Best Lodging Options For Families In Cayo, Belize

Belize's Cayo District is a popular destination for ecotourism and adventure holidays. The area is known for its abundant wildlife, Mayan ruins, waterfalls, rivers, and spectacular caves. There are a variety of accommodation options in Cayo Belize, ranging from luxury resorts to more basic jungle lodges and hotels. Here is an introduction to help you decide where to stay in Cayo Belize for your family of five:

Lodges and Resorts:

- Chaa Creek: A family-run, eco-lodge located just outside of San Ignacio in the Maya Mountains. It offers river activities, nature walks, and birdwatching opportunities.

- Mystic River Resort: An eco-lodge located on the Macal River, offering river activities, nature walks, and spa treatments.

- Ka'ana Resort: Small cottages set amidst tropical gardens, with an infinity pool and easy access to nearby national parks and caves.

- Blancaneaux Lodge: Located within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, offering luxurious thatched cabanas, organic gardens, and river activities.

- Gaia River Lodge: An intimate lodge perched above the Five Sisters Waterfalls, offering organic meals, birdwatching, and a spa.

- Pooks Hill Lodge: A rustic-chic lodge surrounded by jungle, with traditionally styled lodges, a river for swimming, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Hotels:

- San Ignacio Resort Hotel: Located in San Ignacio, this hotel offers an outdoor pool, a spa, and fantastic jungle views. It is also home to the Green Iguana Conservation Project.

- Maya Mountain Lodge: Surrounded by tropical gardens, this lodge offers an outdoor pool, bright and colourful rooms, and nature activities such as kayaking and cookery classes.

- Midas Resort: Set in charming cabins with bright décor, Midas Resort features an outdoor pool, attractive gardens, and easy access to nearby caves and Mayan ruins.

- Windy Hill Resort: Located in San Ignacio, this resort offers cottages or rooms with garden, mountain, or pool views. It also has an à la carte restaurant and a lounge bar.

- Mahogany Hall Luxury Boutique Resort: Located in the quaint Village of Bullet Tree, this resort offers spacious suites, tropical gardens, and a restaurant serving national and international dishes.

Family-friendly resorts

Mystic River Resort

This eco-lodge is a family-friendly, luxury resort in a remote jungle location, a 20-minute drive from San Ignacio. It offers a range of activities, including horse riding, canoeing, and river tubing, as well as treks through caves and ancient Mayan ruins. The resort has a private river beach, a spa, organic gardens, and an open-air restaurant. Each stylish, fully-equipped studio and suite is set in an independent cabin with wonderful river views. All suites have a sofa, a safe, free WiFi, and a private bathroom with bathrobes.

Ka'ana Resort

This delightful collection of small cottages is set amid sprawling tropical gardens. The rooms are elegantly furnished and tastefully decorated. The resort has an infinity pool and is a great base for day tours around the area, including to Mayan ruins, horse riding in the countryside, and nearby caves and rainforests.

San Ignacio Resort Hotel

This resort has an outdoor pool, a spa, and fantastic jungle views. The Green Iguana Conservation Project is based on-site. Each bright, air-conditioned room has elegant decor, free WiFi, and a furnished balcony overlooking the jungle. The on-site restaurant serves international and Belizean cuisine. The resort is a 5-minute drive from the Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins.

Mahogany Hall Luxury Boutique Resort

This resort is located in the quaint Village of Bullet Tree and boasts beautiful tropical gardens. The spacious suites are fully air-conditioned and come equipped with wooden decor, a flat-screen cable TV, and a private balcony. The Mayan Ruins of Cahal Pech are 20 minutes away by car, while the Barton Creek Caves are a 15-minute drive away.

Midas Resort

Midas Resort is a pretty complex featuring a hot tub, outdoor swimming pool, and attractive gardens. Each villa and suite is set in charming cabins with bright decor, air conditioning, cable TV, and a ceiling fan. The resort has an ideal setting for fishing and horse riding and arranges trips to nearby caves and Mayan ruins, as well as bird-watching excursions.

