Experience the best of San Ignacio: explore the vibrant farmer’s market, make traditional Maya chocolate by hand, meet green iguanas at a conservation project, with optional visit to Cahal Pech Ruins.

PRICE: $117
per person

 

Discover the heart of San Ignacio through authentic local experiences on this immersive cultural tour. From the vibrant farmer’s market to hands-on Maya chocolate making, you’ll experience the best this charming Belizean town has to offer. Choose between a half-day adventure or extend to a full day with ancient Maya ruins.

What to Expect
Your morning begins at San Ignacio’s bustling farmer’s market, where locals gather to sell fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, handmade crafts and souvenirs, and traditional Belizean foods. Your guide will introduce you to vendors and help you discover the flavors and culture of Belize. Fridays and Saturdays offer the best market experience with the most vendors and variety.

Next, visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project at San Ignacio Resort Hotel. Learn how this program protects threatened green iguanas through breeding and education initiatives. See iguanas up close as you discover their incubation, hatching, and rearing process. The Adopt-an-Iguana program also supports education and scholarships for local children.

The next highlight of your tour is a hands-on chocolate-making experience at Ajaw Chocolate. Using traditional Maya techniques passed down through generations, you’ll grind organic cacao beans on a stone metate, mix the paste into a rich chocolate drink, and add spices just as the ancient Maya did centuries ago. This full hour of hands-on learning gives you an authentic taste of Maya culinary traditions.

Tour Options
Choose the half-day tour to experience the market, chocolate-making, and iguana conservation project, with an optional add-on for nearby Cahal Pech ruins. Perched on a hilltop overlooking San Ignacio, this ancient ceremonial center features temples, plazas, and ball courts surrounded by jungle.
Or select the full-day option, which includes the market, chocolate-making, and iguana conservation project plus a guided tour of Xunantunich Maya Ruins—one of Belize’s most spectacular archaeological sites featuring El Castillo temple with breathtaking views across the Cayo Valley.

Tour Highlights:

Explore the San Ignacio Farmer’s Market with its fresh produce and local crafts
Meet green iguanas and learn about Belizean conservation efforts
Make traditional Maya chocolate by hand at Ajaw Chocolate Workshop
Discover the flavors and culture of Belize with the help of your guide
Optional add-on: Guided tour of ancient Cahal Pech Maya Ruins

Includes:

Visit and tour of San Ignacio Farmer’s Market
Green Iguana Conservation Project visit and tour
Hands-on chocolate-making session
Optional Cahal Pech Maya Ruins tour
Local lunch included with full-day option
Licensed local guide
Transportation between all sites
All entry fees for listed activities
Meals and drinks on half-day option
Personal purchases at the market
Gratuities for guide (optional)

 

 

Looking for even more fun in the Belize? Explore all tours, activities, and experiences in popular destinations like Belize City, and San Pedro all in one place, Visit Belize.