Top Things to do in Cayo
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Cayo That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Cayo, Belize including The Maya Ruins of Caracol, Xunantunich, Belize Nature Travel, Upside Down Tours, Chechem Ha Cave, Calico Jack's Belize Jungle Canopy and Zip Lining, Hanna Stables, St Leonard's Tours, Belize Shuttle by William, Creek Art Walter Castillo Home Art Gallery.
Restaurants in Cayo
1. The Maya Ruins of Caracol
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 614 reviews
This 30-acre complex is the largest Mayan ruin in Belize.
Reviewed By Sandi-and-Tim - New Castle, United States
Despite having a rental car, my husband, son, and I opted to hire a tour guide (and HIS vehicle) for this trip, in part because of the 52 miles of rough dirt road. Don't be scared off by the "you must join the police escort" warnings. The ruins are close to the Belize-Guatemala border, and the escort was started due to a single incident a few years ago...but there haven't been any reported incidents since then. Caracol has the highest Mayan temple in Belize. In fact, we couldn't see the top from the ground. According to our guide, LIDAR Radar readings taken in the last few years show that there are around 36,000 Mayan buildings in the surrounding jungle that have not been excavated, and they estimate that there were approximately 1.5 million inhabitants at one point. One of the thing that's so amazing about that is that there is no water source nearby. What they did find, though, was over 200 retention ponds. This is a destination that is not as well traveled as some of the other Mayan ruins in Belize due to the poor access, but it is well worth the effort to get there. If you do go without a guide, make sure you sign in at the police checkpoint. Past that point the road is narrow and mostly one way in in the morning and out in the afternoons. Oh, if you do use a guide, make sure he lets you eat some minty-tasting termites. :-)
2. Xunantunich
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,467 reviews
Reviewed By galencampbell - Calgary, Canada
The ruins are excellent and will be workout climbing up and down, with fantastic views from the highest points. We picked up a guide before crossing the ferry. Elfego had A LOT of knowledge, which makes sense since he must have been at least 70 and had been giving tours and working with archaeologists at Xunantunich for decades. The visitor center is good, with enough information to educate you, but not so much as to be excessive. I still recommend a guide though for better explanations of what you are seeing when you are actually looking at it. We also got lucky and saw two troops of howler monkeys howling at each other in trees just up the hill from the ferry (so keep your windows down and your ears listening as you drive in).
3. Belize Nature Travel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 258 reviews
Explore the undiscovered with Belize Nature Travel and our team of experienced guides and reservationists . Lets not forget our amazing cook .We aim to give our guests the best experience of our Beautiful Country of Belize. Come and feel at home with Belize Nature Travel only the Best for you !
4. Upside Down Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 142 reviews
Day tour to the St. Herman caves and crystal cave at Belize Inland Blue Hole National Part.
5. Chechem Ha Cave
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Monikaswiss - Thalwil, Switzerland
I lived at Che Chem ha Logde.So my first tour was visiting the cave on the property of the family with William as a very good tour-guide.He has a big knowledge about mayan people living in this beautiful cave.There are many pottery to see, some broken and some in a astonishing good state. Hiking up to the entrance is easy.And after going down we had a excellent lunch at the lodge. A good trip with meeting very friendly people.
