Need help choosing where to stay in San Ignacio Belize? There are so many great options for all budgets, but the tough choice is deciding if you want to be centrally located in the heart of town, or immerse yourself in the nature surrounding San Ignacio and stay in a jungle lodge.
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Choosing where to stay in San Ignacio
San Ignacio is Belize’s inland adventure hub. This buzzing local town is surrounded by outdoor adventures, from clambering inside caves containing Mayan artefacts, to climbing ancient temples and jumping into waterfalls.
There are so many great things to do in and around San Ignacio, but there is a decision you need to make before you dive into the activities. Where to stay?!
The way I see it, there are two options when it comes to choosing where to stay in San Ignacio:
- 🏡 Staying in town
- 🌿 Staying in a jungle lodge
Each has its own merit and can totally change the type of experience you have in San Ignacio. I’m going to compare the pros and cons of each option, as well as share some of the best options for each location, for every budget.
Planning a trip to San Ignacio, Belize
We’ve got a separate San Ignacio travel guide that covers all the other stuff you’ll need to know to plan your trip to San Ignacio. Like how to get there, the transport options for getting around, best things to do and where to eat.
San Ignacio hotels top picks
🏘️ STAYING IN TOWN
🌿 STAYING IN A JUNGLE LODGE
Staying in San Ignacio town
Staying in the centre of town offers the most convenience. You will be within walking distance of restaurants, supermarkets, banks, ATMs, etc.
If you’re arriving on the bus and aren’t planning to rent a car, this is the best option so you’re not trapped at your lodge in the middle of nowhere.
There are accommodations for all styles and budgets here, from hostels to boutique hotels, but most options feel more ‘standard’ and aren’t necessarily designed to be a nature experience. Although there are a few exceptions that feel a bit more jungly, which I’ll highlight below.
👍🏻 PROS OF STAYING IN SAN IGNACIO TOWN
- Easy access to restaurants and supermarkets in town
- Can walk to the departure point for most tours (some companies won’t pick up from remote lodges at all, or they charge an extra fee)
- Best option if you haven’t rented a vehicle, the town is walkable
- Accommodations are generally more affordable
👎🏻 CONS OF STAYING IN SAN IGNACIO TOWN
- Don’t get the immersive jungle experience
- Won’t see much wildlife at your accommodation
- San Ignacio is a busy and bustling local town, it’s not exactly natural or relaxing
- A lot of the tours you’ll most likely be booking are further into the jungle, so staying in town adds transport time
Budget options in town
- The Old House Hostel: a backpacker favourite, Old House Hostel is located right in the centre of San Ignacio, in a gorgeous colonial-style house with a big, wraparound balcony. They have both private and dorm rooms, a well-equipped kitchen and plenty of places to hang out, including hammocks on the balcony and a downstairs bar that has live music nights. There is a friendly, social vibe, and everyone who stays here loves it!
- $13 USD + per night check prices Hostelworld
- Yellow Belly Backpackers: the other, highest-rated hostel in San Ignacio is located a short distance out of the centre of town, near Cahal Pech ruins. They offer free bicycle rentals to make accessing town easy, so there are really no issues with the location. The communal spaces around the hostel are gorgeous and colourful, with plenty of hammocks, and places to work and relax. They have private and dorm rooms.
- $16 USD + per night check prices Hostelworld | Booking
- The Log Cab-Inn: this property is on the edge of ‘town’. It’s a decent but doable walk into the centre, but there is a cluster of restaurants and amenities near the hotel, so you’re not totally remote or secluded in the jungle. The advantage of the more distant location is that the property definitely has a natural feel to it! There is a pool surrounded by greenery, and you will see some birds. This is certainly on the upper end of the budget spectrum, but if you’re a couple looking for something private, this is one of the more affordable options, and their log cabins are so cute.
