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Our Tips & Tricks to the Mayan Ruins in Belize on a Budget

After missing out on the Mayan Ruins near Antigua Guatemala, I knew to prioritize visiting the Mayan Ruins in San Ignacio when planning our 2 week budget trip to Belize. After spending 1.5 weeks on the islands ( split between Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye) From San Ignacio, it’s possible to WALK to incredible Mayan Ruins. How often are you able to do that? Check out our recommendations on how to visit two best Mayan Ruins in Belize on a budget!

San Ignacio Budget Accommodations

If you want to access two best Mayan ruins in Belize on a budget on your own, the best option is to base yourself in San Ignacio. We used www.bookin g.com to book a budget friendly room for Matus Guest House for $35 USD/night for a total of 4 nights. We think 4 nights is a perfect amount of time to see two different ruins. San Ignacio is a small town that has a walkable tourist center with any amenity you may need so it’s a great place to stay to visit the best Mayan Ruins in Belize.

A women on a wooden balcony overlooking san ignacio. The guest house is a recommended budget accomodation. — The balcony view from the guest house.

Take a Bus to San Igancio ( the Budget Option)

The cheapest way to get to San Ignacio on a budget is through the local bus called the ” chicken bus.” These buses are packed with locals ( you’ll probably be just one of a handful of tourists there). The buses are actually converted school buses from the States- so expect basic amenities. The ride is efficient, and most importantly cheap! We took the bus from Belize City to San Ignacio for less then $ 5 USD for a 2.5 hour ride!

A line of people wait to board a green and white school bus which is the public transportation in Belize and a great option for getting to the Mayan ruins in Belize on a budget — Waiting to board the ” chicken” bus

Taking a Shuttle to San Ignacio ( the Expensive Option)

Alternatively, if you are looking for a little comfort ( and a little air conditioner), you could organize a shuttle through Viator . For $70-$140 USD, you can comfortably arrive to San Ignacio cooled off and refreshed to see the best Mayan ruins in Belize.

How to Get to the Mayan Ruin Sites in Belize from San Ignacio

Now that you’re in San Ignacio, it’s easy to get to a few Mayan ruins in Belize on a budget! The two closest options are Cahal Pech and Xunantunich Mayan Ruins. Both options are uniquely beautiful and can be easily included in part of a larger Belize itinerary.

How to get to Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins in Belize on a budget ( tour free)

From the center of town, it’s around a 30 minute ( uphill) walk to Cahal Pech. Again, if you leave right after grabbing a quick breakfast, you can beat some of the heat. Arriving to Cahal Pech is unlike any other experience I’ve had at ruins. Whether it was the month, time of day, or sheer LUCK, we arrived to completely EMPTY ruins. I only hope you too get to experience this magic, because that is what it exactly is. I couldnt’ believe there were no other people there when we arrived. We spent a few hours walking in, around, up, and down the site known for it’s ceremonial center and temples.

A man in a blue shirt and pink shorts stands next to a short women in a black tank top and green shorts. they are standing infront of the Mayan ruin Cahal Pech which is made of grey strone rock in a step pyramid formation. This is an example of the mayan ruins in Belize on a budget

The entrance fee is $5 USD and also includes entrance to a simple museum. There’s also some shaded picnic benches outside the main site which is a great place to stop and refresh and hope to see some monkeys doing the same. With the lack of crowd, easy access to get there ( by foot) and low entrance cost, we think this is one of the best Mayan Ruins in Belize on a budget to visit!

How to get to Xunantunich Mayan Ruins in Belize on a budget (tour free)

Walk back into the bus station where you likely arrived from if you came with the ” chicken bus.” From Matus Guest House , it’s a quick 5 minute walk down hill to the station. Only a few buses run by, so it’s pretty simple to find what you are looking for. Any bus with a “Benque” sign in the front window will take you through the village of San Jose Succotz where you’ll get off to access the entrance to the park.

Right when you cross from the bus stop, a very small hand-cranked ferry ( read- moving bridge) will greet you for a free ride across the river. After the quick 2 minute crossing, you’ll walk ( mostly uphill) to the entrance of the park. As with any popular attraction, you’ll find the experience most peaceful and enjoyable in the morning! We arrived around 9:00 before the tour groups and had no problems at all.

A man in a blue short sleeve polo shirt and white dress pants is bent over turning a large hand crank which moves a ferry across a green river.

The entrance fee for Xunantunich is very budget friendly- just $5 USD will allow you access to the grounds and a small museum.

Weather Considerations When Visiting San Igancio

San Ignacio is HUMID and hot. When we went in April, the temperatures peeked around 105 F every day. Unlike the islands that have a cool refreshing ocean breeze, San Ignacio is quite toasty. That being said, touring the Mayan ruins in Belize (on a budget), as well as any other activity you have planned, is best enjoyed in the morning before the sun gets too hot!

Other free/cheap activities to do in San Ignacio

After you have had your fill of historic ruins, there are several other low budget options to consider.

1)Go to the San Ignacio Farmer’s Market

The Farmer’s market is open every day, but is busiest on Saturday. Here you’ll find a large produce market ( which can run a little pricy depending on your negotiation skills). After stocking up on fresh fruit, cross to the other side of the market to peruse through the tables and tables of second hand clothes. For $1-$3 USD you can find some great deals ( I managed to come home with an Ann Taylor Loft Dress for $3).

The San Ignacio Farmer's market is a made of black tarp roofs. Stands are full of produce, toys, second hand clothes, and local food.

Finished shopping? It’s time to treat yourself to one of the local food stands. Browse through the few isles before settling on your choice. You’ll find fresh juices, local sandwiches, but most importantly, arepas. We found one stand that sold arepas for $1 USD each and, needless to say, we returned 3 times after.

Arepas ( a corn tortilla) sit half eaten and topped with cabboge, cheese and carrots next to bowl of salsa.

2)Get a delicious iced coffee from Coffee del Los Mayas

This was our favorite coffee shop and it’s easy to see why. Located right on Burns Ave ( one of the main pedestrian tourist streets), this shop does ice coffee and frozen coffees very well! At around $3 USD you can get yourself a cold, delicious treat which can be much needed in the mid day heat.

3)Swim in the river with the locals

The Macal River cuts through the town and runs right alongside the farmer’s market. When the temperature is at it’s peak, join the locals in a refreshing river swim. The water is clean and relatively cool!

Where to Go After San Ignacio?

One of the great things about the location of San Ignacio is that it is mere miles from the border of Guatemala! If you’re looking to extend your trip or see a new country, check out my budget recommendations for Guatemala here. If you want to splurge and you’re short on time, you can even take this day trip tour from San Ignacio to Tikal ruins for $150 USD.