In the western part of Belize, you will find Cayo District, located in approximately 2,000 square miles of succulent landscape. This area shows an incredible fortune of interest and activities for tourists and is also the entrance to Guatemala and the incredible ruins of Tikal. Mountain Pine Ridge is often called the main attraction of the area, but Cayo District also includes many great Mayan ruins, towns such as San Ignacio and Santa Elena, the border of Benque Viejo and the villa between the scenic Río Mopan and Río Macal.

Only 90 minutes by road from Belize City (70 miles) will bring you to San Ignacio, the main town in Cayo District and the second largest in the country's metropolitan area. San Ignacio, which is built on seven hills, has a population of 6,000 people and includes mestizos, Creoles, Mayans, Guatemalans, Lebanese, Mennonites and other cultures. Both English and Spanish are spoken in this part of the country.


Cayo District Belize

The Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve consists of the beauty of a mountain complemented by rivers, waterfalls and caves, the most beautiful flora and fauna. This reserve is the only pine forest in all of Central America and the oldest park in Belize. Many nature trails and stunning destinations make Mountain Pine Ridge the ideal place for walking, horse riding, while many rivers that surround the place are perfect for canoeing or kayaking. In addition to everything, the reserve is a wonderful place to contemplate nature and see birds and other wild animals, as well as its incredible natural wonders.

There are numerous waterfalls in Cayo District. The tallest waterfall in Belize and throughout Central America is the Hidden Valley waterfall (also called Thousand Foot Falls or a thousand foot waterfall), a spectacular waterfall that falls about 1,500 feet down the mountain. Among other waterfalls we can mention: Butterfly Falls (butterfly waterfalls), located on the property of Hidden Valley Inn Hotel; Five Sisters Falls (Five Sisters Falls); and Big Rock Falls (big stone falls).

Cayo District Belize

Belize Cayo District offers many good hotels, categorized for all needs and interests, each with its own personality and most are in attractive locations. Although you can rely on transfers and transportation provided by your hotel, for greater mobility and flexibility we recommend renting a car, which should be a 4X4 because all roads in Mountain Pine Ridge are dirt roads. All hotels offer guided tours to different sites including nature trails, jungle tours, and cave exploration.

Below you can find some of the recommendation in the region of Cayo:

• The Largest District In Belize
• Maya Ceremonial Caves
• The Nation’s Capital - Belmopan
• Maya Temples – Xunantunich And Caracol 
• Mountain Pine Ridge
• Organic Produce at Market 
• The Longest Suspension Bridge In Belize
• San Ignacio twon
• Mountain Bike Trails 
• Educational Centers of Butterfly Exhibit
• Natural History Centre
• The Thousand Foot Falls 
• The Barton Creek Ceremonial Cave 
• The Hilly Terrain Of Cayo
• The Ancient Art Of Chocolate Making