BELIZE: Visit San Ignacio Explore Stunning Views, Ruins,Caves And Rivers

San Ignacio is a small town in the Cayo region of Belize. San Ignacio, or Cayo as it is often called locally, is on the Macal river, and makes a good and affordable base for exploration of the stunning regions around it, with plenty of day trips to be taken and several decent tour guides willing to take you.

It's also an important transit town en route to or from Guatemala. Cayo is known for having a multitude of ruins, caves, and rivers, all of which can be explored by travellers.

San Ignacio and Santa Elena are towns in western Belize. San Ignacio serves as the cultural-economic hub of Cayo District. It got its start from mahogany and chicle production during British colonialism.

Over time it attracted people from the surrounding areas, which led to the diverse population of the town today. San Ignacio is the largest settlement in Cayo District and the second largest in the country, after Belize City.

San Ignacio is situated on the banks of the Macal River, about 63 miles (101 km) west of Belize City and 22 miles (35 km) west of the country's capital: Belmopan. The town has an area of approximately 2.5 square miles (6.5 km2).

The population is largely Mestizo and Kriol, with some Lebanese and Mopan. San Ignacio also boasts a fairly large Chinese population, most of whom emigrated from Guangzhou in waves in the mid-20th century.

The Mennonite community of Spanish Lookout is situated a few miles outside San Ignacio. The 2010 census counted 17,878 inhabitants in San Ignacio and Santa Elena, of whom 8,751 are males and 9,127 are females. The total number of households is 4,351 and the average household size is 4.1.

In recent years San Ignacio has absorbed the formerly separate village of Santa Elena. San Ignacio and its sister town Santa Elena make up Belize's second largest urban area. The two towns are connected by Belize's only suspension bridge, the one lane Hawkesworth Bridge across the Macal river, built in 1949.

The two are collectively referred to as the Twin Towns although San Ignacio has a larger population. As of 2010, Santa Elena has a population of 7,389 compared with San Ignacio's population of 10,489.

Hardly a beach town, San Ignacio is more of a jungle, inland town that is a relatively short drive away from the beautiful beaches of Belize. The town is renowned for its close proximity to Belize's famous Mayan ruins, as well as a hub for outdoor activities including caving, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and more.

It is also one of the last towns in Belize before entering Guatemala, where many visitors go to visit the Tikal Mayan ruins. Stay in San Ignacio for many nights, or make it a day trip from the beach or en route to Tikal either way, the special quality of San Ignacio will leave you enchanted.

San Ignacio is accessible by airplane - Tropic Air, bus, or car. Popular transportation hubs include Belize City, San Pedro, and Guatemala. It is recommended that you arrange transportation in to San Ignacio in advance for the best price and most reliability.

Depending on where you are staying, many accommodations and tours will include transportation to San Ignacio, so be sure to ask your host.

San Ignacio is easily reachable by car. The Western Highway is the best road in the country and is fully paved and free of pot-holes. There are several gas stations along the route so you have no worries there.

Once you reach the sister city of San Ignacio, Santa Elena be aware that there are two bridges and each is a one way bridge. You will need to make a right turn, if you are heading west, and run downhill to cross the bridge into San Ignacio.

Locals apparently know tourists will miss this turn and are quite aware to signal you that you have made a mistake if you try and go the wrong way.

To leave San Ignacio, cross the Hawksworth Bridge which is the only suspension bridge in Belize. This is also a one-way bridge to leave town, unless the low lying bridge is closed.

Second class buses with no air conditioning or enclosed separate storage for suitcases run frequently from Belize City; the trip is usually less then 2.5h, in spite of numerous stops. There are some express buses if you can get a hand on the schedule.

All buses run through Belmopan so you can transfer to Dangriga on the coast in about 3h. In the other direction, buses run to Benque at the Guatemalan border quite close by, with connections to Flores and Tikal.

If you are coming from Flores in Guatemala, take a tuk-tuk to the Nueva bus station in Santa Elena. Collectivo mini-vans depart to the border each hour, on the hour; fare: GTQ30. The walk across the border is short so ignore the taxi drivers offering to take you.

Officially there is no exit fee from Guatemala however there have been reports of a Q20 charge on this border. If this happens, ask to see the legislation in writing or ask for a receipt.

Taxis run from the border to San Ignacio for USD15/BZD30, or to the local bus station for USD7.50/BZD15 where you can easily hop on any eastbound bus to San Ignacio (BZD1.50).

Shuttles can pick you up at the airport, or most any other spot, and transfer you much quicker and with much more ease since they are door to door:

Godoy Transfers offers daily Belize transportation and shuttle service around the country of Belize and to surrounding areas. All transportation is private.

Teddy Bear Shuttle San Ignacio Teddy Bear shuttle and taxi service is safe and reliable, you can find him just behind the Belize Bank in the center of San Ignacio Town.

Belize Private Shuttle Service Offers private shuttle transfers from San Ignacio, Belize western border to Flores or Tikal in Peten, Guatemala. The company even have the ability to transfer you to just about any where from San Ignacio Town.

BZ Belize Shuttle has an outstanding record of transporting you to and from your destination on-time. Your Belize Shuttle Driver is Denfield Gomez, known locally as Denny, maintain an impeccable driving recorder when it comes to shuttling you to or from your destination.

San Ignacio Shuttle Service Operated by Sergio Paiz, runs to all major shuttle destination in Belize, Located on Burns Ave, San Ignacio Town.

