San Ignacio attractions

El Pilar is an ancient Mayan city located at Belize’s border with Guatemala. It’s a Middle Preclassic and Late-Classic Mayan site, which is currently under excavation by the University of California. The site is believed to contain 20 or more plazas and hundreds of other structures spread out over more than 50 acres. Visitors will find several easily navigable trails here.

Running through the Chiquibul Rainforest, the Macal River is one of the most diverse ecological areas in Belize. Home to more than a dozen endangered species including the jaguar, tapir, scarlet macaw, and black howler monkey, the Macal River Valley is a must-see for any nature lover. Some sites along the river worth visiting include Cahal Pech, Belize Botanic Gardens, and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Located in the Cayo district of Belize, the Belize Botanic Gardens encompass 45 acres (18 hectares of native and exotic plants. Collections at the gardens change by season, but don't miss the Native Orchid House that includes over 100 species of Belizean orchids. The gardens are also a place of study and work on local plant conservation, as well as home to more than 50 varieties of tropical fruits.