Cayo District: Where Is It In Belize?

Cayo is the largest of Belize's six districts, located in the west of the country along the border with Guatemala. It is home to around 53,000-90,000 people and covers more than 2,000 square miles of diverse landscapes, including tropical forests, rolling hills, pastureland, and rivers. The district is known for its natural attractions, Mayan sites, and local cuisine, earning it the title of the cultural heart of Belize.

Mayan ruins and sites

Belize is home to some of the most impressive Mayan ruins and sites, with the Cayo District being no exception. Here are some of the Mayan ruins and sites in the Cayo District:

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

This site is located near San Ignacio and is easily accessible from the Cayo District and western Belize. It is one of the best-excavated and accessible Mayan sites in the country. During the Classic Period of the Mayan Empire, Xunantunich was a major city, and tourists can now view the huge central pyramid, along with many carved stelae that depict the history of this once-great metropolis. Visitors can reach the site by crossing the Mopan River via a hand-cranked ferry.

Caracol Mayan Ruins

Caracol is located within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in the Cayo District and is believed to be Belize's largest Mayan site. It is easily accessible from the Cayo District and western Belize and is situated in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Archaeologists are still uncovering the full extent of the city, with the central pyramid, Caana, standing tall at 41 meters, making it the tallest man-made structure in Belize.

Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins

Cahal Pech is located in San Ignacio Town, Cayo, and is one of the finest Mayan ruins in the area. It is dated to 1500 B.C., making it one of the oldest ruins in Belize. The site offers a stunning selection of temples, plazas, and other areas to explore. It is also located close to Xunantunich, making it convenient to explore both sites in a single day.

El Pilar Mayan Ruins

El Pilar is one of the most extensive Mayan ruins in Belize, spanning over 100 acres. It has 25 separate plazas, each with unique features. The site is believed to have been a central hydration point for the Mayans, as 'pila' means 'watering basin' in Spanish. El Pilar is easily accessible from the Cayo District and western Belize.

Barton Creek Cave

Barton Creek, located about an hour's drive from San Ignacio Town, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Cayo District. It features a wide range of cultural remains left by the ancient Maya, including artifacts, hearths, modified cave formations, and human remains.

These are just a few examples of the Mayan ruins and sites found in the Cayo District of Belize, each offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Mayan civilization.

Diverse culture

The Cayo District in Belize is known for its diverse culture and natural beauty. Covering nearly a quarter of Belize's total landmass, it is the largest district in the country, spanning over 2,000 square miles of tropical forests, rolling hills, pasturelands, and vibrant rivers. It is home to a unique mix of cultures, including Creole, Maya, Mestizo, Garifuna, Chinese, East Indian, European, and Lebanese.

The district's capital, Belmopan, is a gateway to the Hummingbird Highway and the southern part of Belize. The twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, joined by the Hawksworth Bridge, are the cultural hub and the second-largest town in the country. San Ignacio, with its lively downtown area, offers a range of restaurants, the Cayo Farmers' Market, the Iguana Hatchery, and vibrant murals.

The Mennonite farming community of Spanish Lookout is another important cultural aspect of Cayo. They supply the country with poultry, dairy, and other produce, contributing significantly to the district's agricultural focus. Their organic lifestyle and business enterprises make them a vital part of the local economy.

Cayo's border town, Benque Viejo del Carmen, is home to many Mayan settlements, and the district itself boasts a staggering 600 Maya sites, including world-famous ruins like Xunantunich and Cahal Pech. The Mayan culture is deeply rooted in the area, with their cosmology and religious beliefs influencing the region's unique geological characteristics.

In addition to its natural attractions and Mayan history, Cayo also offers a variety of culinary delights. Traditional Belizean dishes, such as garnaches, salbutes, black relleno, panades, "bollos", and "boil up", can be found throughout the district. The Guava Limb Cafe in San Ignacio is a notable spot for gourmet local cuisine and unique cocktails.

The diverse culture of Cayo, with its harmonious blend of ethnic groups and natural wonders, makes it a truly special destination in Belize.

Ecotourism

Cayo District, located in the west of Belize, is the country's largest district and a hub for ecotourism. The district is known for its diverse natural attractions, Mayan sites, and local cuisine, making it a popular destination for travellers seeking an immersive experience in Belize's cultural heart.

The district boasts a wealth of natural wonders, including lush rainforests, mountains, and pristine rivers. The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, spanning over 106,000 acres, is home to Central America's tallest waterfalls and exotic wildlife such as jaguars, monkeys, crocodiles, and endangered ocellated turkeys. The district's capital, San Ignacio, serves as a popular gateway for exploring the beauty of Cayo. The town itself is worth visiting for its thriving open-air market, where farmers, artisans, and villagers gather to sell fresh produce, handicrafts, and traditional medicinal compounds.