Valdez Shuttle Belize delivers spectacular shared/private shuttle and taxi service to San Ignacio from any other destination within Belize. The company most popular route is Belize International Airport to San Ignacio town and hotels near the town.

The roads in town are quite walkable, and traffic is light. Most tourist necessities such as accommodation, restaurants, and markets are a few minutes' walk from downtown. To reach the Mayan ruins and travel outside of San Ignacio, you can join a tour group, ride a bus, or drive a car.

Buses run frequently from San Ignacio and are cheap, yet not the quickest. Many locals catch the buses, so it is a perfect way to get an authentic Belizean experience.

To get around by car, you have two options: rent a car and drive yourself around, or hire a cab driver. Both are decently priced and offer more flexibility in terms of transportation.

Flames Auto Rental has the best reputation, and the best prices. Matus Car Rental is also an option.

San Ignacio is home to a number of tourist attractions, all of which can be reached and toured either by ones' self or by tour company.

Actun Tunichil Muknal usually abbreviated to ATM is a Mayan sacrificial burial site near San Ignacio. The site is contained entirely within a cave system, and access to the relics is gained via some 500 metres of climbing over rocks, wading and swimming through water that is at times over 1.5 metres deep.

The cave was a sacred site for the Mayans and it contains many examples of pottery, ceramics and stoneware, as well as several sets of human sacrificial remains, one of which is known as the Crystal Maiden has been almost entirely covered in limestone crystals by the water in the cave.

The site is about 45 minutes drive from San Ignacio, and, due to the caving aspect, it may only be visited when accompanied by an official guide who will provide appropriate safety equipment. Most tour companies in San Ignacio are able to offer officially guided tours.

Jungle Pontoon Waterfall Adventure begins as you undertake an hour drive away from San Ignacio town, off the beaten path and deep into the Vaca plateau forest reserve.

Board the Jungle Pontoon and let her be your guide as you are given the rare opportunity to become part of mother-natures environment without hurting her or the wildlife that makes this beautiful lush forest their home.

Three beautiful Waterfalls in Belize, each one different and more unique. In the past, many have enjoyed showering under the majestic waterfalls and in the crystal pools of mystery shortly after a delicious picnic at the water's edge.

Barton Creek Cave Barton Creek Outpost: Take the road in Georgeville to Mountain Pine Ridge, drive 20-30 minutes and turn at the large brown sign on the left to Barton Creek Archaeological Reserve. Its about 4 miles from there.

Barton Creek offers free camping if you have gear or rent gear for only USD10 a night. Lonely Planet called the Outpost one of the top 5 highlights of Belize.

Cahal Pech is one of the main Mayan attractions in the town. The name means literally "Place of the ticks" and Cahal Pech is a smallish set of Mayan ruins that were abandoned around 800-900 AD. There is an indoor museum displaying artifacts, a site plan, and putting the ruins in a regional context.

The site is open 7 days a week during daylight hours. Admission is USD2.50 but may change. There are, allegedly, guided tours but these are most unneeded as the site is easy to traverse.

The entire site should take 1-2 hours at most for a thorough exploration. Once at the ruins the site is fairly flat, but Cahal Pech is at the top of the hill overlooking San Ignacio. The walk up hill to it from the main town is quite exhausting and is difficult even from the San Ignacio Resort Hotel on the hill. If you have any disability or are in poor physical condition you will want to drive.

Caracol Biggest ruin in Belize, yet mostly unexcavated, so you really feel like you are in a national park on a ruin. Ca'ana, place of the sky, is one of the biggest and most massive temples in the Mayan world. Definitely a must see ruin, and it comes with stops at Rio On Pools and Rio Frio Cave too.

Xunantunich (Maya Ruins) Admission: BZD10. Wear good shoes, bring water and plan to spend about 3-4 hours. There is a free water taxi in Succutz over the Mopan River from there you can easily walk the 45 minutes to the site. Get here by walking, driving, or horseback.

Iguana Conservation Project and the interpretive Medicinal Jungle Trail at the San Ignacio Hotel. Ranked as one of the best family excursions in San Ignacio. Iguana Hatchery

Tropical Wings Nature Center Located On The Outskirts of San Jose Succotz, 10 Minute bus ride from San Ignacio going towards Benque. Butterfly Farm & Small Educational Museum, 9 Hole Disc Golf Course the First in Belize & Central America, Restaurant Located On Site As Well.

Actions and Activities to try:

- Mayan sacrifice at Actun Tunichil Muknal

- Go for a horseback ride

- Rent bicycles

- Hike the jungles

- Kayak, canoe, or swim in the river

- Native birdwatching and insect study

- Visit the Saturday Farmer's Market in downtown San Ignacio

- Explore returning on a long term stay as a volunteer with Medical Electives Belize

There are many tour companies in San Ignacio. Many of these conduct day trips, leaving early in the morning and returning the same afternoon. Note that not all tours are available on any given day. Most tour companies require a certain minimum number of registrations before they run.

Checking in the night before for which tours are available the next day is often the best option. For a quick list, check out the Best of Cayo tour page.

Most hotels in San Ignacio will also book tours for you, with their preferred tour company. You can also book directly with the tour operators.

The more popular tours, such as Tikal, ATM Cave, and Xunantunich, run daily, so you may only need to provide a day's notice. However, it is best to contact and reserve your dates in advance to ensure you have a spot.

