Adventures In Cayo, Belize

Cayo, Belize is a nature and history lover's dream. Located in the western part of the country, it borders Guatemala and is Belize's largest district, covering nearly a million acres. The area is known for its natural attractions, Mayan sites, and local cuisine, earning it the title of Belize's cultural heart.

Cayo is home to a diverse range of people, including Creoles, Maya, Mennonites, Lebanese, Chinese, and Indians. It also boasts impressive Maya caves and two of Belize's biggest Maya sites. The twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena are popular stops for travellers, as is the border town of Benque Viejo del Carmen, known for its Mayan settlements.

- Explore Mayan ruins such as Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and Caracol.

- Visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, where they collect and hatch iguana eggs.

- Go caving at Barton Creek Cave, Actun Tunichil Muknal, or Che Chem Ha Cave, which are all known for their beauty and historical significance.

- Hike to spectacular waterfalls in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, such as Butterfly Falls and Big Rock Waterfalls.

- Take a swim at the Blue Hole National Park or enjoy the riverfront at Jaguar Paw.

- Shop at the lively San Ignacio Market, which is likely the largest farmer's market in Belize.

- Go birdwatching at El Pilar Maya Ruins, where you can spot various native birds, including falcons and tanagers.

- Tour the Spanish Lookout Mennonite Community and try their delicious cheeses and other dairy products.

- Learn about Belize's preservation efforts of the Blue Morpho Butterfly at the Chaa Creek Butterfly Farm and Natural History Museum.

Mayan Sites and History

Cayo, Belize, is a treasure trove of Mayan history and culture. The ancient Maya empire once thrived in the region, and today, visitors can explore a wealth of archaeological sites, learn about traditional Mayan life, and discover the mysteries of this fascinating civilisation.

Xunantunich

The ancient Maya archaeological site of Xunantunich is located in western Belize, about 70 miles (110 km) west of Belize City, in the Cayo District. Xunantunich served as a civic and ceremonial centre for the Belize Valley region during the Late and Terminal Classic periods. The site includes the notable "El Castillo", a pyramid that rises 130 feet (40 metres) tall, making it the second tallest structure in Belize. Xunantunich also features six plazas, over 25 temples and palaces, and well-preserved sun god masks.

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech is another impressive Mayan site located in the Cayo District. This site, which means "Place of Ticks" in the Yucatecan Maya language, was once the royal acropolis-palace of an elite Mayan ruling family during the Classic Period. Cahal Pech is situated on a hill overlooking the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. The site includes seven plazas, over 30 structures, including temples, residential buildings, ball courts, an altar, and a sweat house, all within a 2-acre area.

El Pilar

El Pilar is a sprawling Maya site situated 12 miles northwest of San Ignacio in the Village of Bullet Tree Falls. Covering over 100 acres, El Pilar features a variety of residential structures, elite household compounds, and ceremonial buildings. The site includes 12 pyramids and 25 plazas, making it much larger than nearby sites like Xunantunich and Cahal Pech.

Caracol

Caracol is the largest known Maya centre within Belize and is located on the western edge of the Maya Mountains within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. This massive site features majestic temples, including the Canaa (Sky Place), the tallest pyramid in Belize at 140 feet (43 metres) tall. Caracol is an active archaeological site, with ongoing excavations revealing more about this ancient civilisation.

Barton Creek Cave

Barton Creek Cave, located in the Cayo District, is known for its archaeological significance. The cave contains cultural remains, artefacts, hearths, modified cave formations, and human remains left by the ancient Maya. It is believed that the cave was a site of great ritual importance to the ancient Maya settlers of the region.

Actun Tunichil Muknal

Actun Tunichil Muknal is a remote cave filled with relics and artefacts from the Mayan civilisation. This cave, located in the Cayo District, offers a glimpse into the religious and ceremonial practices of the ancient Maya, making it a popular destination for those interested in Mayan history and culture.

The Cayo District in Belize offers a wealth of opportunities to explore and learn about the ancient Maya civilisation. Through visits to archaeological sites, caves, and museums, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating culture and its enduring impact on the region.

Outdoor Adventures

Cayo, Belize is an adventure hub, offering a range of outdoor activities in its forests, wild rivers, gorges, creeks, and caves. Here are some ideas for outdoor adventures in Cayo:

Caving

Cayo has many of Belize's top caves, such as Actun Tunichil Muknal, Barton Creek Cave, and St. Herman's Cave. You can explore these caves on a guided tour, which typically includes other activities such as tubing, zip-lining, and archaeological site visits.

