Rivers, waterfalls, caves and mountains surround a tiny national capital and grand Maya cities. The largest district in the country and home of the capital city of Belmopan, the Cayo district offers a plethora of ecotourism adventures. With an astonishing 880,000 acres of protected land in the form of nature reserves and national parks, this district is truly a nature-lover’s dream.
Throughout the country side are a choice of elegant jungle lodges through to the more basic amenities of a small resort or campsite. The lively towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena and the quiet border town of Benque Viejo del Carmen provide a glimpse into the lives of the friendly residents. They also serve as a base from which to explore pine forests, clear rivers, rocky plateaus, ceremonial caves, towering mountains, cascading waterfalls and ancient Maya temples.
Maya women use natural materials found in the rainforest such as calabash, the jipijapa plant and slate to make bead necklaces, travel bags and woven baskets.
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