Belize Caving Expeditions: Tour Operator specializing in spelunking tours. They also offer a list of popular tours in Belize, including zipline, maya ruins, mountain biking, hiking, and other popular activities.

Pacz Tours - Adventures in Belize is one of the best tours to visit a wide variety of interesting caves, ruins, rivers, and jungle trails.

Sergio Paiz - Explore Inland Tours specialize in Cave Exploration, Mayan archaeological Site visits and history, Zip-lining, spectacular scenery and sinkholes and many more. Explore Inland Tours such as Destiny Tours believe there is no better way to see Belize than on a small group tour that allows for better interaction with each guest to experience.

Lions Adventure Tours - San Ignacio Belize Tours known for awesome scarlet macaw tour, he is a brilliant guide for Tikal.

K'in Winik Jungle Tours - K'in Winik is known for providing amazing tours and overnight jungle camping throughout Mountain Pine Ridge, including Caracol.

Carlos the Caveman Tours - caveman Tours is well known for providing a mind-blowing experience of the ATM Cave.

KaWiil Tours - Belize Adventure Tours One of their many reviews points out their ATM Cave experience.

Jungle Splash Eco-Tours - Jungle Pontoon Waterfall Adventure Signature tours: Belize Waterfalls Adventure and the Forgotten City Equestrian Expedition. Other Tours offered are Cave Tubing, Che Chem Ha Cave, Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, Caracol Mayan Temples and Barton Creek.

A lifetime experience off the beaten path and secretly tucked away in the Majestic Mayan mountains awaits.

Hanna Stables Horseback Riding Tours - Hanna Stables offers horseback riding, adventure tourism and eco-farm stay for travelers of all ages and abilities in the San Ignacio, Belize area. One of the country's oldest horseback riding establishments, Hanna Stables has been family-owned for generations and is currently operated by Santiago Juan.

Horseback riding tours are available for riders of all experience levels, and popular destinations include the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, unexcavated Mayan ruins of Actun Kan, and the surrounding San Lorenzo Farm. Located not far from Hanna Stables is Nabitunich (The Stone Cottages) which has 20 rooms available for accommodations for travelers.

All-inclusive vacation packages are available. The stables and farm are only an hour and half ride away from Belize City, and a 10-minute drive away from the Guatemala border.

Edwin's Belize Adventure Tours - Edwin Gonzalez offers private tours of the most popular attractions in the region. As a Belize native and with a background in studying tourism, Edwin immerses tourists in the history of the Maya culture and Belize.

Some attractions he offers include ATM, Mayan Ruins, Cave Tubing, Belize Zoo, Cave Canoeing, Mt. Pine Ridge, and much more. Prices vary by group and tour.

BAT - Belize Archaeological Sites Tour Danny and his family run Tour Company has selected just a handful of Archaeological Sites as their tour option, making them a master in guiding these site.

Belizeing Adventures - Belizeing Adventure & Nature Travel specializes in Birding in Belize, Archaeological sites, Cultural Tours, Cave Tubing, and Nature & Wildlife. Belizeing adventure owned and operated by Mr. Fidelio Montes Jr. Who's been in the Tourism industry for over 15 years as a tour guide, now operating his own tour company.

IAN Tours - Indulge in Amazing Nature Tours, better known as IAN Belize Tours, specializes in San Ignacio's best caving adventure, the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave tour. However, the tour operator also overture other tours in San Ignacio such as the Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and Caracol archaeological sites.

Furthermore, when it comes to caving tours in San Ignacio IAN Belize Tours delivers adventurous cave tours to Nohoch Che'en Cave (Cave Tubing) and Barton Creek Cave. Owner Ian Burns and company have been guiding these Nature Reserves for over 15 years.

Go To Tikal - Visiting Tikal from San Ignacio is what tour operator Go To Tikal specializes themselves in. Getting from anywhere in Belize to Tikal got much easier with this company dedicated service to visit tikal from Belize.

Buying Souvenirs:

- Mayan Slate Art: Carved by Mayan artists at the foothills of the Mayan ruins, this unique slate art can be found at local markets, near the Xunantunich ferry.

- Belize Gifts: Located in the JNC mall. They have a huge selection of great gifts and souvenirs.

- Back to My Roots: Located on Burns Avenue across from the JNC mall.

- Indita Maya: Located in the Venus Hotel bottom floor.

- Tropicool Gift Shop: Located on Burns Avenue next to Pacz Tours. Tropicool giftshop

San Ignacio is one of the more tourist-friendly towns in Belize, with a variety of restaurants keeping longer hours than in many other towns. There are a wide variety of restaurants, and many have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

The Guava Limb Cafe: The Guava Limb Cafe is San Ignacio's most recent addition to the Restaurant & Cafe chain. Offering a fresh, colonial yet modern option for dining.

Ko Ox Han-Nah: From the lamb quesodillas to the lamb curry to the omlettes, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are all covered here. They raise almost all of their own animals at their farm. Located at 5 Burns avenue, one block from downtown.

Hodes Place: Great for kids of all ages. Everything under the sun can be found here. Video games, air hockey, pool tables, playground in a small orchard, jukebox, and a small casino too. Try the burritos, they are big and cheap. Located next to Macaw park, one block from the market.

South Indian Restaurant: Try their ginger lime juice, it'll have you wanting a pitcher of it. This little hidden treasure is well worth seeking out for very tasty dishes including fish or chicken curries and several vegetarian options, their simosas are what they are known for, and must be tried. Located in the Plaza Del Rio mall, which is a 5 minute walk from downtown.

