San Ignacio, Belize facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
San Ignacio
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| Nickname(s):
Cayo
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| Country |  Belize |
| District | Cayo |
| Founded | 1800s |
| Elevation | 76 m (249 ft) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 16,977 |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central) |
| Website | www.sanignaciotown.com |
San Ignacio is a lively town in western Belize. It is the main town, or capital, of the Cayo District. This town grew a lot because of important products like Mahogany wood and chicle during the time when the British ruled the area.
San Ignacio is special because it sits right on the banks of two rivers: the Macal River and the Mopan River. These rivers add to the town's natural beauty.
Contents
Welcome to San Ignacio!
San Ignacio is one of the biggest towns in Belize. It is a busy place where people come to shop, visit, and explore. The town is often called "Cayo" by locals, which is a shorter name for its district.
Where is San Ignacio?
San Ignacio is located in the western part of Belize. It is close to the border with Guatemala. The town is surrounded by green hills and forests. It is a great starting point for exploring the natural wonders of Belize.
A Look Back in Time
San Ignacio started to grow in the 1800s. This was a time when two important products were very popular: mahogany and chicle. People worked hard to get these products from the forests around the town. This work helped San Ignacio become a busy center.
What is Mahogany and Chicle?
Mahogany is a type of strong, beautiful wood. It was used to make furniture and other items. Cutting down mahogany trees was a big business in Belize.
Chicle is a natural gum that comes from the sap of the Sapodilla tree. It was the main ingredient in chewing gum for a long time. Workers would collect the sticky chicle sap from the trees.
Exploring San Ignacio Today
Today, San Ignacio is a mix of old and new. You can see historic buildings next to modern shops. The town has a friendly atmosphere. Many people visit San Ignacio to experience its culture and natural beauty.
Fun Things to See and Do
San Ignacio is a popular spot for tourists. It is a gateway to many exciting adventures. You can visit ancient Maya ruins nearby, like Xunantunich and Cahal Pech. These sites show how people lived long ago.
You can also go cave exploring or canoeing on the rivers. The surrounding area has lots of wildlife, including birds and monkeys. It is a great place for nature lovers.
How the Town is Run
Like many towns, San Ignacio has a local government. This government helps manage the town's services. These services include things like keeping the streets clean and safe. The leader of the town's government is called the Mayor. The current Mayor of San Ignacio is John August Jr. He works to make the town a better place for everyone.
Images for kids
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Small park of downtown San Ignacio in front of the police station
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Belize independence day celebration
See also
In Spanish: San Ignacio (Belice) para niños