Hotels with pools

Cayo, Belize, is a nature lover's paradise, brimming with lush rainforests, majestic waterfalls, and ancient Mayan ruins. If you're planning a family vacation to this captivating destination, here are some fantastic hotel options with swimming pools to keep everyone entertained:

Mystic River Resort

Mystic River Resort is an adventure-focused resort nestled along the Macal River. It offers a variety of on-site and off-site activities, including jungle and river explorations. The resort boasts well-appointed rooms with balconies overlooking the beautiful surroundings. While it may not have air conditioning or mobile signal, the resort makes up for it with a relaxing spa, an excellent restaurant, and a range of adventure packages led by their own guides. Mystic River Resort is an ideal choice for families seeking a blend of comfort and exploration.

San Ignacio Resort Hotel

Nestled in the heart of a rainforest, San Ignacio Resort Hotel provides luxurious master suites and breathtaking jungle views. The Spanish-style lobby sets the tone for a memorable stay. The hotel offers an on-site restaurant, garden rooms, and engaging iguana conservation tours. Its proximity to attractions like the ATM cave and Caracol makes it a convenient base for families looking to explore the best of Belize.

Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge

Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge offers the perfect blend of seclusion and adventure. Located in a secluded setting, this lodge features lodges and beachfront villas with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. The on-site restaurant is highly praised, and the lodge offers a range of outdoor activities and excursions. The river views, outdoor tubs, and plunge pools provide a relaxing atmosphere for families to unwind and connect with nature.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek

The Lodge at Chaa Creek is a family-run eco-lodge situated in the Maya Mountains, just outside of San Ignacio. It offers deluxe cottages surrounded by exotic birdlife and lush nature. The river Macal, ideal for canoeing, is also nearby. The lodge boasts amazing villas and cottages with stunning views, kind staff, and a range of activities like birdwatching and horseback riding. Their luxurious spa villas with private pools make it an excellent choice for families seeking relaxation and natural immersion.

Maya Mountain Lodge

Maya Mountain Lodge is a quiet and nature-filled retreat with a small pool, lush gardens, and hiking trails. Located close to San Ignacio town, this lodge offers spacious cabins and apartments, along with Caribbean cuisine and nearby dining options. It's an excellent choice for families who want to explore the beauty of Cayo while also having access to town conveniences.

Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge, a Muy'Ono Resort

Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge is an all-inclusive resort that offers a range of activities, including excursions to Mayan ruins, river adventures, and horseback riding. The resort boasts a beautiful pool, stunning jungle views, and accommodating staff. It's an excellent choice for families seeking a mix of relaxation and exploration in the heart of the Belizean jungle.

Hotels with free parking

Mystic River Resort

Mystic River Resort is a family-friendly, adventure-focused resort located along the Macal River. It offers a range of on-site and off-site activities, including jungle and river explorations, with balcony views. The resort provides morning coffee delivery, in-room fireplaces, a yoga deck, and archaeological tours. It is also known for its excellent spa and restaurant. Mystic River Resort is located a short distance downriver from San Ignacio, overlooking the water.

San Ignacio Resort Hotel

Nestled in a rainforest, the San Ignacio Resort Hotel offers luxurious master suites and beautiful jungle views. The hotel features a Spanish-style lobby, an on-site restaurant, and a garden. They also offer engaging iguana conservation tours and are known for their helpful concierge services.

Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge

The Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge provides a secluded setting with lodges and beachfront villas. It boasts a praised restaurant, a range of outdoor adventure excursions, on-site activities, river views, outdoor tubs, and plunge pools. The lodge is located near the town of San Ignacio.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek

The Lodge at Chaa Creek offers amazing villas and cottages with beautiful grounds, kind and helpful staff, and stunning views. They have an on-site butterfly farm, horseback riding, spa services, and luxurious spa villas with private pools. The Lodge at Chaa Creek is located near the town of San Ignacio.

Maya Mountain Lodge

Maya Mountain Lodge is a quiet nature-filled lodge with spacious cabins and apartments, a small pool, and lush gardens. It is known for its friendly staff and is conveniently located close to the town of San Ignacio and its dining options.