Mr Greedy's Pizzeria: Best pizza in town, and a great burger too. Greedy's has been completely redesigned; they've added a great bar, giving the place a much more open look and feel.

They have an excellent menu, with plenty of great appetizers try the onion rings; they are the best in the country. They offer free highspeed wi-fi for customers, Located on Burns Ave.

Maxim's: Maxim's Chinese Restaurant, one of the best chinese restaurants in San Ignacio, located about 2 blocks from downtown on Bullet Tree road, Menu including: Delicious Fried Chicken ranging from BZD5 and above, fried rice, chao-mein, chop-suey, kun-pao, and etc.

Vivian's: Vivian's Coffee and Ice Cream shop is great. Their coffee smoothies are always great to cool one off. Good ice cream too. All the local students go there, which is a good sign. Located on Joseph Andrews Drive, 3 blocks from downtown, next to Sacred Heart College, and across the street from Mom's Place.

Mincho's: Mincho's is the fast food place of San Ignacio. They are only open for breakfast and lunch. They have all the Belizean fast food: tacos, burritos, salbutes, panades, and garnaches. They have the best fresh juice in San Ignacio, and it's only BZD1 per glass. Located on Burns Ave, downtown.

Club Rehab: Great club to start off at or end up at since they are usually open from 4PM until after 2AM. They usually play great music, and you can request songs most of the time too. Great happy hour from 4 to 7 when they offer half priced drinks. Thirsty Thursdays at Rehab is happy hour all day. They are located across the street from the casino.

Mr. Greedy's Pizzeria and Bar: Greedy's has been completely redesigned; they've added a great bar, giving the place a much more open look and feel. Their happy hour runs from 3 to 6. They have an excellent menu, with plenty of great appetizers - try the onion rings; they are the best in the country. They offer free highspeed wi-fi for customers, Located on Burns Ave.

Remo's Roadhouse: Many of the ex-pats start at Remo's because of the great conversation and stories provided by the owner - he can tell you stories that even locals don't know. The Roadhouse Grill is top notch too: try the hot dogs or buffalo wings there while watching a game! Located in Bullet Tree Falls, just 3 miles from downtown - the first building on the right as you enter Bullet Tree Falls.

Since San Ignacio is the biggest town close to Guatemala, from where many tourists enter and exit Belize, the city has quite a lot of accommodation relative to its size and attractions. Travellers are sure to find a wide range of hotels, lodges, and resorts.

Bella's Backpacker's Hostel is a great budget-friendly place located only two minutes from downtown. A funky multi-levelled edifice with a tree growing right through it, Bella's features a roof-top terrace and a hammock-room tree house overlooking the town and picturesque surrounding jungle.

With plenty of couches, comfy chairs and hammocks to relax in, Bella's is the right choice for people who want a place to chill; whilst with a homey feel and knowledgable staff, it offers plenty of opportunity to meet new people and an engaging social scene.

Great French press coffee and laundry service for BZD15. Dorms are BZD25 or BZD30 for semi-private, while private rooms are BZD65 for walk-ins.

Hi Et: Many backpackers will stay here. Located a block from downtown, it has many rooms upstairs. BZD30 for private room with shared bath or BZD50 for a private with bathroom. Offers Wi-Fi with the accommodation.

J&R Guesthouse is a couple of blocks away from the city centre and a small place with four rooms. Single with shared bath ran BZD20. Also have doubles and room with private bath. Owners are friendly and will help getting to numerous destinations.

Old House Hostel is a quaint little hostel that's conveniently located a block from downtown, right above the Soul Project. Davina and her crew take good care of their guests.

The Trek Stop: Mile 71 1/2 Western Highway, right on the outskirts of San Jose Succotz next to the highway but with its approximately 22 acres of land, you won't feel so close to civilization. This is for people looking for adventure and also budget travellers, spots for camping as well.

Shared and Private Cabins available, Composting Toilets. Restaurant on site, Disc Golf course, butterfly farm, trails to walk. Lots of birds and different wildlife on site.

Nabitunich Organic Farm Cottages: is a cozy base of private accommodations suited for single, family, and group travelers seeking an affordable organic farm stay in San Ignacio, Belize.

Each room is private and can sleep up to 4 adults. Run by a local Belizean family, they offer a wide variety of outdoor pursuits to visitors and family alike. Stay for a night, or elect for a multi-day all-inclusive vacation package. USD60 per room.

Tropicool Hotel: is located at 30 Burns avenue; they are just one block from downtown. They have nice little cabins encapsulated on their property.

Nefry's Retreat Homestays offer guests a unique opportunity to spend their vacation in an authentic Belizean retreat. Mix and mingle with the family, relax privately in your own secluded oasis, or explore Belize on an adventure tour.

The retreat is located just a few blocks away from downtown and the rooms here are among the largest. They offer hot water, electricity, private bathrooms, spacious bedrooms, and free on-site Wi-Fi. USD60 per room.

Tia Maria Guesthouse is located at 38 West Street, a few minutes' walk from downtown. As a family owned and operated hotel, they offer 7 private rooms. Each comes with its own bathroom, wifi, cable tv, and access to a communal kitchen for approximately USD50 per night.

Marthas Boutique Guesthouse is 100% Belizean owned, boasting 16 charming and tranquil rooms, decorated by Ms. Martha. The Guesthouse offers a true Belizean feel, and is located in the heart of San Ignacio Town.

