South & Central America

Cayo District

Cayo dominates the centre west of the country, and forms the heart of Belize, embracing all the country’s landscapes and cultures and a perfect antidote to the heat and bustle of Belize City; the air is cooler, the people calmer and the pace gentler.  The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve contains a rustic, outdoor playground of chilly crystalline rivers, intricate cave networks and a maze of hiking trails. The raging Macal and the Mopan rivers offer great swimming, tubing, canoeing and kayaking while Cayo's forests hide the impressive Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and Caracol.

The ancient Mayan city of Caracol was one of the most powerful in the Maya world and the Caana or ‘sky-house’ remains the tallest man made structure in the country.  Xunantunich was once an important ceremonial centre, and the extraordinary view of lush jungle landscape visible from the top of the El Castillo temple should not be missed.

Also noteworthy in this area is the excellent Belize Zoo and the lively, bustling town of San Ignacio from where one can embark on unforgettable caving, horseback riding, canoeing and hiking experiences. 

Our preferred lodges are:

The Lodge at Chaa Creek
Blancaneaux Lodge
Hidden Valley Inn
Ka'ana Boutique Resort & Spa
Pook's Hill Lodge