San Ignacio: Getting there & around

Philip Goldson International Airport (tel: 225 2014), at Ladyville, 18km (11mi) northwest of Belize City center, handles all of Belize's international flights. San Ignacio Shuttle (tel: 601 2416) runs a daily shuttle service between the airport and San Ignacio, but you must reserve a place on the bus beforehand. The Tropicool Hotel (tel: 824 3052) and Mayawalk Tours (tel: 824 3070) also transport travelers to and from the airport.

Belize's long-distance bus services have recently been less than foolproof - the country's main company, Novelo's Bus Line, collapsed in 2005 only to be reincarnated as National Transport Services Limited. Routes aren't as comprehensive or frequent as they once were, but San Ignacio is on their itinerary.

Car hire is also an option, giving you the freedom to come and go from San Ignacio exactly as you please. The Western Hwy connects the town with both Belize City and the Guatemalan border.

Hiring a bicycle to get around can be a pleasant way of seeing San Ignacio.

There are also several taxi ranks dotted around the town center. Colectivo taxis (charging per person and leaving when they have a car full) head from a vacant lot on Savannah St to Benque Viejo del Carmen and the Guatemalan border. Taxis to Bullet Tree Falls (colectivo or private) leave from Wyatt St, just off Burns Ave.

Many of the exciting sights and activities in the vicinity are most easily reached on a guided trip - indeed, some can only be reached with a tour company.