Mid-range options in town
- Maya Mountain Lodge: this gorgeous option just sneaks into the boundaries of San Ignacio town. It is a less than 2 km (1.2 mi) walk from the lodge to the heart of town, so even if you don’t have a rental car, you could absolutely still get around on foot. The property is in the jungle with plenty of lush greenery, and there is an outdoor pool. All the rooms are fully self-contained with private bathrooms, equipped kitchens and some kind of outdoor space to relax on. Enjoy a jungle vibe, but also ease of access.
- Falling Leaves Lodge: this gorgeous lodge is in a fantastic location, just behind the Cahal Pech ruins. The town is within easy reach, but you’ll feel like you’re nestled in the jungle. The rooms are very luxurious, excellent value for money, and feel very spacious with natural decor. The property has a pool, restaurant and spa on-site.
- Hummingbird Rest: this is where we stayed, a fully self-contained cabin on a gorgeous rainforest-filled property that felt like we were in the middle of the jungle, despite being right in the heart of San Ignacio! It was an easy 1 km (0.6 mi) walk into town. The cabin had a fully equipped kitchen, which was open-air, just screened off for insects. The highlight was the outdoor patio area, with a couch, dining table, and a hammock to laze in overlooking the garden. There is a hummingbird feeder, and we thoroughly enjoyed having our morning coffee and watching the adorable birds zoom in and out. There is also another cabin on the property, Iguana Roost.
- $120 USD + per night check prices Booking
Hummingbird Rest
High-end options in town
- Ka’ana Resort & Spa: this is another option that just sneaks into the boundary of the town. It’s not quite in the centre, but it’s also not too far out, so you can have a jungle lodge experience but also be within very easy reach of town. Ka’ana is a complete luxury, with stunning, tropical amenities. The rooms look like Balinese villas! The service is exceptional, the on-site restaurant and bar are delicious, and the pool is a haven from the heat.
- The West House Boutique Hotel: this relatively new boutique hotel in the centre of town is getting rave reviews! It’s a very modern, stylish design with clean and spacious rooms. There is a bar and cafe on-site, but you’re a stone’s throw from the best restaurants in San Ignacio.
- San Ignacio Resort Hotel: this high-end resort has the best of both worlds – a central location in town, but a slice of jungle on the property. We visited the hotel for their on-site Green Iguana Conservation Centre and got to have a little look around the lobby and communal areas. The pool and outdoor dining area were gorgeous, and the rooms looked light and bright, with contemporary furnishings and all the amenities for a comfortable stay.
Staying in a jungle lodge
A very popular style of accommodation in San Ignacio is to stay in a jungle lodge. These options are usually high-end, with a high price tag. They are situated in a remote location in the heart of the jungle, with all amenities (restaurant, tour booking, transport, etc.) usually provided by the hotel.
If you choose this option, you sacrifice the flexibility of being close to San Ignacio town, but you will have a unique nature experience and a luxury stay in a beautiful location. Lodges are sprawled all around the Cayo District, varying distances from town.
You’ll be able to do many activities, like jungle hikes, birdwatching, canoeing or tubing and spotting wildlife right from your accommodation, so you don’t necessarily need to cram your itinerary with as many tours.
👍🏻 PROS OF STAYING IN A JUNGLE LODGE
- Completely immersed in the beautiful jungle and nature that San Ignacio is known for
- Most jungle lodges have activities directly on the property, like hiking trails, swimming, river tubing, bird watching, etc.
