Cayo District

Cayo enjoys more than its share of the most stunning natural and archaeological wonders that Belize has to offer: lush jungles with thundering waterfalls, Mayan ruins, more Mayan artifacts than you'll likely see anywhere on Earth and amazingly huge cave systems. The Belize travel destination of Cayo also offers visitors the unique opportunity to encounter a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Over 60 percent of the Cayo District is protected as either a Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park, or Forest Reserve. It's no wonder Cayo is a favorite Belize vacation destination for ecotourists!


Cayo Activities & Attractions
 
Caracol
For anyone interested in Mayan history, a Belize vacation wouldn't be complete without a tour to Caracol, the Mayan Classic Period complex and the most extensive Maya site known in Belize. Caracol includes five plazas, an astronomic observatory and over 35,000 buildings, including a massive pyramid rising 140 feet above the jungle floor.

Cayo Caves
The Cayo region is honeycombed with caves that make up one of the most spectacular and extensive cave systems on Earth. Cave tours include exploring on foot, and in the many caves with underground rivers, by inflatable kayaking, canoeing or tubing. Light filters through to several of the chambers, many of which are quite enormous, and illuminates the impressive stalactites and stalagmites, as well as artifacts and skeletons from the ancient Maya civilization.


Mountain Pine Ridge
This area features great pine forests, canyons, valleys, waterfalls, and vistas of stunning beauty. Hiking, biking and horseback riding tours are popular in this area and are some of the great ways to explore what the Cayo District of Belize has to offer.

Located near the Pine Forest Headquarters is the easily accessible Rio Frio Cave and its Rio Frio Pools. The pools are connected by small waterfalls made of smooth granite that provide fun, natural water slides -- and as the name implies, are sure to cool you off!

More to See & Do on your Belize Vacation in Cayo: 

• Zip Line Tours will send you flying through the Belize rainforest canopy.

• Hidden Valley Falls is a routine stop on many tours. The view is not so routine. This features the highest known waterfall in Central America, where the thundering water falls 1,500 feet from top to bottom.

• The Belize Butterfly House is home to many butterflies that fly freely in beautifully landscaped flight areas and among orchids, bromeliads and other tropical flowers. 

• River Paddling Tours are a must-do for the eco adventurer. View a rich variety of flora and fauna, including crocodiles and sunning iguanas, from a canoe or kayak. For the less adventurous, many guides are happy to take you down the rivers in larger boats. 

Cayo Travel Tips

The average annual rainfall in the Cayo District is about 60 inches with February through April being the driest months and July the wettest. Rainfall tends to be intense but short-lived, and long periods of overcast weather are very unusual. Cayo, like most of Belize, is generally warm (average daytime temps in the 70's to 80's and in May the low 90's). As with any Belize vacation, pack clothing to wear for the variety of things to do in Belize and the various regions (high elevations can drop to the low 50's). Also as with any Belize vacation, book tours and accommodations early so you don't miss out.