Tree level Cabanas Guidebook
Twin Towns (San Ignacio and Santa Elena)
Welcome to the Santa Cruz Area of Santa Elena, located in the Twin Towns of San Ignacio/Santa Elena. Our towns are rich in culture, with a charming old-town feel that will transport you back in time. As you explore the area, you'll be surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, hear the chirping of birds and see occasional neighborhood livestock grazing. You'll also get to experience the warmth and hospitality of the friendly Belizean families living in the area, as they go about their daily routines of work and school.
Our location is unbeatable, with access to all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay while in a natural environment. We're just minutes away from a variety of shops, groceries, local food vendors, gas stations, pharmacies, and some of the best local restaurants that serve mouth-watering Belizean cuisine. You won't have to worry about transportation either, as we are only an 8-minute drive from downtown San Ignacio or for enjoyment walker and hiker a 30-minute walk down the hill and across the Macal River.
In short, the Santa Cruz area of Santa Elena is the perfect western Belize destination to experience the true heart of Belizean culture. Come and discover the magic of this beautiful neighborhood, and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
The Santa Cruz Area of Santa Elena is part of the Twin Towns (San Ignacio/Santa Elena), still having a little bit of that old-town charm, a convenient hub for all Cayo District adventures.
The neighborhood is surrounded, by pets, the occasional livestock, tropical birds, and loving Belizean families living in their everyday routines of going to work and school children going to school or playing in their yard.
We are conveniently minutes away from shops, groceries, local food vendors, gas stations, pharmacies, and locals' favorite restaurants. The Santa Cruz Area is an 8-minute drive from Downtown San Ignacio or a 20-minute walk down the hill and across the Macal River.
Santa Elena
The Santa Cruz Area of Santa Elena is part of the Twin Towns (San Ignacio/Santa Elena), still having a little bit of that old-town charm, a convenient hub for all Cayo District adventures.
The neighborhood is surrounded, by pets, the occasional livestock, tropical birds, and loving Belizean families living in their everyday routines of going to work and school children going to school or playing in their yard.
We are conveniently minutes away from shops, groceries, local food vendors, gas stations, pharmacies, and locals' favorite restaurants. The Santa Cruz Area is an 8-minute drive from Downtown San Ignacio or a 20-minute walk down the hill and across the Macal River.
Sightseeing
Are you up for an unforgettable adventure that will take you through the Mayan underworld? Actun Tunicil Muknal (ATM) tour in Western Belize promises to be an all-day experience that you'll cherish for a lifetime. To make the most out of your adventure, pack shoes that can handle water and hiking, socks, extra clothes, and a mindset for adventure. If you're traveling with children who love climbing, crawling, and seeking thrills, this tour is a perfect opportunity for them to create lasting memories. Please note that the height requirement for this tour is 43 inches. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Enter the Mayan underworld in Actun Tunicil Muknal (ATM). One of the most popular tours in Western Belize. An all-day adventure trip and experience that you will never forget.
You will need shoes you don't mind getting wet but can hike in, socks, extra clothes, and a mindset for a bit of adventure!
If your children are active, like climbing, crawling, and love adventures, this is to make memories. (The height requirement is 43 inches).
68 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
ATM Cave Belize- Actun Tunichil Muknal
Enter the Mayan underworld in Actun Tunicil Muknal (ATM). One of the most popular tours in Western Belize. An all-day adventure trip and experience that you will never forget.
You will need shoes you don't mind getting wet but can hike in, socks, extra clothes, and a mindset for a bit of adventure!
If your children are active, like climbing, crawling, and love adventures, this is to make memories. (The height requirement is 43 inches).
Xunantunich is about a 30-minute drive away from Santa Cruz Cabins. Experience the "Maiden of the Rock," the second-largest Mayan Archeology Reserve in the Cayo District. Cross the Mopan River on a hand-crank ferry and view the jungle from El Castillo. You can schedule a tour guide or hire a tour from the sight.
Within a couple of hours, learn the magnificent Mayan history of the Maiden of the Rock, surrounded by beautiful jungle sounds, views, and fauna.
110 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
معبد شونانتونيتش مايا
Xunantunich Access RoadXunantunich is about a 30-minute drive away from Santa Cruz Cabins. Experience the "Maiden of the Rock," the second-largest Mayan Archeology Reserve in the Cayo District. Cross the Mopan River on a hand-crank ferry and view the jungle from El Castillo. You can schedule a tour guide or hire a tour from the sight.
Within a couple of hours, learn the magnificent Mayan history of the Maiden of the Rock, surrounded by beautiful jungle sounds, views, and fauna.
A 15-minute drive. Cahal Pech "Place of Ticks" was named because the site was once surrounded by pastors. This beautiful archaeological reserve closest to town consists of plazas and structures, including temples, residential buildings, ball courts, an altar, and a sweat-house, all situated on just 2 acres.
