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About Cayo District

Cayo, Westernmost of Belize's six districts...

Geographically the largest and most fertile district in Belize, Cayo spans more than 2,000 square miles across diverse terrain - from rolling hills and sweeping farmland devoted to citrus orchards and cattle farming, to lush river valleys and rugged mountain ridges covered in sub-tropical jungle. Easy to reach on the Western Highway, the Cayo District is approximately a one-hour drive from Belize City.

Tourism ....

Cayo District Belmopan San Ignacio Mountain Pine Ridge Spanish Lookout With an estimated population of about 50,000 people, one of Cayo District's most important industries is eco-tourism. Besides the country's most extensive number of Archeological Sites and a growing number of comfortable accommodations, Cayo offers visitors the unique opportunity to encounter its physically diverse flora and fauna. With such natural wonders as cascading waterfalls and limestone caves, an intact and relatively undisturbed environment Cayo offers something for everyone. In fact over 60% of Cayo District has been set aside as either a Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park, or Forest Reserve.

To experience Cayo you can Hike, Canoe, travel by Horseback, or tour in the comfort of an air-conditioned van. Whatever your preference, prepare yourself for the ultimate in an "up close and personal" experience.

The Land ....Upper Macal River

Much of Cayo consists of broadleaf jungle overlying limestone formations. These formations are a result of an uplifting of ancient coral beds during the past 20 million years. Over time, flowing water has gradually dissolved the limestone, forming underwater rivers, sinkholes, and the Spectacular Caves for which Cayo is famous.

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve



Above 2,500 feet, granite rock formed from molten intrusions create a landscape of great pine forests, canyons and valley, waterfalls, and vistas of stunning beauty.

The Mountain Pine Ridge was formed in this way. 

Women doing Laundry along the Mopan RiverAgriculture in Cayo is concentrated in the Belize River valley, where the soil is kept fertile with flood waters from the highlands. Most settlements in Cayo District were founded in these areas, because their rich soils produced plentiful harvests and their waterways provided a means of traveling and transporting goods.

Today, it is not an uncommon site to see villagers along the river banks swimming, bathing and doing the family laundry.

Belize River Valley SceneCayo, a region once rich with logging and chicle farming, today boasts citrus groves and cattle ranches. Cayo farmers also raise poultry, corn, sorghum, beans, fruits, and various vegetables for both domestic consumption and export.

Significant amounts of pine, Santa Maria, cedar and mahogany are still harvested by local timber interests.

Towns & People ....

Hawksworth Bridge - San IgnacioSan Ignacio is the hub of commerce and tourism for western Belize, and together with its sister town - Santa Elena - make up the largest populated area in Cayo District with over 14,000 residents. 

Located along the banks of the Macal River, on a series of bluffs, San Ignacio and Santa Elena are at an elevation high enough to be noticeably cooler and less humid than the low-lying coastal plains. 

Belmopan, the "new" capital of Belize, was established in 1965, following devastation to the former capitol, Belize City, by Hurricane Hattie. 

The geographical center of the country - Belmopan - lies near Cayo District's eastern edge, 50 miles west of Belize City and 22 miles east of San Ignacio.

Office of the Prime Minister -  Belmopan

Spanish Lookout is Belize’s most modern Mennonite community with approximately 3,000 inhabitants, located midway between San Ignacio and Belmopan.

The community is spread out over open fields and small houses resembling a scene from a rural mid-western town in the United States.

Farmers Trading Center

Lower Macal RiverIn between are wild rivers and tropical hardwood forests where the indigenous jaguar, tapir and scarlet macal reside. Along the rivers an easy-going people, living in modest villages, traditionally have earned a living from working the land.

Cayo's diverse and hospitable residents have long attracted a vast spectrum of people and cultures - Maya refugees from Guatemala and Mexico, Lebanese, East-Indian and Chinese entrepreneurs, as well as Mennonite farmers and adventure-seekers from North America and Europe.

With lodging to fit any budget, Cayo appeals to visitors looking for high-spirited adventure, while enjoying some of nature's finest handiwork.

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