Hiking

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a popular spot for hiking, with its spectacular waterfalls, caves, and botanical gardens. The Victoria Peak Jungle Hike is also a popular hiking trail in Belize.

Water Activities

Waterfalls such as Butterfly Falls and Big Rock Falls offer opportunities for swimming and jumping into deep pools. Additionally, cave tubing on the Caves Branch River system or at Saint Herman's Cave is a unique way to explore the underground world.

Mayan Ruins

Cayo is known for its concentration of Mayan sites, including Xunantunich, Caracol, and Cahal Pech. These ancient ruins offer a glimpse into the history and culture of the Mayan civilization.

Wildlife Experiences

The Green Iguana Conservation Project at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel aims to conserve and educate about the endangered Green Iguana species. The Green Hills Butterfly Ranch, another nature and wildlife area, exhibits thousands of live butterflies and offers botanical gardens with over 150 plant species.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a popular activity in Cayo, allowing visitors to explore the diverse landscapes of the region while enjoying the outdoors.

The above-mentioned activities are just a few examples of the many outdoor adventures that Cayo, Belize has to offer. With its diverse natural attractions and cultural sites, Cayo is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for those seeking adventure and exploration.

Nature and Wildlife

Cayo, Belize is a nature lover's paradise, boasting lush rainforests, mountains, pristine rivers, and enormous national parks. Here are some of the top nature and wildlife experiences to enjoy in Cayo:

Green Hills Butterfly Ranch

The Green Hills Butterfly Ranch is a must-visit destination in Cayo. It is home to thousands of live butterflies from egg to adult, with over 4,000 square feet of walk-in flight area. The tour includes a visit to the butterfly flight area, the Caterpillar Center, and the surrounding botanical garden with over 150 plant species. It is also a great spot for photography enthusiasts, with unlimited photo opportunities.

Green Iguana Conservation Project

Located at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, the Green Iguana Conservation Project aims to conserve and protect the endangered Green Iguana species in Belize. The project features interactive exhibits and programmes that educate visitors about the incubation, hatching, rearing, and releasing process of these fascinating reptiles.

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a vast nature reserve spanning over 106,000 acres. It is home to some of the tallest waterfalls in Central America and a diverse range of wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, crocodiles, and endangered ocellated turkeys. Visitors can enjoy hiking, explore caves, or take a refreshing swim at Butterfly Falls.

Belize Botanic Gardens

The Belize Botanic Gardens offer guided tours that showcase the secrets of the plants and trees within the garden. Visitors can also discover the answers to intriguing questions, such as what perfumes Chanel No.5 or what tree can colour your clothes. The Orchid House, with over 120 orchid species, is a highlight of the garden.

Barton Creek Cave

Barton Creek Cave offers a unique experience of exploring the cave by canoe, allowing visitors to discover the rituals and ceremonies performed by the Maya to their underworld gods.

Actun Tunichil Muknal

Actun Tunichil Muknal is a remote cave filled with relics and artefacts left behind by the Mayans. This cave is an adventurous experience that involves wading, swimming, and climbing, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Rio Frio Cave

Rio Frio Cave, once used by the ancient Maya for religious ceremonies, is easily accessible and features a paved trail leading to the cave mouth.

Rio On Pools

Rio On Pools is a collection of swimming holes located at the base of a waterfall. It is a great spot for families to enjoy sliding between the pools and climbing.

Blue Hole National Park

The Blue Hole National Park offers a tranquil escape from the heat, with jungle trails, exotic rainforest plants, and a shaded blue pool.

Caracol and Xunantunich

Caracol and Xunantunich are ancient Maya sites, vast cities that once competed with Tikal for dominance in the region. These ruins offer a glimpse into the past and are easily accessible from Cayo.

Cave Tubing

Cave tubing is a unique and adventurous activity offered in Cayo, where participants explore vast underground river systems aboard inflatable inner tubes.

Local Food and Culture

The Cayo District is a delightful blend of diverse cultures, natural settings, and adventure destinations. It is the largest district in Belize, with over 2,000 square miles of pasture land, pristine rivers, verdant hills, tropical forest, and ancient Mayan cities. The district is home to a diverse group of people, including Creoles, Maya, Mennonites, Lebanese, Chinese, and Indians.