Crystal Paradise Resort

Crystal Paradise Resort is a tranquil, family-run resort nestled in the jungle, offering various excursions, birdwatching opportunities, and a nearby river to relax by. They serve authentic Belizean cuisine and are known for their warm atmosphere. Crystal Paradise Resort is located in Black Rock, not far from San Ignacio.

Hotels with air conditioning

Venus Hotel

Located in San Ignacio, this hotel is a 5-minute walk from Cahal Pech. It offers rooms with air conditioning and private bathrooms. A reviewer praised the hotel's location, cleanliness, and "excelent [sic] air conditioner".

Maxroomz

Also located in San Ignacio, Maxroomz is a 2-minute drive from Cahal Pech. It offers rooms with mountain views, a desk, free WiFi, and air conditioning. A reviewer praised the room's cleanliness, size, and air conditioning.

Rumors Resort Hotel

Rumors Resort Hotel is a family-friendly hotel located in San Ignacio. It offers air-conditioned rooms with balconies or patios, cable TV, and private bathrooms. A reviewer praised the staff, food, room size, cleanliness, and air conditioning.

Mystic River Resort

This eco-lodge is located in San Ignacio and offers air-conditioned rooms with river views, tiled floors, mahogany furnishings, and private balconies. The resort also features a spa, restaurant, and various outdoor activities.

Mahogany Hall Luxury Boutique Resort

This resort is located in the quaint village of Bullet Tree and offers spacious, air-conditioned suites with wooden décor, flat-screen cable TV, and private balconies. A restaurant serving national and international dishes is also available on-site.

San Ignacio Resort Hotel

This resort is located in San Ignacio and offers air-conditioned rooms with elegant décor, free WiFi, and furnished balconies overlooking the jungle. The on-site restaurant serves international and Belizean cuisine.

Hotels with restaurants

Cayo, Belize, is a great destination for families, with a plethora of resorts, lodges, and hotels to choose from. Here is a list of some of the best hotels with restaurants in the area:

• San Ignacio Resort Hotel: Nestled in a rainforest, this hotel offers luxurious master suites, beautiful jungle views, and a Spanish-style lobby. It features an on-site restaurant, garden rooms, and engaging iguana conservation tours.
• Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge: This lodge offers secluded settings with lodges and beachfront villas. It has a praised restaurant, outdoor adventure excursions, river views, outdoor tubs, and breathtaking mountain scenery.
• Mystic River Resort: This adventure-focused resort offers diverse on-site and off-site activities, including jungle and river explorations. It boasts a great spa and restaurant, as well as some rooms with plunge pools.
• Mahogany Hall Boutique Resort: This luxury jungle retreat near San Ignacio offers spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and attentive service. It features a restaurant/bar on-site and arranges excursions to Mayan ruins.
• Maya Mountain Lodge: Surrounded by tropical gardens, this lodge offers an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and bright accommodations with free Wi-Fi and garden views. The on-site restaurant serves fresh natural dishes, and the property organizes activities like kayaking, cookery classes, and tours of Mayan ruins.
• Ka'ana Resort & Spa: Set in beautiful gardens, this resort features a spa, an infinity pool, and charming rooms with terraces. The on-site restaurant, La Ceiba, serves gourmet Belizean cuisine using organic produce from the resort's gardens.
• Blancaneaux Lodge: Located within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, this lodge offers an outdoor pool, organic gardens, and two restaurants. The charming bungalows and villas feature river views, spacious seating areas, and iPod docks.
• Mariposa Jungle Lodge: Surrounded by jungle, this boutique eco-lodge offers luxury thatched cabins, a nature trail, and an outdoor pool. The main lodge has a traditional Belizean restaurant, a full bar, and a lounge with a TV, books, artwork, and board games.
• Rumors Resort Hotel: This hotel features free Wi-Fi, free public parking, and a children's playground. The air-conditioned rooms have balconies or patios, cable TV, and private bathrooms. The property's restaurant serves local and international cuisine, and activities include karaoke nights.
• Parrot Nest Lodge: Located in Bullet Tree Village, this lodge offers free Wi-Fi, a balcony, and garden views. The property has a 24-hour front desk, a garden, a terrace, a shared lounge, and a tour desk.

Frequently asked questions