Top 5 Things To Do In Cayo Belize
For visitors or prospective ex-pats, rest assured that you will never run out of things to do in Cayo, Belize. The district of Cayo is filled with natural beauty including numerous Mayan sites that you will love to explore. Apart from that, the food is excellent and the district is rich in culture.
Cayo is known as the heart of Belize, making it a perfect location to settle. Are you currently in Cayo and looking for things to do? Here are our suggestions for the top 5 things to do in Cayo, Belize!
1. Xunantunich
Xunantunich translates to ‘the stone woman’ and it highlights the story of a legendary Mayan female ghost, dressed in white. Xunantunich is a large Mayan archaeological site with a large structure shaped like a pyramid. Legend has it that the ghost woman would be seen walking up the steps before she reached the top and disappeared completely.
This is 2nd tallest Mayan ruin in Belize and it is situated across the Mopan River. The pyramid structure is full of ancient carvings, and there were many archeological treasures retrieved from this site that can now be seen in various museums.
2. Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave)
The Actun Tunichil Muknal cave is situated inside the Tapir Mountain nature reserve. This is an extremely ancient cave system, and when exploring it you will be taken back in time to when the Mayans used to rule this land.
Inside this area, you will find various spots where rituals and ceremonies used to take place, including actual skeletons. These ceremonies and rituals were performed long ago by the Mayans please the Gods. Apart from the rich cultural history, the cave itself is extremely stunning. Part of the cave is underwater so it is possible with a cave tour to go swimming within the caves. This provides some unbelievable underwater cave views, much like the cenotes in Mexico.
3. Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins & Museum
The Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins is one of the oldest Mayan sites and translates to the “Place of Ticks”. This was an important settlement for the Mayans for at least two thousand years.
This is the perfect place to learn more about Mayan culture in Belize. Because of its rich and long history, you will find many hidden gems here. From models to writings to sculptures and artifacts the history of the place will be more than evident.
It is an educational and fun experience wrapped in one. So, if you love learning new things then this is one of the best things to do in Cayo, Belize.
4. Monkey Bay National Park
Want to learn about how to live sustainably while also having a fun experience? Visit the Monkey Bay, National Park. It has different habitats within one sanctuary that includes a riverine, a tropical forest, and a savanna. And yes, there are monkeys.
Experience the amazing wildlife and learn about ways you can make a change by helping the environment. It should be on your list as it is a great experience that everyone enjoys and educating ourselves on sustainability is extremely important for our planet.
5. Caracol
Many people don’t fully grasp how big and expansive the Mayan Civilization was. This archaeological site is proof of the vastness of the Mayas. Here you will find insanely massive structures built during a time when the Mayans were at their peak. At this archeological site you will find many large pyramid structures dating back to 1200 BC!
Beyond the ruins, you will also be amazed at all the natural beauty of the area. This is a great site for some exploration, especially since this site is often much less crowded compared to some of the other famous Mayan locations in Belize.
Final Words
While there are so many great options, these are our picks for the top 5 things to do in Cayo, Belize. Make sure to check out at least a few of these while visiting the district.
Are you falling in love with Belize and considering moving here? Reach out to us for more information or viewings on real estate in Cayo Belize speficially, or real estate in Belize overall. Century 21 Btal services all of Belize, so make sure to check out our large collection of listings throughout the country!