Mahogany Hall Luxury Boutique Resort is a small luxury boutique resort is a unique 20 room colonial style mansion featuring romance, elegance and spacious comfort only a stone’s throw from the pristine jade water and nestled on the fertile banks of the Mopan River, Jewel of the Jungle.

Cahal Pech Cahal Pech Village Resort is on the most predominant Mayan hillside in San Ignacio, and next to the Cahal Pech ruins. This resort offers a offers guests an amazing view of San Ignacio and surrounding local sites. The hotel has three pools and a jacuzzi, when it is working.
Great for families. USD90.

San Ignacio Resort Hotel A lovely place on beautiful grounds, impeccably clean rooms with air-conditioning, a pool, and very helpful staff. Cute little extras like fresh sprigs of herbs on bathroom towels. Quite pricey by Belizean standards, at USD114 for two queen beds.

The occasional wall of cinder block or slightly frayed rug shows this hotel is not quite up to the standards the price would imply, but they're close. Worth it if you want the creature comforts.

San Lorenzo Farm at Nabitunich: San Lorenzo Farm is part of Hanna Stables, one of the oldest horseback riding establishments in Belize. Spanning over 400 acres, San Lorenzo is a working farm with cattle and organic produce grown on the grounds.

Guests are welcome to sleep in any of the 10 private guesthouses located in Nabitunich, and horseback riding tours to nearby Mayan ruins and surrounding areas are offered by the nearby Hanna Stables. Prices for rooms are a flat BZD45 per room, and vacation packages are available.

Parrot Nest Lodge: Parrot Nest is a truly unique experience. Each guest has individual cabins. The lodge is surrounded on three sides by the Mopan River since it's on a peninsula. Parrots, iguanas, agouti and otters are all able to be seen on the grounds.

The cabanas are in a huge garden, which, though lush and exotic. The Parrot's Nest is in Bullet Tree Falls, which is just a couple of miles from downtown San Ignacio, so you don't have to endure the city noise and lights while enjoying a great night's rest. They've been in business for over a decade, yet their prices are less than USD50 a night.

Bullet Tree Riverside Cabanas Is another great place to stay just 10 minutes from down to San Ignacio, on the banks of the Mopan River. The cozy Thatched cabanas are tucked among lush palm trees, has a remote jungle feel to it, even though the community is just a couple minutes away! Enjoy freshly prepare local Belizean dishes.

Some Tours and Activities included Trip to Tikal, Horseback Riding, and Explore nearby Mayan Ruins, Cave or River tubing. Pick-up or drop off at Belize International Airport can all be arrange.

Windy Hill Resort is just a few kilometres outside of town on a hill. Ask any taxi driver. Beautiful landscaped grounds and spacious cottages. Peaceful surroundings. Nice open air restaurant. The owners offer canoe and other tours. Local experts give herb walk and bird viewing. Price is around USD100 but the taxi driver gave a promotion coupon for USD30

Chaa Creek is the best resort in Central America, bar none. Totally eco-friendly, and they have 100's of acres. They are on the Macal river and do canoe rides, biking, and horseback riding. Located 30 minutes from downtown.

You can choose to stay at an expensive and luxurious cabin, or at the Macal River Camp, which has casitas and is geared towards those who prefer the outdoors. The Macal Camp is USD65/person/night and includes breakfast, dinner, hot showers, toilets, and excellent service.

Ka’ana Resort is out of the town of San Ignacio, in a valley nestled among the Maya Mountains of Belize’s Cayo District and surrounded by lush tropical gardens. They have a nice infinity pool, and a great restaurant. A definite treat for the high end traveler.

Benque Guest House: Benque Guest House is situated in the mountainous Benque Viejo Del Carmen, on the way from San Ignacio to the Guatemalan border is this wonderful guest house.

Built in 2008 and situated along the jade-green Mopan River, the clean, eco-friendly, guest house offers all the creature comforts of home and business, character-rich conversation, Wi-Fi, music, beautifully decorated rooms, huge verandah, great food and a sense of community.

Away from the bustling San Ignacio, listen to the Succotz Marching Band practice while you sit on your deck overlooking the river and quiet jungle.


Tourism Observer

Garifuna People Of Honduras,Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua,St Vincent, Trinidad And USA

Garifuna are mixed-race descendants of West African, Central African, Island Carib, and Arawak people. The British colonial administration used the term Black Carib and Garifuna to distinguish them from Yellow and Red Carib, the original Amerindian population before the Africans intermixed and those deemed to still look Native by the British. Those Caribs who were deemed to look Native and had less African admixture are still living in the islands of the Lesser Antilles. The Island Caribs lived throughout the southern Lesser Antilles, such as present Dominica, St Vincent and Trinidad. Their ancestors are believed to have conquered these areas from their previous inhabitants, the Igneri.

Since April 12, 1731, the Garifuna people have been living in Central America, where they speak the Garifuna language. The Garifuna people mostly live along the Caribbean Coast of Honduras, but there are also smaller populations in Belize, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. There are also many Garinagu in the United States, particularly in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Houston, Seattle, and other major cities.

The Carib people migrated from the mainland to the islands circa 1200, according to carbon dating of artifacts. They largely displaced, exterminated and assimilated the Taino who were resident on the island at the time.

