CAYO DISTRICT/ BELIZE CARACOS
Nuevo Mundo

GENERAL INTRODUCTION CAYO:
The Cayo District with its teaming rivers through lush verdant vegetation, its many cascading waterfalls, and its simple elegance make it a must see when traveling to Belize.  Mangrove swamps and great expanses make the Cayo district a spectacular addition to any traveler’s itinerary.

The grand Macal River of Cayo deeply embeds the strikingly picturesque landscape through San Ignacio and eventually becomes the Belize River before making its way to the sea at Belize City.  It is impossible to escape the beauty enveloping San Ignacio which is surrounded by mountains, caves, jungles, deep river gorges, waterfalls and plenty of wildlife.

BELIZE ZOO:
The Belize Zoo began when a caretaker started a backyard operation for once famous Belizean moviestar animals that had been left without financial support following their work as actors in natural history films.  Soon thereafter, the caretaker changed her title to zoo director and started a small zoo hoping to gain enough community support to keep this special animal collection thriving.

The once backyard managerie is now a thriving local attraction hosting local visitors, foreign visitors, and schoolgroups.  The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center is the only place in the country to view wildlife close up.  In addition, the Belize zoo is an exciting attraction and educational center where visitors can learn about the many endangered birds, mammals, and reptiles of Belize.  When you visit the Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center you are helping one of the most important and progressive conservation efforts in all of Central America.

MAYA RUINS-XUNANTUNICH
The Maya ruins of Xunantunich, also known as “Maiden of the Rock”, are situated near the western border at San Jose Succotz.  According to legend, the ruins were named after a maiden seen by one of the temple’s earliest visitors.  “Maiden of the Rock” is a major Mayan ceremonial center built on a limestone ridge.  An exciting journey to the ruins involves traveling by a hand-cranked car ferry across the Mopan River.  Once reached, and after a climb 130 feet to the top of the hill, one can view ancient Mayan detailed carvings.  Atop “Maiden of the Rock” the ambiance is painted by an enveloping panoramic view of the Cayo District and distant Guatemala.

MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is home to rich splendor.  The reserve’s many waterfalls, cascading streams, and limestone caverns allow travelers a plethora of adventure opportunities.  You’ll marvel at the magnitude of the Hidden Valley Falls and become awed by the surrounding jungle canopy with it’s exotic and strange appeal.

Mountain Pine Ridge is a vast wonderland of inviting pools, awesome forests, and interesting tropical flora and fauna.  The huge mud balls you’ll see affixed to many trees are termite nests.  And, as anteaters feed on a mainstay of termites, chances are good you’ll spot an anteater.

RIO FRIO CAVE
Located in Mountain Pine Ridge, this spectacular cave thrills all.  Rio Frio Cave with its breathtaking 65 foot entrance is fascinating to explore.  Whether an amateur or expert spelunker, a trip through the 1/2 mile maze of boulders and stalactites captivates the visitor as only an eerie light illuminates your path.  A trip through this dark mysterious cave brings reminiscence of a once primordial past.  Remember, however, caving can be dangerous and should only be attempted under the direction of a trained local guide.

PANTI MAYA MEDICINE TRAIL
Did you know that the black orchid is the national flower of Costa Rica?  The black orchid, the lobster claw heliconia with it 20-26 claws, and the cacao (the chocolate plant) are only a few of the plant species you’ll encounter along this trail.  In addition, the trail is filled with tropical edibles and medicinal plants such as the Malay apple and the yellow cashew.  The Panti Maya Medicine Trail is a popular guided tour, which like the Mayan Medicine Trail, is accessible from San Ignacio or many of the western resorts.  You don’t have to be a botanist to enjoy the abundant vegetation including the wide variety of medicinal herbs and trees with their many uses.  The trail begins at Ix Chel farm.

CANOE RIDE MACAL RIVER
The Macal river cuts deeply highlighting the picturesque countryside through San Ignacio, then immediately joins the Mopan River and later transitions into the Belize River, which rambles northeast then east to join the sea at Belize City.  A canoe ride along the Macal river is a serene and scenic expedition you’ll not soon forget.  Passing through lush jungle rainforest and breathtaking bends while listening to the hypnotically bizarre ambient sounds of Belize is the adventure from which vacation dreams are made.

GUANACASTE PARK
The Guanacaste park is named after the giant Guanacaste or Tubroos tree growing near the parks southwestern border.  A large population of epiphytes, or airplants, reside in the branches of the gigantic Guanacaste and to view it in all of its splendor is well worth the short walk from the park entrance.  The Guanacaste or Tubroos tree grows rapidly and is one of the largest trees found in Central America.  It can reach a total height of over 130 feet, and may have a trunk diameter in excess of six feet.

Sightings of Jaguarundi, Kinkajou, Paca, Armadillo, Agouti, White-tailed Deer and several species of bats, rats and opossum have been recorded within the park’s boundaries.  In addition, four-foot long iguanas have been spotted sunning themselves on the upper limbs of the Guanacaste trees and are just one of many reptiles found within the park.

Over 100 species of birds have been seen in Guanacaste Park as well.  During the winter months (June through August) the park’s bird population increases immensely due to the arrival of North American migrants.  An additional 40-50 new species of birds can be viewed on an early morning or late afternoon stroll along the trails.  The avid birder may be privy to a sighting of any of the following feathered inhabitants of Guanacaste: Blue-crowned Motmot, Black-faced Antthrush, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Black-headed Trogon, Squirrel Cuckoo, Red-lored Parrot, Bright-rumped Attila, and White-breasted Wood-Wren.

Funding support from the MacArthur Foundation of Chicago has allowed development of valuable park infrastructure including nearly two miles of trail with informative signs at strategic locations, several rest areas, a visitor center and museum.  In addition, self-guiding tours are available with the assistance of a botanical leaflet found at the visitor center.