- Great chance of seeing birds and wildlife on your doorstep
- Unique, relaxing, peaceful experience that is a more memorable stay than a regular hotel in town
👎🏻 CONS OF STAYING IN A JUNGLE LODGE
- Most lodges are very remote, and if you don’t have a vehicle, you’re trapped there
- You’ll most likely need to eat all your meals at the lodge ($$$) unless you’ve got a car or kitchen (rare)
- You’re generally tied to using the lodge for tours, as many companies in San Ignacio won’t offer pick up in remote areas
- Most lodges are much more expensive than the accommodation in town, plus all the unavoidable extras of food, transport and tours
Budget-friendly jungle lodges
- Parrot Nest Lodge: if you want to experience the jungle but don’t have the budget for a fancy lodge, this is for you! It’s not a hostel, rather a collection of basic treehouse-style cabins in the forest, some with private bathrooms, but cheaper ones share. The property is on the banks of the Mopan River (meaning swimming and tubing at your doorstep!), and because of the remote location, they offer breakfast and family-style dinner at the lodge.
- $50 USD + per night check prices Hostelworld
- Lower Dover Jungle Lodge: the ultimate lodge experience on a budget. This magical property has miles of jungle trails, access to swimming holes in the river and is right near a set of Mayan ruins. They have a restaurant on-site with affordable, family-style meals that cater to backpackers and budget travellers. There are dorms and private rooms, both in colourful, free-standing cabins, with en-suites, and of course, hammocks!
- $19 USD + per night check prices Hostelworld | Booking
- Nabitunich: not exactly a hostel budget, but this fantastic lodge is a fan-favourite. A very relaxing, laidback property that’s like staying at a friend’s house. There are trails to explore, birds to spot and a river to swim in! Rooms are simple but comfortable, and most have a fridge and coffee machine if you’d like to bring some basic snacks. Great breakfast included and other meals available for a fee.
Mid-range jungle lodges
- Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge: an authentic jungle experience, Sweet Songs has a collection of palm-thatched bungalows nestled in dense rainforest. Their activities and tours will keep you busy exploring, but their infinity pool, restaurant and bar are ready and waiting when you want to relax.
- Table Rock Lodge: rated an impressive 9.9/10 from previous guests, I don’t know if anything else needs to be said about Table Rock Lodge. Designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, rooms are made of wood, natural stone and palm-thatched roofs, with decor to match. Set on the Macal River, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, and the on-site restaurant has amazing food with changing specials each day.
- Kane Villas: tucked away in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve near Big Rock Falls, these villas are self-contained, so you can cook despite the remote location. There’s a lovely pool, a communal BBQ area, and trails directly to the waterfalls and a nearby cave on the property.
High-end jungle lodges
- Blancaneaux Lodge: located inside the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, right near the famous Big Rock Falls. They have palm-thatched huts perched atop the river, and you can fall asleep to the sound of gentle waterfalls. The staff, amenities and activities on offer are exceptional; your every need will be met here.
- Gaia Riverlodge: another option inside Mountain Pine Ridge, Gaia is perched above its own private waterfall. The palm-thatched cottages are simple but sophisticated, and their on-site restaurant shakes up some delicious cocktails and tasty meals, albeit a bit pricey.
- The Lodge at Chaa Creek: located on the banks of the Macal River, Chaa Creek is everything a jungle lodge should be. The property is full of activities, with canoeing, miles of jungle trails, bird, butterfly and wildlife watching, night tours and more. The whole family will have a good time here, and the amenities, rooms and staff are all top-notch.
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Where to stay in San Ignacio: Final thoughts
I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in San Ignacio.
It’s a tough decision as there are pros and cons to each option. If you’ve got a vehicle, OR you don’t mind being a bit isolated, I think staying at a jungle lodge is a special experience that you should have at least once in Belize!
It costs a bit more, but waking up to birdsong, spotting monkeys in the tree, hiking on trails from your doorstep and dining in the jungle is so much more memorable than staying in a standard hotel room in town.
Let me know where you are booking in the comments!
MORE SAN IGNACIO POSTS
- San Ignacio Belize Travel Guide: Jungle Adventure Hub
- 19 Best Things to Do in San Ignacio Belize
- Complete Guide to Mountain Pine Ridge, Belize
- Guide to Cave Tubing in Belize: Our Experience & Tips
- Exploring the Scenic Hummingbird Highway Belize