The French missionary Raymond Breton arrived in the Lesser Antilles in 1635, and lived on Guadeloupe and Dominica until 1653. He took ethnographic and linguistic notes on the native peoples of these islands, including St Vincent, which he visited briefly. According to oral history noted by the English governor William Young in 1795, Carib-speaking people of the Orinoco River area on the mainland came to St. Vincent long before the arrival of Europeans to the New World. They subdued the local inhabitants called Galibeis, and unions took place between the peoples.

According to Young's record, the first Africans arrived in 1675 following the wreck of a slave ship from the Bight of Biafra. The survivors, members of the Mokko people of today's Nigeria now known as Ibibio, reached the small island of Bequia. The Carib took them to Saint Vincent and intermarried with them, supplying the African men with wives, as it was taboo in their society for men to go unwed.

In 1635 the Carib were overwhelmed by French forces led by the adventurer Pierre Belain d'Esnambuc and his nephew Jacques Dyel du Parquet. They imposed French colonial rule on the indigenous Carib peoples. Cardinal Richelieu of France gave the island to the Saint Christophe Company, in which he was a shareholder. Later the company was reorganized as the Company of the American Islands. The French colonists imposed French Law on the inhabitants, and Jesuit missionaries arrived to convert them to the Roman Catholic Church.

Because the Carib people resisted working as laborers to build and maintain the sugar and cocoa plantations which the French began to develop in the Caribbean, in 1636 King Louis XIII proclaimed La Traité des Noirs. This authorized the capture and purchase of slaves from sub-Saharan Africa and their transportation as labor to Martinique and other parts of the French West Indies.

In 1650, the Company liquidated, selling Martinique to Jacques Dyel du Parquet, who became governor. He held this position until his death in 1658. His widow Mme. du Parquet took over control of the island from France. As more French colonists arrived, they were attracted to the fertile area known as Cabesterre (leeward side). The French had pushed the remaining Carib people to this northeastern coast and the Caravalle Peninsula, but the colonists wanted the additional land. The Jesuits and the Dominicans agreed that whichever order arrived there first, would get all future parishes in that part of the island. The Jesuits came by sea and the Dominicans by land, with the Dominicans' ultimately prevailing.

When the Carib revolted against French rule in 1660, the Governor Charles Houel sieur de Petit Pré retaliated with war against them. Many were killed; those who survived were taken captive and expelled from the island. On Martinique, the French colonists signed a peace treaty with the few remaining Carib. Some Carib had fled to Dominica and St. Vincent, where the French agreed to leave them at peace.

Britain and France both made conflicting claims on Saint Vincent from the late seventeenth century onward. French pioneers began informally cultivating plots on the island around 1710. In 1719 the governor of Martinique sent a force to occupy it, but was repulsed by the Carib inhabitants. A British attempt in 1723 was also repelled.In 1748, Britain and France agreed to put aside their claims and declared Saint Vincent to be a neutral island, under no European sovereign. Throughout this period, however, unofficial, mostly French settlement took place on the island, especially on the Leeward side. African refugees continued to reach Saint Vincent, and a mixed-race population developed through unions with the Carib.

In 1763 by the Treaty of Paris, Britain gained rule over Saint Vincent following its defeat of France in the Seven Years' War, fought in both Europe and North America. It also took over all French territory in North America east of the Mississippi River. Through the rest of the century, the Carib-African natives mounted a series of Carib Wars, which were encouraged and supported by the French. By the end of the 18th century, the indigenous population was primarily mixed race. Following the death of their leader Satuye (Joseph Chatoyer), the Carib on St. Vincent finally surrendered to the British in 1796 after the Second Carib War, having resisted for much longer than natives on other islands. "St. Vincent was the last of the Windward Islands to be totally subjugated."

This was also in the period of the violent slave revolts in the French colony of Saint-Domingue, which ultimately led to the slaves gaining the independent republic of Haiti in 1804. The French lost thousands of troops in an attempt to take back the island in 1803, many to yellow fever epidemics. Thousands of whites and free people of color were killed in the revolution. Europeans throughout the Caribbean and in the American South feared future slave revolts.

The British deported the Garifuna to Roatán, an island off the coast of Honduras. Based in part on their experience with slavery in other parts of the Caribbean and North America, the British separated the more African-looking Caribs from the more Amerindian-looking ones. They decided that the former had to be exiled, while the latter were "misled" and allowed to remain. Five thousand Garinagu were exiled but, weakened by captivity, about half or 2,500 survived the voyage to Roatán. Because the island was too small and infertile to support their population, the Garifuna petitioned Spanish authorities to be allowed to settle on the mainland in the Spanish colonies. The Spanish employed them, and they spread along the Caribbean coast of the Central American colonies.

Large-scale sugar production and chattel slavery were not established on Saint Vincent until the British took it over. As Great Britain abolished slavery in 1832, it operated it for roughly a generation on the island, creating a legacy different than on other Caribbean islands.

Elsewhere slavery had been institutionalized for much longer.

In the 21st century, the Garifuna population is estimated to be around 600,000 in total, taking together its people in Central America, Yurumein (St. Vincent and The Grenadines), and the United States. As a result of extensive emigration from Central America, the United States has the second-largest population of Garifuna outside Central America. New York has the largest population, dominated by Garifuna from Honduras, Guatemala and Belize. Los Angeles ranks second with Honduran Garifuna being the most populous, followed by those from Belize and Guatemala. There is no information regarding Garifuna from Nicaragua having migrated to either coast of the United States. The Nicaraguan Garifuna population is quite small. Community leaders are attempting to resurrect the Garifuna language and cultural traditions.

