If you are intending to go to Belize for adventure or ecotourism, you will undoubtedly wind up staying in one of the lodges or jungle resorts in Cayo District. There are some stunning places to stay here, from the luxury to the more basic, and below we have listed the best of them.

The largest of Belize's provinces, Cayo is also one of the less populated — at least by humans. However this region teems with wildlife, from spectacular butterflies to a huge variety of bird life, in primeval rainforest and thick jungle surroundings. Twitchers and birders come from all over the globe to birdwatch in this stunning region of Belize.

Many centures ago the Mayan civilisation was here too, and one of the other highlights of Cayo district are the Mayan ruins — notably the Mayan city of Caracol — surrounded by thick jungle near the Guatemalan border. Originally housing a population of over 100,000, it's well worth the 2-3 hour drive from San Ignacio to get there.

Many of the lodges are located near the main town in Cayo District, San Ignacio, which is second only to Belize City. It's a great base from which to explore the Mayan ruins of Caracol and Xunantunich, as well as the forest reserves to the south — Chaa Creek Nature Reserve, for example, or the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. There you will find a number of jungle lodges ready to welcome you and give you an authentic rainforest experience, though you can also visit on a day trip to go ziplining, or hike to see the spectacular waterfalls. Also popular among adventure travelers are the caves in this region — we recommend the cave canoeing!

If you're planning to visit in peak season between December and May, don't forget that the best places to stay in Cayo District are extremely popular. They're also quite small properties, so if you want to guarantee your room, get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Cayo District

Around San Ignacio

• The family run Chaa Creek, a 'wildly civilized luxury resort', provides a great blend of jungle setting in a 400 acre nature reserve, and proximity to the town. The deluxe cottages offer complete privacy, and yet they are surrounded by exotic birdlife. The river Macal is nearby, great for canoeing.
• A short distance downriver, overlooking the water, is the Mystic River Resort, a family friendly 'get away from it all' luxury resort without TVs or mobile signal (or a/c), which offers a number of adventure packages run by their own in-resort guides. They have a great spa and restaurant as well as some rooms with plunge pools for those looking for a bit of extra comfort.
• For those who want to be a little closer to civilisation, and out of the jungle, the Ka'ana Resort on the highway out of town is a quiet oasis that makes a great base for day tours around the area, whether to the Mayan ruins, horse riding in the surrounding countryside or to the caves or jungle nearby. Small cottages are dotted around delightful tropical gardens. Elegant and tasteful.

In the jungle

• The intimate 12 cottage Hidden Valley Inn is a secluded sanctuary in its own unique 7000 acre forest reserve in the Maya Mountains. It's an awesome place to get away from it all and to explore nature on a truly exclusive basis. There are miles of trails and crystal clear creeks and waterfalls to explore, with over 81 species of wild orchids. Paradise...
• In the middle of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Blancaneaux Lodge offers 20 luxurious thatched cabanas in a riverine setting. Formerly the home of Francis Ford Coppola, it's in a stunning location, and if you really want to push the boat out, you can book Coppola's private two bedroom villa with its own plunge pool and sweeping views over the forest.
• In another part of the reserve is the romantic Gaia River Lodge perched on top of the magnificent Five-Sisters Waterfalls. Go to sleep to the sounds of the water, eat food from their organic garden, enjoy the abundant local bird life or take a trip to caves nearby. There's a great spa here too.

For a rustic vibe

• If you want to get close to nature but with less of the trappings of modern life (such as cappucino machines...) consider the safari style Pooks Hill. Guests tend to mingle here in communal style, it's off the beaten track, the small thatched cabanas are basic but comfortable, and the birdwatching is spectacular. But don't come here if you're the sort of person who needs a spa. It's more swimming in the river style...

For a self catering holiday apartment or villa

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• December to May is Belize's dry season, when you can expect clear blue skies and sunny days that aren't too hot, with temperatures in the 27-30°C range. However, prices are at their highest in this period, so for the best deals you might want to consider visiting in the off season. While August to October can be muggy and wet, it tends to rain only for one to two hours a day in the mornings and early afternoons.
• San Ignacio is about 70 miles from Belize City airport, which can be driven in two hours. Alternatively there is an airstrip just south of San Ignacio for you to fly into from Belize City or Placencia.

Still not sure?

• Check out all of our Belize recommendations.
• If you are planning to hire a car, take a look at what our partner Rentalcars can offer.
• Feel free to call or email one of our gurus for advice.