The hotels and resorts in Belize’s Cayo District are some of the most diverse in the country and can appeal to every type of traveler. However, the region particularly draws people looking to experience the Mayan ruins and mainland jungle.
From eco-lodges to jungle resorts, here are a few of the best places to stay in or near Cayo’s main touristic hub: San Ignacio Town. These resorts also qualify as Belize Gold Standard Hotels.
| The 10 Best Hotels and Resorts in San Ignacio, Cayo |
|---|
| 1. The Lodge at Chaa Creek |
| 2. Blancaneaux Lodge |
| 3. Ka’ana Resort |
| 4. San Ignacio Hotel Resort |
| 5. Black Rock Lodge |
| 6. Cahal Pech Village Resort |
| 7. GAIA Riverlodge |
| 8. Table Rock Jungle Lodge |
| 9. Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge |
| 10. Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge |
Top San Ignacio, Cayo Hotels & Resorts
The lodging options recommended are mostly in or near San Ignacio since it serves as Cayo’s principal hub for adventures in mainland Belize.
1. The Lodge at Chaa Creek
Located in a 400-acre private nature reserve 30 minutes from San Ignacio, Chaa Creek is the oldest jungle lodge in Belize and has won many international awards for its eco-friendly status. They are one of the pioneers of ecotourism and were “green” before it was trendy. It’s the perfect place to stay for nature lovers.
2. Blancaneaux Lodge
If you’re a fan of The Godfather movies you’re in luck because Blancaneaux is owned by Francis Ford Coppola. This upscale hotel is located in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and is surrounded by nature–rivers, waterfalls, and wildlife. It’s a 1 to 2 hours jeep ride from San Ignacio to get there but I hear many people prefer to fly in on helicopters.
3. Ka’ana Resort
Ka’ana Resort is known for chic luxury and it’s gained the reputation of hosting VIP clientele from major cities across the U.S. It markets itself as a 5-star boutique hotel and promotes adventure travel and healthy living. The resort is near San Ignacio and has easy access to the George Price Highway.
4. San Ignacio Hotel Resort
Founded in 1976, San Ignacio Hotel Resort is one of the oldest resorts in Belize. In fact, Queen Elizabeth II stayed there during her 1994 commonwealth visit since it was one of the only “upscale” hotels in San Ignacio at the time. The hotel markets itself as having the only jungle in town since it has a private 17-acre estate in downtown San Ignacio filled with birds, iguanas, and other wildlife.
5. Black Rock Lodge
Located a few miles from San Ignacio, Black Rock Lodge is situated on a beautiful canyon overlooking the rushing Macal River. This resort is a great spot for birders and people seeking a little seclusion while having access to eco-tours in Cayo. They have onsite hiking trails, a bird tower, and the river is great for swimming, tubing, or canoeing. The accommodations are cabins facing the water and I love their open-style restaurant perched on the hill.
6. Cahal Pech Village Resort
Cahal Pech Village is perched on top of the Cahal Pech hill and offers spectacular views of San Ignacio’s downtown, which is only a few minutes away. It is one of the largest hotels in the Cayo District and serves as the perfect base for travelers looking to experience all the adventure tours that Western Belize has to offer.
7. GAIA Riverlodge
GAIA Riverlodge is perched on top of the Five Sisters Waterfalls, one of the many waterfalls located in Mountain Pine Ridge. As a Green Globe Certified resort, the lodge is sustainable by design and its secluded location offers guests the opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful and tranquil environments in Belize. Mountain Pine Ridge is 1 to 2 hours by car from San Ignacio.
8. Table Rock Jungle Lodge
Located in the Maya Village of Cristo Rey, Table Rock is an excellent choice if you want a beautiful riverside jungle setting with the convenience of being 30 minutes away from San Ignacio (by car). Even if you don’t stay here, I suggest you make reservations to visit their restaurant because they have a really great chef with a rotating menu.
9. Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge
Sweets Songs Lodge, formerly duPlooy’s Jungle Lodge, is one of the original eco lodges in Belize. According to the past owner, Judy duPlooy, the lodge has not changed much since its inception in 1987 and it’s known more for what it doesn’t offer (e.g. no TVs or A/C). What they do offer is for guests to connect with nature and learn about the plants, birds, and animals that are native to Belize.
10. Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge
The Hummingbird highway is one of the most picturesque areas in Belize and now there’s a resort nearby. The Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge is a new(ish) resort located on 50,000 acres of lush Belizean jungle with stunning grounds and nice views of the Maya Mountains. Along with being surrounded by mountains, the Sibun River runs right next to the property.
What to Do in Cayo
- Explore the ATM Cave
- Go bird watching or trekking in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
- Visit the Maya sites of Xunantunich or Cahal Pech
- Go cave tubing or zip-lining
- Visit the Green Iguana Hatchery at the San Ignacio Hotel Resort and then take a self-guided tour of the murals in San Ignacio
When to Visit Cayo
The best time to visit Cayo is from December to May, during Belize’s dry season when you can expect sunny days and clear blue skies. Due to the popularity of this time, however, the downside is that things are more expensive. But honestly, things are relatively not that different during the tourism offseason and a plus is that many discounts are offered.
As for a specific date that is the best time to be in Cayo, this is
