Hawksworth Bridge
Belize's sole suspension bridge, linking San Ignacio & Santa Elena since 1949. A resilient national treasure with scenic river views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
Hawksworth Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Belize's sole suspension bridge, linking San Ignacio & Santa Elena since 1949. A resilient national treasure with scenic river views.
"It has managed to sustain various flood events and traffic overload, giving it a remarkable character."
🚗 Be Mindful of One-Way Traffic
The bridge is one-way, so plan your route accordingly to avoid delays.
📸 Selfie Spot Alert!
Many visitors pause for selfies, so be patient if you're looking for a clear shot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Suspension Bridge
Connecting San Ignacio and Santa Elena
A historic metal suspension bridge, a vital link and a symbol of Cayo District.
La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge
Starting point at Hawksworth Bridge
Witness the thrilling start of this multi-day canoe race, a vibrant local spectacle.
Sunset Views Over the Macal River
From the bridge or riverbanks
Experience a vibrant yellow sunset illuminating the bridge and surrounding hills.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Understanding Bridge Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Be Mindful of One-Way Traffic
The bridge is one-way, so plan your route accordingly to avoid delays.
📸 Selfie Spot Alert!
Many visitors pause for selfies, so be patient if you're looking for a clear shot.
🛶 Witness the River Challenge
Catch the exciting start of the La Ruta Maya canoe race for a unique experience. 
🌉 Appreciate its History
Built in 1949, this bridge is a national treasure with a remarkable character. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Be Mindful of One-Way Traffic
The bridge is one-way, so plan your route accordingly to avoid delays.
📸 Selfie Spot Alert!
Many visitors pause for selfies, so be patient if you're looking for a clear shot.
🛶 Witness the River Challenge
Catch the exciting start of the La Ruta Maya canoe race for a unique experience.
🌉 Appreciate its History
Built in 1949, this bridge is a national treasure with a remarkable character. +1
🏍️ Motorcycle Riders Beware
The metal grate decking can be unnerving for motorcyclists.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Hawksworth Bridge is a historic and functional landmark, appreciated for its unique character and role in connecting San Ignacio and Santa Elena. While showing signs of age with rust and graffiti, it's considered a resilient national treasure. Visitors enjoy its scenic views, especially at sunset, and the excitement of events like the La Ruta Maya.
"Countless over paint steals with patches of surface rust, alongside a list of vandalism. That's how I saw this bridge. Local students, and of course scruffy tourists pause to take a long list of selfies, while local workers passes by in a hurry to get to work. The cracking noise of steal pipes banging together as vehicles drives by every second. At 6pm the sunset in the west coast a vibrant yellow color over the thick beaten steals and just a few kilometers away the Santa Elena hills are illuminated. Across the river bank of the Macal River this bridge was built 1949. Today I see it as a National Treasure for Belize, for it has manage to sustain various flood events and traffic overload, giving it a remarkable character that will surley go down in history."
Chief Witz
"A one way bridge only (San Ignacio to Santa Elena), the metal grate decking makes for an unnerving crossing when on a motorcycle. Plus, the approach to the deck has some potholes that one must be aware of and take with caution. As for the bridge itself, it is old, rusty, looks like to be in disrepair, but should be safe enough as it is used by hundreds of cars and pedestrians every day. The Golden Gate Bridge it is not. 3 stars."
Wong Family
"Built since 1949 the only suspension bridge in Belize diving tge twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena making Cayo unique."
LUCIO L. LANDERO
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hawksworth Bridge is centrally located, connecting the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena in the Cayo District. You can easily reach it by taxi or by walking if you are already in San Ignacio.
Yes, the Hawksworth Bridge is a vital road link for vehicles, though it operates as a one-way passage. Be aware of potential traffic, especially during peak hours or events.
Absolutely! Pedestrians can cross the Hawksworth Bridge, offering a unique perspective of the Macal River and the surrounding towns.
Hawksworth Bridge directly links the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, both significant hubs in the Cayo District.
Local buses and taxis are readily available in San Ignacio and Santa Elena, making it easy to get to the vicinity of the Hawksworth Bridge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or entry fees required to visit or cross the Hawksworth Bridge. It's a public infrastructure.
The Hawksworth Bridge is open 24/7 for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, as it's a primary route. However, access might be temporarily restricted during special events.
There is no toll or fee for crossing the Hawksworth Bridge.
Yes, photography is encouraged! It's a popular spot for selfies and capturing the bridge's unique character.
While generally accessible, be mindful of its one-way traffic flow and potential temporary closures for maintenance or events like the La Ruta Maya.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography. The sunset can be particularly vibrant, casting a golden glow over the bridge and river.
You can capture the bridge's industrial design, the bustling activity of local life, the scenic Macal River, and the surrounding twin towns. Selfies are also very popular!
Try shooting from the riverbanks for a wider view of the bridge, or from the approaches to capture the sense of scale. The metal grate decking offers a unique perspective too.
Any camera, from a smartphone to a professional DSLR, can capture great shots. Consider a wide-angle lens to encompass the bridge and its surroundings.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone near the bridge or populated areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers
🚗 Road Trippers & Motorcyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Historic Link: The Hawksworth Bridge
Despite its age and visible signs of wear, including surface rust and occasional graffiti, the bridge is considered a National Treasure by many. Its metal grate decking, while functional, can present a slightly unnerving experience for motorcyclists.
Visitors often pause here to take photos, reflecting the bridge's iconic status. The surrounding scenery, with the Macal River flowing beneath and the hills of Santa Elena in the distance, provides a picturesque backdrop, especially during sunset.
The Thrill of La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge
+1The start of the race at the Hawksworth Bridge is a vibrant spectacle. Teams, often with sponsors like Lucas Oil, kick off their journey with great energy, vying for early leads and station prizes. The atmosphere is electric, with locals and visitors gathering to cheer on the participants.
This event not only showcases athletic prowess but also highlights the natural beauty of Belize's river systems and fosters a strong sense of community. Witnessing the La Ruta Maya begin at the Hawksworth Bridge offers a unique glimpse into Belizean culture and sporting passion.
Navigating the Bridge: Practicalities and Perceptions
Reviews often describe the bridge as old and showing signs of wear, with mentions of rust and vandalism. However, despite its appearance, it is generally considered safe and continues to handle hundreds of vehicles and pedestrians daily.
For those interested in the local scene, the bridge is a common spot for selfies and a place where locals hurry to work, creating a dynamic snapshot of daily life. The views, particularly at sunset, are also a significant draw, with the western sky painting the bridge and hills in warm hues.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit