Thanks to Hurricane Otto, a stubborn storm that made landfall unusually late in the season, our plans in San Ignacio were turning out to be a flop. We had been followed by persistent rain starting from our sailing adventure from Caye Caulker, so much that we were running out of dry clothes! With our original plan to spelunk at the ATM Cave thwarted by floods, we had to get a little creative with finding activities that were still operating. Supporting a local project sounded like a great idea and we were so glad to have checked it out!
Our day trip started with a hike up the hill to the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, host to the Green Iguana Conservation Project. Although not overly glitzy by any means, it was by far the fanciest place we would see in all of Belize. The Queen herself stayed here in 1994, a historical time for the country and the town of San Ignacio.
The only way to visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project is by booking a tour through the hotel. It runs once an hour and visitors are welcome to enjoy the hotel lobby while waiting for the tour to start. It was a nice opportunity to dry off and indulge in a cold drink. I think they called mine the Belizean Snow, or Blizzard, or some other winter precipitation that most definitely doesn’t happen in Belize.
Our tour started with a jaunt through one of the hotel’s Medicinal Trails, a wonderfully descriptive walk among native plants on the property. We were introduced to the natural found materials used by the Mayans in treating ailments; bug bites, upset stomachs, child birth, just to name a few. The jungle was so vibrantly green and lush in the rain but unfortunately we had to hurry through to avoid getting completely drenched.
The Green Iguana Conservation Project was established with a clear mission: to rehabilitate and release green iguanas back into the wild. These ancient reptiles, often misunderstood, are vital to the ecosystem of Belize. The project’s roots trace back to the early 1990s when a group of passionate conservationists recognized the need for intervention.
Green iguanas, often called “bamboo chickens” in Belize, are the largest species of iguana in Central America. Their vibrant green coloration and distinctive features make them super unique, especially as young babies. The sanctuary offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal with these gentle giants, fostering an understanding and appreciation for their vital role in the ecosystem.
One of the core missions of the Green Iguana Conservation Project is breeding these reptiles in captivity. This program plays a pivotal role in replenishing the green iguana population in the wild. We had the privilege of seeing newborn baby iguanas in their incubators, a heartwarming experience that showcases the project’s dedication to the species’ survival. A few slightly older ones came to join us in the main enclosure; still so tiny compared to their adult counterparts.
Perhaps the most touching part of our visit is hearing about the release of rehabilitated green iguanas back into their natural habitat. It is such a long process from hatching to growing up and being ready for life in the wild. We definitely felt the love from hotel guide and iguana keepers as they spoke about the project.
I will take a moment now to gush about how enamored we were by the end of the visit. Relaxed and living the good life, every corner had a sleepy reptile perched in repose. They had a silent, lazy presence and responded only to food. Basically scaly, cold-blooded cats. Love it.
THINKING OF SEEING THE IGUANAS?
This is a great activity to do right in town. Perfect if you have little ones or want to squeeze in something quick.
Getting There
- The San Ignacio Resort Hotel is a 5 minute walk from the town center up a steep hill on the George Price Highway. It is not a particularly busy road but you will need to walk on the road as there are areas with no sidewalk. A taxi can bring you up if needed.
Reserving a Tour
- Book through the hotel website to secure a time in advance. They run once an hour on the hour. Be sure to leave some time before or after the tour to check out the hotel lobby. The views of the Mayan jungle are great, being situated on a hill.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family seeking an educational adventure, or simply someone who wants to connect with nature, this tour offered an unforgettable experience that left us with a deep sense of appreciation for the greens of Belize. We had a great time and would recommend it to everyone.
Have you visited any conservation projects lately? Let us know!
