[2][3] It was partially settled by inhabitants of San Ignacio de Zamucos, another Jesuit mission which had been abandoned in 1745.

It is connected to Santa Cruz via bus lines utilizing a dirt highway to San Javier in the province of Ñuflo de Chávez.

To the east, similar bus lines connect San Ignacio to the Brazilian city of Cáceres and utilized an unpaved road.

San Ignacio is located on the man-made lake, Guapomo, which also serves as the city's supply of fresh water.

The city is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Ignacio de Velasco.