13 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve
A 15-minute drive. Cahal Pech "Place of Ticks" was named because the site was once surrounded by pastors. This beautiful archaeological reserve closest to town consists of plazas and structures, including temples, residential buildings, ball courts, an altar, and a sweat-house, all situated on just 2 acres.
A 10-minute drive. Visit the conservation efforts for the threatened Green Iguana. An informational and educational exhibit to give visitors a closer look at this fascinating reptile and learn how vital they are to the ecological balance of the river habitat. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about. the incubation, hatching, rearing, and releasing process of this species.
Green Iguana Conservation Project
A 10-minute drive. Visit the conservation efforts for the threatened Green Iguana. An informational and educational exhibit to give visitors a closer look at this fascinating reptile and learn how vital they are to the ecological balance of the river habitat. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about. the incubation, hatching, rearing, and releasing process of this species.
Caracol features majestic temples that modern visitors can climb to enjoy spectacular views surrounding the Chiquibul forest reserve. The site of Caracol is within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, surrounded by both primary and secondary tropical rain forests. See the spectacular carvings, stelae, altars, markers in ball courts, walls, and capstones.
Caracol is approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours from San Ignacio in the western Cayo District. The largest Maya city ever excavated in Belize. For a full day of adventure, depart early, and take water and snacks (if you rent a car, a 4X4 is strongly recommended, especially in the rainy season).
Depending on the route you take. if taking the Western Hwy to the Chilibil Rd, on your way or on your way, stop off at the Green Hill Butterfly Ranch going down the
If taking the Crystal Rey Rd., stop by the San Antonio Woman's Coop, and see pottery and tortilla making.
After exploring Caracol, enjoy a refreshing dip in the receiving pools of the Big Rock Falls waterfall or Rio on Pools in the nearby Mountain Pine Ridge.
32 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Caracol Natural Monument Reservation
Caracol features majestic temples that modern visitors can climb to enjoy spectacular views surrounding the Chiquibul forest reserve. The site of Caracol is within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, surrounded by both primary and secondary tropical rain forests. See the spectacular carvings, stelae, altars, markers in ball courts, walls, and capstones.
Caracol is approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours from San Ignacio in the western Cayo District. The largest Maya city ever excavated in Belize. For a full day of adventure, depart early, and take water and snacks (if you rent a car, a 4X4 is strongly recommended, especially in the rainy season).
Depending on the route you take. if taking the Western Hwy to the Chilibil Rd, on your way or on your way, stop off at the Green Hill Butterfly Ranch going down the
If taking the Crystal Rey Rd., stop by the San Antonio Woman's Coop, and see pottery and tortilla making.
After exploring Caracol, enjoy a refreshing dip in the receiving pools of the Big Rock Falls waterfall or Rio on Pools in the nearby Mountain Pine Ridge.
Green Hills Butterfly Ranch
Chiquibul RoadBelize Botanical Garden
Barton Creek Cave Reserve
Big Rock Falls
Located in Pine Ridge, take a 45-minute drive to a natural pool at Big Rock Falls.
Food scene
If you want to try tropical fruit? The market is the perfect place for fruit and vegetable lovers. You'll find local fresh farm-grown products from the surrounding villages and Belizean artisan hand-made products.
The market is open every day, from 6 am to 6 pm, but Saturdays are Belizean's favorite market days. On this day, you will find several diverse local food vendors and sometimes special events at the nearby Welcome Center.
34 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
San Ignacio Market
Western Highway (Westbound)If you want to try tropical fruit? The market is the perfect place for fruit and vegetable lovers. You'll find local fresh farm-grown products from the surrounding villages and Belizean artisan hand-made products.
The market is open every day, from 6 am to 6 pm, but Saturdays are Belizean's favorite market days. On this day, you will find several diverse local food vendors and sometimes special events at the nearby Welcome Center.
If you a chocolate lover? Find out about the Mayan process and history of chocolate making from the Cocao fruit.
13 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
AJAW Chocolate & Crafts
Benque Viejo RoadIf you a chocolate lover? Find out about the Mayan process and history of chocolate making from the Cocao fruit.
Eva's Restaurant
Burns AvenueGreat Local meals.
Cenaida's Belizean Food
Great local meals.
TollacaSmokeHouse.BBQ
Great rib and steak meals.
Just down the hill from Santa Cruz Cabins. Miss Mari's has great local food such as rice and beans, and our corn base fast foods.
Mari's Deli
Santa Maria StreetJust down the hill from Santa Cruz Cabins. Miss Mari's has great local food such as rice and beans, and our corn base fast foods.
Nelson's Fast Food
A local favorite for our local fast food.
Erva's
4 Far W StA local favorite for sit down restaurants
Wildlife Refuge
The Belize Raptor Center is dedicated to educate and inspire conservation of raptors and their habitat. To rescue and rehabilitate injured and orphaned birds of prey.
Belize Raptor Center