Belize’s Leading Destination Management Company (DMC)
Award to Appreciation
2025
Splash DMC is Belize’s premier Destination Management Company, delivering bespoke travel planning, luxury experiences, and seamless event management across the country. With over 25 years in Belize’s tourism industry, we specialize in creating immersive journeys; from barrier reef adventures and jungle expeditions to cultural tours, wellness retreats, and corporate events. Our team combines local expertise, award-winning service, and trusted partnerships to design experiences that are personalized, authentic, and unforgettable.
Founded in 2000 as a PADI 5-Star Dive Center, Splash expanded into a full-service DMC in 2010, growing beyond the reef to showcase the very best of Belize. Today, we coordinate custom itineraries, luxury accommodations, private transfers, curated tours, group travel, incentives, and destination events with unmatched precision and care. Our deep roots in tourism and community partnerships give us exclusive access to Belize’s top resorts, local guides, conservation experiences, and hidden gems.
Our excellence has been recognized nationwide, earning distinctions such as Belize Tour Operator of the Year and the Hospitality Award for outstanding service and guest satisfaction. Whether you are planning a dive vacation, cultural immersion, family getaway, corporate retreat, or special event, Splash DMC ensures every detail is handled seamlessly from start to finish.
San Ignacio.
San Ignacio, Cayo began as a modest 19th-century riverside settlement along the Macal River, thriving as a key hub for Belize’s early mahogany and chicle trading industries. Its sister town, Santa Elena, grew on the opposite riverbank, and together they became known as the “Twin Towns,” connected by the historic Hawkesworth Bridge, built in 1949 and still one of Belize’s most recognized landmarks. The region has supported Maya communities for thousands of years, with major archaeological sites such as Cahal Pech, which overlooks the town, and nearby Xunantunich and Caracol, two of the most important Maya cities in Belize. As infrastructure expanded through the mid-20th century, San Ignacio developed into the cultural and commercial heart of western Belize, known for its diverse blend of Maya, Mestizo, Creole, Mennonite, and Garifuna residents. Today, San Ignacio serves as the gateway to the Cayo District’s rainforests, cave systems, rivers, wildlife encounters, and world-class Maya ruins, making it one of Belize’s most historically significant, culturally rich, and adventure-filled destinations.
How To Get
To San Ignacio
Getting to San Ignacio, Belize is easy, convenient, and incredibly scenic. Most travelers arrive by road from Belize Cityor the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE), with the drive taking about 1.5–2 hours along the well-paved George Price Highway. The route passes small villages, farms, and rolling hills as you enter the lush landscapes of the Cayo District. Daily transportation options include private shuttles, rental cars, and reliable public buses, making San Ignacio one of the most accessible destinations in western Belize. As a major travel hub, it serves as the perfect base for exploring caves, Maya sites, waterfalls, and jungle adventures throughout the region.
What To Do in San Ignacio
San Ignacio is the adventure capital of western Belize, where jungle landscapes, ancient Maya cities, and river-filled valleys come together in one unforgettable destination. Travelers can explore world-class archaeological sites like Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and Caracol, tube or canoe through mysterious limestone caves, ride horseback through farmland and forest trails, or chase waterfalls in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. With vibrant markets, cultural experiences, and easy access to the Belize River and Mopan River, San Ignacio blends nature, history, and local charm effortlessly. Whether you love hiking, wildlife, cave exploration, or Maya history, San Ignacio offers endless things to do for every type of traveler.
Xunantunich
Xunantunich is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from San Ignacio, located just 10–15 minutes from town by car and a short hand-cranked ferry ride across the Mopan River. The site is known for its impressive plazas, carved friezes, and El Castillo, the towering pyramid that offers panoramic views stretching into Guatemala. It’s a perfect half-day adventure for history lovers, families, and anyone wanting to experience one of Belize’s most iconic Maya temples without a long drive.
Caracol
Caracol is a full-day trip from San Ignacio, located approximately 2 to 2.5 hours away in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. It is the largest Maya site in Belize, known for its expansive plazas, stelae, ball courts, and Caana (“Sky Palace”), which remains one of the tallest man-made structures in the country. The drive typically includes stops at nearby natural attractions such as Rio Frio Cave or Rio On Pools, making it a popular choice for travelers interested in archaeology, nature, and Belize’s ancient history.
ATM Caves
The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Caves are one of Belize’s most famous archaeological sites and are located about 45 minutes to 1 hour from San Ignacio. This guided adventure takes visitors through jungle trails, river crossings, and into a limestone cave system filled with ancient Maya artifacts, pottery, and skeletal remains—including the well-known “Crystal Maiden.” The tour is physically active and highly controlled, making it ideal for travelers interested in Maya history, archaeology, and immersive cave exploration.
Barton Creek
Barton Creek Cave is one of the most unique and accessible cave tours in Belize, located just 45 minutes to 1 hour from San Ignacio. The site is explored by guided canoe, allowing visitors to glide through a tranquil river that leads deep into a stunning limestone cave system. Inside, you’ll encounter impressive rock formations, ancient archaeological artifacts, and ceremonial chambers once used by the Maya civilization. Gentle, scenic, and beginner-friendly, Barton Creek Cave is ideal for families and travelers seeking a non-strenuous cultural and nature experience in the Cayo District.
Mountain Pine Ridge
The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is one of the top nature destinations near San Ignacio, located about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours away depending on road conditions. This vast protected area is known for its cooler climate, peaceful pine forests, and breathtaking natural attractions, including Big Rock Falls, Rio On Pools, and Rio Frio Cave—all offering stunning views and refreshing swimming spots. With its mix of waterfalls, scenic valleys, and adventure-friendly terrain, Mountain Pine Ridge is a favorite for travelers seeking outdoor exploration and a tranquil escape from the bustle of town.
ATVs
ATV tours in San Ignacio are one of the most exciting ways to explore the rugged countryside of western Belize. Most tours start 10–30 minutes from town, where riders follow off-road jungle trails, farmlands, creek crossings, and scenic backcountry routes throughout the Cayo District. These guided adventures highlight local wildlife, river valleys, and panoramic viewpoints that you can only access by ATV. Suitable for beginners and thrill-seekers alike, ATV riding in San Ignacio offers a fast-paced, immersive way to experience the natural landscapes surrounding Belize’s adventure capital.
Cavetubing and Ziplining
Cave tubing and ziplining from San Ignacio are among the top adventure tours in Belize, located just 45 minutes to 1 hour away in the scenic Caves Branch region. This popular excursion combines an exciting zipline experience through the jungle canopy with a relaxing cave-tubing float along a clear river that winds through ancient limestone caverns. Inside the caves, you’ll encounter stunning natural formations and cultural sites once used by the Maya civilization. Accessible, fun, and ideal for families or first-time adventurers, cave tubing and ziplining from San Ignacio deliver the perfect mix of adrenaline, nature, and history in the heart of the Cayo District.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding in San Ignacio, Belize is one of the most popular inland adventures, with ranches and scenic trails located just 10–20 minutes from downtown. Guided rides take you through lush farmlands, peaceful river valleys, and shaded jungle paths, offering an immersive way to experience the natural beauty of the Cayo District. Many tours even include access to nearby Maya sites like Xunantunich, making it a cultural and eco-friendly excursion in one. Suitable for beginners and families, horseback riding in San Ignacio is a relaxing and memorable way to explore Belize’s countryside while learning about local wildlife, history, and rural life.
Tikal
Tikal is one of the most iconic Maya archaeological sites in the world, and from San Ignacio it’s an easy full-day adventure—about 2 to 2.5 hours away, including a smooth border crossing at Benque Viejo del Carmen into Guatemala. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tikal is famous for its massive temples, ancient plazas, and towering structures that rise dramatically above the rainforest canopy. Most guided tours from San Ignacio explore the Great Plaza, Temple I (Temple of the Great Jaguar), Temple II, and the legendary Temple IV, which offers one of the best panoramic views in the entire Maya world. With its rich wildlife, breathtaking jungle scenery, and world-class archaeological significance, Tikal remains one of the top-visited and most unforgettable day trips from San Ignacio, Belize.
Where to Stay in San Ignacio
San Ignacio offers some of the most polished and luxurious accommodations in western Belize, combining comfort, culture, and nature in one destination. In town, upscale boutique hotels provide easy access to top restaurants, markets, and nearby Maya sites while offering modern amenities, stylish rooms, and personalized service. Just outside the center, high-end jungle lodges deliver a more secluded experience with private villas, riverfront suites, gourmet dining, and curated adventure activities. For travelers seeking true exclusivity, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve features luxury resorts surrounded by pine forests, waterfalls, and natural swimming pools—perfect for honeymooners, wellness retreats, and guests looking for total privacy and breathtaking scenery. Whether you prefer boutique sophistication or immersive jungle elegance, San Ignacio offers luxury stays tailored to every style of traveler.
Where To Eat in San Ignacio
Breakfast
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• Pop's Restaurant
• Martha's Kitchen
• Vanilla Hills **
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Coffee
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• Vivian's Cafe
• Bambu Tea + Coffee **
• Daily Grind **
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Desserts
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• Guava Limb Cafe **
• The Ice Cream Shoppe
• Bambu Tea + Coffee
• Daily Grind **
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Bars
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• The Gully Grill
• The Hive
• West House Bar
• 6 Senses at Vanilla Hills
• Recinos Wine House
• Club Next
• Tequila Nightclub
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Lunch
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• The Guava Limb Café **
• Crave House of Flavour **
• Running W Steakhouse & Bar
• The Hive
• Ko-Ox Han Nah (Let’s Go Eat)
• Cahal Pech Restaurant (sunset views)
• The Burnz **
• The Gully Grill
• Lola's Restaurant and Bar​ **
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Dinner
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• The Guava Limb Café **
• Crave House of Flavour **
• Running W Steakhouse & Bar
• 10 Sushi **
• Cahal Pech Restaurant
• The Burnz
• Vanilla Hills **
• La Ceiba at Kaana **
• Recinos Wine House **
• Tolacca Smoke House
• Lola's Restaurant and Bar
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Top Events in San Ignacio
The Cayo District hosts some of Belize’s most vibrant and culturally rich annual events, beginning with the La Ruta Maya River Challenge, a four-day canoe race that launches from San Ignacio every March and draws competitors from around the region. In April, Belmopan comes alive for the National Agriculture and Trade Show (“Agric”), one of Belize’s largest festivals, featuring livestock displays, Belizean cuisine, live music, and local products. Semana Santa in Benque is known for its solemn religious processions and colorful sawdust art, followed soon after by the lively Benque Fiesta, a celebration filled with music, food, and community pride. Throughout the year, the district also hosts Cinco de Mayo festivities, traditional horse races, and popular car shows, making Cayo one of Belize’s most event-filled and spirited destinations year-round.
Splash DMC offers effortless Belize travel planning through curated itineraries and exclusive experiences created by local experts for a truly unforgettable vacation.
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