The Cayo District...
|
|
The Cayo District...
|
|
| After spending a few days in Belize, most people will agree that although each district has its own charms, one stands out above all the others. With an area of over 2000 square miles, Cayo is the largest and the most diverse. The land begins with green, rolling hills and farmland in the north, and gradually builds up to the crest of the Maya Mountains along its southern border. | |
Among the assets of the Cayo are the fabulous Maya ruins of Caracol, Cahal Pech, Xunantunich, El Pilar, Buena Vista and Pacbitun, just to name a few. Presently, over 600 ancient Maya sites have been identified in Belize, with a major portion in the Cayo District. If you like to kick old rocks, this is your "cup o' tea." Belizean caves, some newly discovered, provide real "Indiana Jones" adventure. Most of the Cayo sits atop vast limestone deposits, which have produced quite a collection of caves. Some are dry caves in the hills, others have rivers flowing through them.
| |
We would be remiss not to mention the crystal clear rivers that cascade through the Cayo. These river habitats are home to numerous species of birds and wildlife. Along the Mopan, near Benque Viejo, you will see the descendants of the Maya still doing their washing on stones that have been worn smooth over the years. Some of the best canoeing and kayaking in Belize is done on the Mopan and the Macal rivers, which join together just below San Ignacio to form the mighty Belize River. |
The beautiful Mopan River
|
A surprise about the western Cayo is the temperature. While often quite warm during the day, the evenings are cool and you will usually pull up a blanket during the night. If you think this article is biased regarding the Cayo District, you are absolutely right. We have seen all of Belize and Cayo is the jewel of the "Jewel." It's our home! |
© Belize Report 1999 (Used with permission)
The cave of Chechem Hah, is located a few miles south of Benque Viejo del Carmen. It was stumbled upon several years ago by two farmers, whose dog was giving chase to a gibnut that disappeared into the obscured entrance. Upon exploration, they found a cave system used by the ancient Maya, and the floor was littered with large, thousand-year old clay pots that were probably used for ceremonial purposes. Some present day Maya consider this cave especially significant with respect to their heritage.
With over 500 species of birds in Belize, many can be spotted at one time or another in Cayo. You don't have to be a dedicated "birder" to be thrilled at your first sighting of the Keel-billed Toucan (our national bird) free and wild. A good day's birding will include such beauties as the Emerald Toucanet, the Vermilion Flycatcher and the Blue-grey Tanager. And it's wonderful to see parrots in their natural habitat. We always say "you don't need an alarm clock in Belize; the birds wake you up!"