Cayo District

Bordering Guatemala and offering easy access to Tikal, the Cayo district is one of Belize’s most beautiful and has a good network of reserves, most notably Tapir Mountain Reserve and Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Among the main attractions are Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve in the Maya Mountains, containing high waterfalls, cool rivers and limestone caves; the impressive Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and Caracol; and the lovely Makal River, great for canoeing.

Tapir Mountain Reserve

Located in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, the Tapir Mountain Reserve protects an area of approximately 28 square kilometres.  It is home to  Baird’s tapir, keel billed toucan, black orchid and the mahogany tree, all national symbols of Belize. The reserve is not open to the public and can only be visited by qualified researchers: however, it can be viewed from the adjacent Pooks Hill lodge.

Pooks Hill Jungle Lodge

Small, owner-run and located in its own rainforest reserve bordering the Tapir Mountain Strict Reserve,  the lodge has an excellent network of well-marked trails through primary rainforest inhabited by a large range of wildlife.  One can enjoy river-tubing, birdwatching and/or trek to the mysterious Actun Tunichil Muknal cave system, used in the past for Mayan burials (only for the hardy).

The Lodge at Chaa Creek

One of the best and longest-established lodges in the country. There are many activities from which to choose, and a 365-acre private nature reserve on the banks of the Makal River. One can ride horses and mountain bikes, canoe down the river, venture into the Maya Mountains, or visit the full-service spa, butterfly farm and natural history centre.