By 2014 more Garifuna were leaving Honduras and "illegally" immigrating to the United States.

The distinction between diaspora and transnational migration is that diaspora implies the dispersal of a people from a homeland, whether voluntarily or through exile, to multiple nation-states. Transnational migration is generally associated with two locations. In addition, in contrast to the more intense contact which contemporary transmigrants have with their country of origin, diasporic populations often have a more tenuous relationship to the "homeland" or society of origin. Historically there was little hope of return; the relationship is more remote, or even imagined.Thus the African diaspora was that of people being taken captive and sold into slavery, and delivered to various parts of the New World. In those early centuries, return was impossible. Slaves from West African peoples formed relationships with the Carib and a new people developed.

The Garifuna people developed through a process of ethnogenesis on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent, and were exiled in the colonial period to the Caribbean coasts of Central America. Since the late 20th century, many have emigrated from what are now Honduras, Belize and Guatemala to the United States. For the Garífuna, the politics of diaspora are complex because they have several different homelands and different relationships to them: from the mainly symbolic relationship to Africa and St. Vincent, to the closer relationship to various national homelands of Central America. The specific form of identification by individuals with each homeland has different political implications. Garifuna identity in diaspora is complex, involving local, national, and transnational processes, as well as global ethnic politics.

The Garifuna language is an offshoot of the Island Carib language, and it is spoken in Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, and Nicaragua by the Garifuna people. It is an Arawakan language with French, English, and Spanish influences, reflecting their long interaction with various colonial peoples. Garifuna has a vocabulary featuring some terms used by women and others used primarily by men. This may derive from historical Carib practices: in the colonial era, the Carib of both sexes spoke Island Carib. Men additionally used a distinct pidgin based on the unrelated mainland Carib language.

Almost all Garifuna are bilingual or multilingual. They generally speak the official languages of the countries they inhabit, such as Spanish and English, most commonly as a first language. Many also speak Garifuna.

Garifuna is thought to be a creole language of Caliponian and African languages.

Today, the majority of Garifuna are officially Catholic but some that are following other religions. They practice a syncretic Catholicism, incorporating traditional beliefs. A shaman known as a buyei is the head of all Garifuna traditional practices. The religion has some qualities similar to the voodoo rituals performed by other tribes of African descent. Mystical practices and participation in the Dugu orders are also widespread among Garifuna. Some individuals from Sein Bight and Dangriga, Belize have claimed to have seen feats of levitation.

There is also a Rastafarian minority, primarily living in Dangriga, Belize City, Belize, and in Livingston, Guatemala.

There are also Garifuna who practice the religion of Islam.

In 2001 UNESCO proclaimed the language, dance, and music of the Garifuna as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in Nicaragua, Honduras, and Belize. In 2005 the First Garifuna Summit was held in Corn Islands, Nicaragua, with the participation of the government of other Central American countries.

There is a wide variety of Garifuna dishes, including the more commonly known ereba (cassava bread) made from grated cassava root, yucca. The process of making "ereba" is arguably the most important tradition practiced by the Garifuna people. Cassava is so closely tied to the Garifuna culture that the very name Garifuna draws its origin from the Caribs who were originally called "Karifuna" of the cassava clan.

They later adopted the name "Garifuna", which literally means cassava-eating people. Making "ereba" is a long and arduous process that involves a large group of Garifuna (mostly women and children) hiking into the jungle to dig up a large quantity of the cassava root (usually several dozen pounds) and taking it back to the village. The root is then washed peeled and grated over small sharp stones affixed to wooden boards.

The grating is difficult and time consuming, and the women sing sad and slow songs to break the monotony of the work. The grated cassava is then placed into a large cylindrical woven bag called a "ruguma". The "ruguma" is hung from a tree and weighted at the bottom with heavy rocks in order to squeeze out and remove the poisonous liquid and starch from the grated pulp. The counterweight is sometimes provided by piercing the bottom of the "ruguma" with a tree branch and having one or two Garifuna women sit on the branch. Whatever the manner in which the weight is provided, the result is the same. The cassava is then ready to be made into flour.

The remaining pulp is dried overnight and later sieved through flat rounded baskets (hibise) to form flour that is baked into pancakes on a large iron griddle (Comal). Ereba is eaten with fish, hudutu (pounded green and ripe plantains) or alone with gravy (lasusu) often made with a fish soup called "machuca". Other accompanying dishes may include: bundiga (a green banana lasusu), mazapan, and bimecacule (sticky sweet rice), as well as a coconut rice made with red beans.

Garifuna music is quite different from that of the rest of Central America. The most famous form is punta. In its associated dance style, dancers move their hips in a circular motion. An evolved form of traditional music, still usually played using traditional instruments, punta has seen some modernization and electrification in the 1970s; this is called punta rock.

Traditional punta dancing is consciously competitive. Artists like Pen Cayetano helped innovate modern punta rock by adding guitars to the traditional music, and paved the way for later artists like Andy Palacio, Children of the Most High, and Black Coral. Punta was popular across the region, especially in Belize, by the mid-1980s, culminating in the release of Punta Rockers in 1987, a compilation featuring many of the genre's biggest stars. Punta musicians in Central America, the US, and elsewhere made further advances with the introduction of the piano, woodwind, brass and string instruments. Punta-rock has grown since the early 1980s to include other electronic instruments such as the synthesizer and electric bass guitar as well as other percussive instruments.

