseback ride gives that unique element involving some physical stuff that gives you those bragging rights back at your place. Also its super unforgettable that will most assuredly enhance whatever explorations you happen to get involved in that involve ancient Mayan ruins around Belize. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Xunantunich Horseback Ride)

Read our full review: Horseback Riding to Xunantunich Full Review and Details

5. San Ignacio Farmers Market Exploration

Looking to try and sample any flavor that goes along with daily San Ignacio lifestyles? How about hitting up the local farmers’ market which does offer up some kind of sensory extravaganza right there at that point. Markets tend to come alive on Saturdays, if honest, as all those vendors get going that happen to showcase stuff like fresh produce along with regional snacks as well as hand made crafts all ready just begging so people get to explore their roots when going shopping.

When roaming right through each one amongst all those colorful booths I always sample local fruits that may have names or faces with which aren’t so familiar at any moment. You ought to definitely also engage a bit so as to mingle. Have chats along those vendors; perhaps someone discovers unique info right involving Belizean recipes to their histories involving particular items they tend displaying all about. I mean that kind of engagement really does help establish any understanding far richer than that regular trip on someone’s itinerary while it helps travelers bond at certain individual type amounts together in society where it happens existing every day that others live with around these marketplaces worldwide now if honesty may prove okay later throughout trip perhaps. It really truly is something. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (San Ignacio Farmers Market)

Read our full review: San Ignacio Farmers Market Exploration Full Review and Details