The agricultural heartland of Belize, Cayo produces much of the country's bananas, mangos, oranges, vegetables, and corn. It is also a major hub for dairy and meat, including mouthwatering mozzarella cheese and savoury pastrami.

The primary focus of Cayo, however, is tourism, with San Ignacio Town being a vibrant mix of cultures and the second-largest municipality in the country. The town is known for its eco-tourism activities, with plenty of restaurants and shops that draw together the diverse cultures of the area.

• Guava Limb Cafe: Located downtown in a British-colonial-style house, Guava Limb is known for its innovative recipes made from local organic products.
• Ko-Ox Han-Nah: A popular spot serving tasty food with a homey vibe.
• The Burnz: A cool place to hang out, located centrally on Burns Avenue, with a fantastic food and bar menu.
• Tolacca Smoke House: Located in Santa Elena, this BBQ restaurant serves up the best ribs in Belize.
• Cenaida's Belizean Food: A casual dining venue featuring affordable and tasty Belizean and Central American flavours, with dishes like coconut chicken and black soup.
• Erva's: A centrally-located restaurant serving authentic Belizean cuisine, with fresh local vegetables and coconut-infused seafood dishes.
• Lola's Munchies & Booze: A relatively new restaurant and bar located in the Cahal Pech hill area, popular with locals and tourists.
• D' Vine Cravings: A small family-run Cevicheria located just off Bullet Tree Road, known for having some of the best ceviches in Belize.
• Pop's Restaurant: An all-day breakfast cafe serving American classics and Belizean favourites.
• Restaurante Tipico Salvadoreno: A short trip from downtown San Ignacio, this restaurant specializes in Salvadorean food, with amazing pupusas, burritos, and salbutes.

Outside of San Ignacio, there are also several restaurants worth mentioning:

• Grove House Restaurant at Sleeping Giant: This elegant restaurant serves a blend of local and international tastes, with dishes like sriracha shrimp and Gado Gado.
• Crave House of Flavour: A Caribbean, International, and Fusion restaurant with a Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring shrimp dishes and baby back ribs.
• Running W Restaurant: An elegant dining venue with a range of dishes, from sushi to steak, fresh seafood, and handcrafted cocktails.
• Cenaida's Belizean Food: An authentic Belizean lunch spot serving local favourites like tender pibil, hearty rice and beans, and refreshing Soursop drinks.
• Everest Indian Restaurant: Authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine featuring vegetarian and meat dishes with aromatic spices.
• Hode's Place Bar & Grill: A Caribbean bar and grill serving a variety of local Belizean dishes with an emphasis on well-seasoned shrimp specialties, traditional stewed chicken, and unique tortilla cuts.
• Martha's Guest House, Kitchen & Laundromat: An inviting eatery serving breakfast and lunch favourites, from chocolate chip pancakes to huevos rancheros.
• The Shack Cafe Restaurant & Bar: Known for its breakfast offerings, this spot serves fresh fruit platters, homemade hot sauce, and stuffed jacks, with a conducive atmosphere for dining and working.
• Blue Moon Restaurant: A South American and Central American restaurant with attentive waitstaff and delicious food.
• Las Palapas Belize Restaurant: This dining venue serves Fry Tacos and Pibil Torta, with vegan and gluten-free options in an elegant setting.

With its blend of cultures, natural beauty, and delicious food, Cayo, Belize, is a must-visit destination for those seeking an immersive cultural experience.

Caves and Tubing

Cave tubing is a popular activity in Cayo, Belize, where tourists can float above underground rivers inside caves on inflatable tubes or tire inner tubes. The Caves Branch River in the Cayo District is known for its extensive cave systems, including the famous Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, a popular destination for archaeological adventures. The Caves Branch Stream flows through the entire cave system, which is one of Belize's more attractive national parks.

The trip from Belize City to the cave tubing areas of Cayo near Belmopan takes about two hours. A 30-minute hike through the rainforest is followed by a 45-minute float down the river. Tour companies provide all the necessary equipment, refreshments, snacks, and cover park fees. All that is needed is a swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash.

The ancient Maya used these caves as ceremonial centres, and regarded them as a sacred underworld. They are considered some of the holiest places on Earth, where divine beings resided and Mayan priests engaged in spiritual communion with them.

Caving is recommended in Cayo as the district has many of Belize's top caves, such as Actun Tunichil Muknal and Barton Creek Cave.

Frequently asked questions