Cayo is also known for its Important Birding Areas, identified by the Belize Audobon Society, making it a paradise for bird watchers. The district's rivers, such as the Macal and the Mopan, offer unique experiences like cave tubing, a sport that involves exploring vast underground river systems aboard inflatable tubes. Additionally, the Rio Frio Cave, once used by the ancient Maya for religious ceremonies, and the Rio on Pools, a collection of swimming holes at the base of a waterfall, are popular destinations for those seeking a combination of nature and cultural exploration.

The district's Mayan heritage is evident in several pre-Columbian ruins and sites, including Caracol, Xunantunich, and Cahal Pech. These ancient cities provide a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Maya civilisation. The twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, joined by the Hawksworth Bridge, offer a unique blend of cultures, influenced by neighbouring Guatemala, and are home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, including Creole, Maya, Mestizo, Garifuna, Chinese, and East Indian.

Eco-tourism plays a vital role in the economy of Cayo, and the district is committed to environmental sustainability. From budget-friendly campsites to luxurious award-winning eco-resorts, travellers can find a range of accommodations that cater to different preferences and budgets. Many of these resorts offer educational opportunities, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the local environment and culture.

Cayo District's focus on ecotourism allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural wonders and cultural richness of the region while contributing to the preservation and appreciation of Belize's ecological treasures.

Capital Belmopan

Belmopan is the capital of Belize, located in the Cayo District. It is the third-largest settlement in Belize, with a population of 16,451 in 2010, and is the fastest-growing population centre in the country.

Belmopan was founded as a planned community in 1970, making it one of the newest national capitals in the world. The city was constructed following the devastation of Hurricane Hattie in 1961, which destroyed approximately 75% of the houses and businesses in the former capital, Belize City. The new capital was built on higher ground, 80km inland, to avoid similar flooding in the future.

Belmopan is located 76 metres above sea level, near the Belize River Valley, and enjoys a cool climate at night. The city is laid out around a Ring Road, with most government buildings situated within or around it, and a large central area dedicated to parkland. The National Assembly Building is the focal point of the city's design, resembling a Pre-Columbian Mayan temple, with surrounding buildings mirroring this aesthetic.

Belmopan is a safe, thriving city with banks, embassies, consulates, supermarkets, and a growing number of call centres. The city has good infrastructure, including well-laid-out streets, avenues, and paved roads. It is also a hub for ecotourism, with nearby national parks and protected areas, such as Guanacaste Park and St. Herman's Blue Hole. The surrounding region is known for its rolling hills, dense rainforest, abundant waterfalls, clear rivers, and numerous Maya sites.

Belmopan is also a cultural centre, with events such as presentations by the Belmopan Choral Society, the Festival of Arts for school children, and National Day activities. The city has a reasonable number of hotels and is a popular stop for retirees and travellers looking for a safe, convenient base to explore other parts of Belize.

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a nature reserve in the Cayo District of southern central Belize. Covering an area of 106,352.5 acres (430 km2), it was established in 1944 to protect Belize's native pine forests. The reserve is predominantly pine forest (58.5%), primarily Caribbean pine, but also features significant broadleaf forest (36.8%), grassland (3.4%), and wetland (0.6%). The climate is subtropical, with a rainy season from July to February (or June to November, according to another source). During the dry season, from February to May, temperatures can reach 39 °C (102 °F) with a humidity level of 70%.

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve offers a unique landscape in Belize, with cool temperatures and natural monuments. Visitors can explore the reserve on mountain bike, on foot, or on horseback. The reserve features gorges, deep ravines, granite expanses, meandering rivers, streams, waterfalls, and pools. One notable waterfall is the 1,000 Foot Falls, the tallest in Belize and Central America, although it can only be viewed from a distance. Another popular waterfall is Big Rock Falls, which features a 45-metre (150-foot) drop and several places to swim and jump into the water. The Rio On Pools is another series of natural swimming holes with waterfalls and exposed rocks for sunbathing.

The reserve is also home to various bird species, such as the rufous-capped warbler, common crossbill, pine siskin, eastern bluebird, and stygian owl. Mammals in the reserve include cougars, jaguars, ocelots, white-nosed coatis, and Baird's tapirs.

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve has poorly defined boundaries and is challenging to access due to rough roads. However, major construction works are taking place to pave the main road through the reserve. Visitors should be prepared for muddy and slippery conditions and bring appropriate footwear and other necessary items, as there are few amenities within the reserve.

Frequently asked questions