Cayo, Belize: A Hidden Eco-Paradise
Explore 880,000 Acres of Protected Forests, Rivers, & Majestic Caves
The Cayo District in Belize is a premier eco-tourism destination that remains true to its natural roots, refusing to compromise on its commitment to conservation. Unlike other Caribbean destinations, you won’t find high-rise hotels here—instead, you’ll discover over 880,000 acres of protected areas, nature reserves, and national parks spread across the 2,000 square miles of Cayo District, showcasing Belize’s dedication to preserving its natural wonders.
The Belize district is primarily composed of lush broad-leaf jungle that sits atop ancient limestone formations. These formations were created by the uplifting of coral beds over the past 20 million years. Over time, flowing water has gradually eroded the limestone, forming underwater rivers, stunning sinkholes, and the incredible caves that Cayo District is famous for. One of the region’s unique features, the Mountain Pine Ridge, was also shaped by these natural processes, offering an awe-inspiring landscape for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve: A Natural Wonderland
Spanning nearly 300 square miles, the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve offers a breathtaking landscape of rolling hills, peaks, and gorges, all shaped by some of the oldest rocks in Central America. The terrain, rich in karst limestone, is perfect for hiking, with various water activities to enhance your adventure.
Big Rock Falls - A steep hike leads you to the foot of this stunning waterfall, where you can swim in the cool, cascading pools beneath the falls. It’s a refreshing and scenic spot that’s worth the effort.
Rio On Pools - This series of crystal-clear pools, formed by massive granite boulders, offers a natural water playground. Many of the pools are connected by small, cascading waterfalls, and the smooth surfaces of the rocks create natural slides for added fun. It’s an ideal spot for swimming or hiking in a truly unique setting.
Rio Frio Cave - For those who prefer spacious caves, Rio Frio is a must-see. The two 65-foot arched entryways will leave you in awe, as will the massive stalactites hanging from the cathedral-like vaults. This cave system was once used by the Maya to bury their dead. Inside, the cave is vast, with room-sized boulders scattered throughout and a stream running through, forming pools and cascading falls. With natural light filtering through openings at both ends, there's no need for flashlights. A footbridge leads to the other side of the cave, where you can continue your exploration to another equally impressive opening.
Thousand Foot Falls - This dramatic waterfall has a single lookout point, requiring a bumpy drive to reach, but the view is worth the journey. Birders will especially appreciate this site, as it’s one of the best locations to spot the elusive Orange-breasted Falcon.
Nearby attractions
While it may not be possible to experience all of these incredible sights in one day, our friendly office staff can help you plan the perfect combination of Pine Ridge hikes and nearby attractions. These include the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch, zip-lining, or cave canoeing. For those visiting the Maya archaeological site of Caracol, a stop at either Rio On Pools or Big Rock Falls on your return to the lodge is a great way to make the most of your day.
Adventure, nature, and history await at Mountain Pine Ridge and beyond, so let us help you craft an unforgettable experience.
San Ignacio Town
San Ignacio is the vibrant heart of commerce and tourism in Cayo District. Along with its neighboring town, Santa Elena, it forms the largest populated area in the district, with a welcoming community of around 40,000 residents. Nestled along the scenic Macal River, atop a series of bluffs, San Ignacio is perfectly situated—just under two hours by road from both Belize City and the ancient Maya city of Tikal in Guatemala.
Locally known as "Cayo," San Ignacio offers a charming blend of Old West Americana and tropical allure. Its narrow streets are lined with frontier-style wooden shops, creating a distinctive atmosphere. Burns Avenue, the town's main street, is an excellent starting point for exploring.
On most days, Burns Avenue is alive with activity, as locals and visitors alike stroll through the bustling thoroughfare. The area is packed with eclectic shops, cozy hotels, and inviting eateries, where friendly townspeople and travelers mingle in the restaurants and bars, giving San Ignacio its warm and welcoming vibe.
Saturday Market
Many of our guests seize the opportunity to visit the vibrant local market, with Saturday morning being the best time to go. It’s the busiest market day, offering a lively atmosphere filled with an abundance of fresh produce, including a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. In addition to these, food vendors prepare delicious local dishes like tacos, tamales, pupusas, and freshly baked breads, cheeses, and yogurts for you to sample. The market is also a treasure trove of handmade crafts, unique gift items, and local medicinal and cooking herbs. While you explore, enjoy a tasty treat and mingle with the friendly locals in the festive, bustling energy of this authentic market experience.
Ajaw Chocolate Experience
Chocolate has its roots in Central America, where it was so prized that cacao beans were once used as currency by ancient indigenous peoples. Discover the traditional methods of chocolate-making and immerse yourself in the process. Roast cacao beans over a wood fire, grind them on a traditional metate, and mix the ingredients until you have 100% pure, rich chocolate. Sample your creation and even take some home as a delicious souvenir of your authentic chocolate experience.
The Iguana Conservation Project
Located at the San Ignacio Hotel, this unique experience offers you the chance to get up close to the fascinating descendants of dinosaurs and learn about their crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Macal River ecosystem. This engaging, hands-on tour is both fun and educational, providing valuable insights in just about an hour.
Cahal Pech
Perched on the highest hill overlooking San Ignacio, Cahal Pech is a partially excavated Maya archaeological site that offers both history and stunning views. Located just a 15-minute uphill walk from town, the site features a visitor center housing fascinating artifacts and a reconstructed model of the site. The site itself includes 34 structures, all nestled within a 2-acre area. One of the most enjoyable aspects of Cahal Pech is its abundant birdlife and the shade provided by the numerous trees, making it a peaceful and picturesque spot to explore.