Punta along with Reggaeton music are predominantly popular and influential among the entire population in Honduras. Often mixed with Spanish, Punta has a widespread audience due to the immigration of Hondurans and Guatemalan to the United States, other parts of Latin America and Europe, notably Spain. Punta bands in Honduras such as Kazzabe, Shabakan, Silver Star, Los Rolands, Banda Blanca, Los Gatos Bravos and Grupo Zambat have appeal for Latin American migrant communities. Honduran Punta has caused Belizean and Guatemalan Punta to use more Spanish due to the commercial success achieved by bands that use it.

When Banda Blanca of Honduras sold over 3 million copies of "Sopa De Caracol" ("Conch Soup"), originally written by Belizean Chico Ramos, the Garifunas of Belize felt cheated but celebrated the success. The genre is continuing to develop a strong following in the United States and South America and the Caribbean.

Belizean punta is distinctive from traditional punta in that songs are usually in Kriol or Garifuna and rarely in Spanish or English. calypso and soca have had some effect on it. Like calypso and soca, Belizean punta provides social commentary and risqué humor, though the initial wave of punta acts eschewed the former. Calypso Rose, Lord Rhaburn and the Cross Culture Band assisted the acceptance of punta by Belizean Kriol people by singing calypso songs about punta - songs such as "Gumagrugu Watah" and "Punta Rock Eena Babylon".

Prominent broadcasters of Punta music include WAVE Radio and Krem Radio.

Other forms of Garifuna music and dance include: hungu-hungu, combination, wanaragua, abaimahani, matamuerte, laremuna wadaguman, gunjai, sambai, charikanari, eremuna egi, paranda, berusu, teremuna ligilisi, arumahani, and Mali-amalihani. However, punta is the most popular dance in Garifuna culture. It is performed around holidays and at parties and other social events. Punta lyrics are usually composed by the women. Chumba and hunguhungu involve circular dancing to a three-beat rhythm, which is often combined with punta. There are other types of songs typical of each gender: women having eremwu eu and abaimajani, rhythmic a cappella songs, and laremuna wadaguman; and men having work songs, chumba, and hunguhungu.

Drums play a very important role in Garifuna music. Primarily two types of drums are used: the primero (tenor drum) and the segunda (bass drum). These drums are typically made of hollowed-out hardwood, such as mahogany or mayflower, with the skins coming from the peccary (wild bush pig), deer, or sheep.

Also used in combination with the drums are the sisera, which are shakers made from the dried fruit of the gourd tree, filled with seeds, and then fitted with hardwood handles.

Paranda music developed soon after the Garifunas' arrival in Central America. The music is instrumental and percussion-based. The music was barely recorded until the 1990s, when Ivan Duran of Stonetree Records began the Paranda Project.

In contemporary Belize there has been a resurgence of Garifuna music, popularized by musicians such as Andy Palacio, Mohobub Flores, and Aurelio Martinez. These musicians have taken many aspects from traditional Garifuna music forms and fused them with more modern sounds. Described as a mixture of punta rock and paranda, this music is exemplified in Andy Palacio's album Watina, and in Umalali: The Garifuna Women's Project, both of which were released on the Belizean record label, Stonetree Records. Canadian musician Danny Michel has also recorded an album, Black Birds Are Dancing Over Me, with a collective of Garifuna musicians.

In the Garifuna culture there is another dance called "dugu", which is included as part of a ritual done following a death in the family so as to pay respect to the departed loved one.

Through traditional dance and music, musicians have come together to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS.

Gender roles within the Garifuna communities are significantly defined by the job opportunities available to everyone. The Garifuna people have relied on farming for a steady income in the past, but much of this land was taken by fruit companies in the 20th century.These companies were welcomed at first because the production helped bring an income to the local communities, but as business declined these large companies sold the land and it has become inhabited by mestizo farmers.

Since this time the Garifuna people have been forced to travel and find jobs with foreign companies. The Garifuna people mainly rely on export businesses for steady jobs; however, women are highly discriminated against and are usually unable to get these jobs.Men generally work for foreign-owned companies collecting timber and chicle to be exported, or work as fishermen.

Garifuna people live in a matrilocal society, but the women are forced to rely on men for a steady income in order to support their families, because the few jobs that are available, housework and selling homemade goods, do not create enough of an income to survive on. Although women have power within their homes, they rely heavily on the income of their husbands.

Although men can be away at work for large amounts of time they still believe that there is a strong connection between men and their newborn sons. Garifunas believe that a baby boy and his father have a special bond, and they are attached spiritually. It is important for a son's father to take care of him, which means that he must give up some of his duties in order to spend time with his child.During this time women gain more responsibility and authority within the household.

According to one genetic study the ancestry of the Garinagu people on average, is 76% African, 20% Arawak/Carib and 4% European, but the admixture levels vary greatly between island and Central American Garinagu Communities with Stann Creek, Belize Garinagu having 79.9% African, 2.7% European and 17.4% Amerindian and Sandy Bay, St. Vincent Garinagu having 41.1% African, 16.7% European and 42.2% Amerindian.

The Garifuna culture is greatly affected by the economic atmosphere surrounding the community. This makes the communities extremely susceptible to outside influence. Many worry that the area will become extremely commercialized since there are few economic opportunities within the area.