CAYO, BELIZE - Why consider vacationing in Cayo?
Cayo is smack dab in the middle of the Belizean rainforest. and the center of many Ancient Mayan archeological sites. The Cayo District, boasts of some of the best jungle lodges in the country. Here you will find the Caracol & Xunantunich Mayan ruins, the famous ATM and Chechem Ha Caves. All excursions, you don't want to miss!
Cayo District is a district in the west of the nation of Belize. The District capital is the town of San Ignacio Cayo. Also in the Cayo District are the Belizean national capital of Belmopan, the town of Benque Viejo del Carmen, the villages of San Antonio Cayo Valley of Peace, St. Margret's, Roaring Creek, Albaina, and Spanish Lookout. Cayo District also contains the Pre-Columbian Maya ruins of Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and Caracol.
The Cayo District is primarily an agricultural district, with the chief crops being citrus, (oranges, grapefruit, and tangerine), as well as bananas. There are 2 major highways in the District. The Western Highway, which runs from Belize City to the Guatemalan border. And the Hummingbird Highway which starts in Belmopan and ends at the juncture of the Dangriga Coastal Road and the Southern Highway in the Stann Creek District. In addition to the ruins listed above there are several other tourists attractions including 2 National Parks, Blue Hole (park) and Guancaste. Ecotourism is also an integral part of the region's economy.
Cayo is where to go if you;re looking for inland adventures, pristine waterfalls, exciting wildlife and plenty of natural beauty. The Mountain Pine ridge is one of the highlights as you travel from the jungle into a pine forest hidden in the hills of Cayo. Here you will find the Thousand Foot Falls, Rio on the Caves, Rio Frio Pools, a butterfly farm and beautiful rivers. Cayo is also home to some of the most famous maya sites in Belize, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech and Caracol are all worth a visit. Extreme adventures should check out The Ruta Maya River Challenge in March. Other attractions include the inland Blue Hole, horseback riding, canoeing, underground rivers, hiking, cave tubing, zip lining, mountain biking and birding.
Cayo District is a district in the west of the nation of Belize. The District capital is the town of San Ignacio Cayo. Also in the Cayo District are the Belizean national capital of Belmopan, the town of Benque Viejo del Carmen, the villages of San Antonio Cayo Valley of Peace, St. Margret's, Roaring Creek, Albaina, and Spanish Lookout. Cayo District also contains the Pre-Columbian Maya ruins of Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and Caracol.
The Cayo District is primarily an agricultural district, with the chief crops being citrus, (oranges, grapefruit, and tangerine), as well as bananas. There are 2 major highways in the District. The Western Highway, which runs from Belize City to the Guatemalan border. And the Hummingbird Highway which starts in Belmopan and ends at the juncture of the Dangriga Coastal Road and the Southern Highway in the Stann Creek District. In addition to the ruins listed above there are several other tourists attractions including 2 National Parks, Blue Hole (park) and Guancaste. Ecotourism is also an integral part of the region's economy.
Cayo is where to go if you;re looking for inland adventures, pristine waterfalls, exciting wildlife and plenty of natural beauty. The Mountain Pine ridge is one of the highlights as you travel from the jungle into a pine forest hidden in the hills of Cayo. Here you will find the Thousand Foot Falls, Rio on the Caves, Rio Frio Pools, a butterfly farm and beautiful rivers. Cayo is also home to some of the most famous maya sites in Belize, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech and Caracol are all worth a visit. Extreme adventures should check out The Ruta Maya River Challenge in March. Other attractions include the inland Blue Hole, horseback riding, canoeing, underground rivers, hiking, cave tubing, zip lining, mountain biking and birding.
CAYO DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS
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Medical Jungle Trail & Iguana Exhibit
A pleasant and informative guided walk, it's less than an hour long and a short walk from downtown San Ignacio. Cahal Pech Archaeological Site The site is unique for both its archeological intrique and its location within the city limits of San Ignacio, and the walk up the hill is well worth it. Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Spelunk it in any of Cayo's fascinating caves, especially this one. The "Cave of the Crystal Maiden" is the wettest, dirtiest, most adventurous undergroun trip available. More caving action is available at Barton Creek, Rio Frio, and Chechem Ha Caves. Thousand Foot Falls The trip to Central America's highest waterfall is well worth endruing the rough access road. You can't swim here, but the vista of the falls from the lookout on the canyon's edge is stunning. Rio on the Caves Rio Frio Pools |
Caracol Archeological Site
One of the more difficult major ruins to access in Belize (you'll endure a bumpy, multihour ride along the Moutain Pine Ridge), Caracol is rife with discovery, beauty and long, peaceful views of the wild countryside from atop its newly excavated temples. Belize Botanic Gardens This unique, low-key attraction features hiking trails through a variety of habitats; the operation is totally organic (zero chemicals) and the orchid house is magical. Xunantunich Archeological Site It's definitely worth crossing the river to spend a long morning or a lazy afternoon in this ancient Maya city. Chechem Ha Cave & the Vaca Plateau The only thing more inspiring than the pottery and mystery found inside Chechem Ha Cave is the waterfall by the same name and the views across the Macal River from this incredible perch on the plateau. |
