The Safety Secrets Of Cayo, Belize: A Traveler's Guide To Adventure

Cayo, Belize is generally considered a safe place to visit, but there are some precautions to be aware of. The most common crime in the area is petty theft, so it is important to take normal safety precautions such as not flashing large sums of money, not leaving personal belongings unattended, and locking your doors when you leave your hotel room. In addition, it is advised not to walk alone at night, especially if intoxicated, and to avoid walking on the beach or a dark road at night. Belize City is a particular hotspot for crime, with some neighbourhoods experiencing more crime than others, so it is recommended to take a taxi when travelling at night.

Cayo is also close to Guatemala's El Petén region, which has seen some incidents of armed gangs robbing tourists. However, these incidents are relatively rare, and most visitors to Cayo report feeling safe. The biggest safety hazard in the area is the George Price Highway, where more people die in traffic accidents than on any other road in Belize, so extreme caution should be exercised when travelling on this road.

The most common crime in Cayo is petty theft

Cayo, Belize is generally considered a safe place to visit. However, as with anywhere, it's important to be aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions. The most common crime in Cayo is petty theft, so it's important to take some simple measures to protect yourself and your belongings:

• Do not flash large sums of money or leave personal items unattended.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially if intoxicated.
• Lock your doors when leaving your accommodation and use in-room safes provided by resorts to store valuables.

In addition to petty theft, there have been occasional reports of carjackings and robberies in border areas, as well as in the Mountain Pine Ridge and Chiquibul areas. It is recommended to ask locals about any recent incidents before embarking on road trips to remote locations.

Another safety concern in Cayo is the George Price Highway, formerly known as the Western Highway. This two-lane road is paved but narrow and lacks shoulders on most sections. The surfacing material can become extremely slick when wet, making it the most deadly road in Belize in terms of traffic accidents. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution when travelling on this highway.

By taking basic safety precautions and staying vigilant, you can greatly reduce the risk of encountering any problems during your visit to Cayo, Belize.

The George Price Highway is dangerous, with more fatalities than any other road in Belize

The George Price Highway is one of Belize's three major thoroughfares. It is a two-lane road that connects Belize City in the east with the Guatemalan border in the west. Along the way, it passes through the capital, Belmopan, the town of San Ignacio, and the village of San Jose Succotz.

The highway was constructed in the 1930s and was originally known as the Western Highway. In 2012, it was renamed after George Cadle Price, the country's first prime minister after it gained independence from Great Britain in 1981.

Despite being completely paved, the George Price Highway is considered the most dangerous roadway in Belize, with more fatalities from road traffic accidents than any other route. The road is narrow, with most sections lacking a shoulder, and the surfacing material can become extremely slick when wet, making it treacherous for drivers.

One such accident occurred when a driver, Nicole Zetina, was forced to the extreme shoulder of the road by a dump truck. On the slick road, her vehicle slipped off the side, causing her to lose control and flip several times. Fortunately, she escaped serious injury, thanks to wearing her seatbelt.

Another factor contributing to the highway's danger is the lack of road shoulders for vehicles to pull over. This can lead to vehicles stopping in the travel lane, creating a hazard for oncoming traffic, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions.

When travelling on the George Price Highway, it is essential to exercise extreme caution. Adhere to speed limits, drive with extra care when the road is wet, and be vigilant for potential hazards, such as slow-moving vehicles or debris in the roadway. By being aware of these dangers and adopting a defensive driving approach, travellers can help reduce the risk of becoming another statistic on this deadly roadway.

Drug-trade-related crimes are common in Belize City

Belize has been named a 'major drug trafficking and money laundering country' by the United States State Department, which cites the country's corruption, insufficient investigative capacity, ineffective judicial sector, and lack of political will as factors that hamper its drug control efforts. The report also notes that Belize has no air defence systems and a limited capacity to monitor aircraft at night, making it easier for drug trafficking organisations to use air routes to move narcotics.

The Belize Defence Forces often accompany vehicles travelling to Caracol due to the risk of carjackings and robberies in the area. Visitors are advised to ask locally about any recent incidents before starting road trips to remote areas.

The most common crime in Cayo, however, is petty theft. Normal safety precautions are recommended, such as not flashing large sums of money, not leaving personal belongings unattended, and refraining from walking alone at night.

The twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena are the most popular tourist stops in Cayo

The twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, collectively referred to as SISE, are the most popular tourist stops in Cayo. The towns are separated by the Macal River and connected by the Hawkesworth Bridge, the only road suspension bridge in Belize. San Ignacio is the largest town in the Cayo District, and together with Santa Elena, they make up the largest settlement in the district.

San Ignacio and Santa Elena are cultural and economic hubs for western Belize. The towns offer excellent food and nightlife scenes, with a variety of mouth-watering cuisines available, ranging from luxe restaurants to local stalls in the heart of the market. San Ignacio is also home to the country's largest farmers' market on Saturdays.

The twin towns serve as a gateway to exploring Maya temples and cave systems in the western part of the country. They provide easy access to top jungle attractions in Cayo and nearby Guatemala, making them ideal bases for day trips and overnight stays. San Ignacio is also a hub for eco-tourism, with its natural beauty and amenities attracting travellers interested in cultural and rainforest adventures.

Some popular activities in and around San Ignacio include visiting ancient Maya temples and caves, hiking in national parks, cave tubing, zip-lining, and horseback riding. There are also softer adventures, such as downtown walking tours, canoeing the Macal River, bird watching, and visiting the Green Iguana Hatchery.

Overall, the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena offer a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors, making them the most popular tourist stops in Cayo.

Cayo is home to the largest suspension bridge in Belize

While most visitors report feeling safe in Cayo, Belize, there have been some incidents of carjackings and robberies in border areas, as well as in the Mountain Pine Ridge and Chiquibul areas. The Cayo District is one of six districts in Belize, located on the western side of the country and bordering Guatemala. It is Belize's largest district, spanning nearly a million acres, and is known for its diverse culture, natural attractions, and Mayan sites.

Cayo is home to the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, which are joined by the Hawksworth Bridge over the Belize River. This bridge is a vehicular suspension bridge that accommodates one-lane traffic and is still in use as of 2018. While it is not the longest suspension bridge in Belize, it is an important connection between the two towns, which together form the second-largest town in the country, with a population of about 20,000 people.

In addition to its suspension bridges, Cayo offers a wealth of natural attractions and cultural experiences. Adventure seekers and history buffs will find plenty to explore, including rainforest tours, waterfalls, and Mayan sites such as Caracol, Xunantunich, and Cahal Pech. The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is also a popular destination for hiking, caving, and swimming.

When it comes to safety in Cayo, the most common crime is petty theft, so it is important to take standard safety precautions such as not flashing large sums of money and securing personal belongings. Additionally, it is advised to refrain from walking alone at night and to lock doors when leaving your accommodation.

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