6. Calico Jack's Belize Jungle Canopy and Zip Lining
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 354 reviews
Calico Jack’s is a full service resort offering lovely and affordable accommodations, relatively inexpensive and delicious meals --specializing in local, vegetarian and keto cuisine . Calico Jack's is perhaps best known for our exciting tours including 5 zip line tour options in over 3,000 feet of zip lining, rappelling, a cable walk, rope ladder challenge and Belize’s only jungle swing—for only the most adventurous. If you enjoy nature and trails, explore our extensive hiking trails leading to dry caves used by the Maya for their sacred rituals or to our natural creek and swimming hole. We are also a magical paradise for jungle exploration. If you want a more laid back day, lounge by the pool and sip delightful local beverages against the background sounds of nature and local rhythms. Or join us in self-discovery through meditation, tai chi, yoga and EFT. I Contact us in Belize at 501-832-2478
7. Hanna Stables
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 297 reviews
Hanna Stables offers horseback riding, adventure tourism and eco-farm stay for travelers of all ages and abilities in the San Ignacio, Belize area. One of the country's oldest horseback riding establishments, Hanna Stables is currently operated by Santiago Juan.Located not far from Hanna Stables is Nabitunich (The Stone Cottages), a 400 acre spread of land which has been in the Juan family for four generations. Nabitunich has 20 rooms available for accommodations for travelers in Belize and is open to eco-farm stays as well.
Reviewed By k8boom - Washington DC, United States
My family and I did the Xunantunich + San Lorenzo Farm Horseback Ride with Hanna Stables and it was THE highlight of our entire trip. We arrived to find a beautiful setting and the horses well cared for and tacked. Santiago assessed us on the spot and determined the best horse for each rider, and off we went. The trail through the farm was well cleared and the horses were very well trained. We rode past fields, in the woods, along a rushing river, and then found ourselves along the road and across the hand crank ferry that would take us to Xunantunich. We dismounted to cross the river then hopped back on to make our way up the road to the temple. Once we arrived at the temple, tied up the horses (men were there to take care of them while we explored), had some water, and were introduced to Francisco, an incredible guide who was full of respect for and information about the temple. We climbed, hiked, learned, and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. He also took incredible pictures of us throughout the tour. After we completed our exploration (2 hours + on site, not at all rushed) we got back on the horses and made our way back to the farm for an incredible meal cooked on site. I would HIGHLY recommend Hanna Stables, and this ride specifically, if you are looking for a day filled with education, delicious food, adventure, and well cared for horses. Every person in our group (of varying horse experience) was comfortable during the ride, the conversation we had with Santiago throughout the day was referenced many times over the remainder of our trip, and at the end of our 10 day Belize stay (which included a cave tour, howler monkeys off our back porch, snorkeling, shark swimming, island life, and more) this horseback ride was STILL the peak of everyone's experience.
8. St Leonard's Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 264 reviews
St Leonard's Tours offers great private and personalized tours from Horse Riding, Archeological sites, Cave exploration, Cave Tubing and more. We have an adventure for all: Xunantunich horse riding; Xunantunich & Cave tubing combo; PRIVATE airport shuttles & combos, Family getaways, hiking tour to Xunantunich; Ziplining, Cahal Pech; Food tours; ATM; tours for families, couples, friends. We customize to your need, interest and pace.
9. Belize Shuttle by William
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 410 reviews
The First Belize Shuttle and Transfers Company originated by William Hofman. Pick-up and drop-off from San Ignacio to Belize City International Airport (BZE), The Water taxi, or Municipal Airport are a regular shuttle drive. Choose a one-way or round-trip transfer to Dangriga or Hopkins in southern Belize. Experience the countryside while traveling on a private or shared shuttle from Belize City to Placencia, and learn how to get from Placencia to other locations. Travel at ease in a comfortable AC van, a genuine friendly driver loaded with answers to all your questions about Belize, with most vans having WIFI on board. William and his drivers are ready to assist you in traveling throughout the country, getting to your destination and returning to the International Airport. Our transportation service offers no waiting time and The Most Leg-room and comfort in rides. As a Belize shuttle team, our goal is to handle all logistics of getting you from point A to B during your vacation.
Reviewed By spwinchi - Chicago, United States
Thanks for being so reliable and accommodating! Used the service to and from the airport and the docks. They were easy to find, on time, and very helpful.
10. Creek Art Walter Castillo Home Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Home of Belizean painter walter castillo's work shop and gallery. Guest can enjoy rush full tropical garden and small farm full of chickens and ducks. Try some complementary local herb tea made in traditional fire hearth. We have ordinal paintings and prints, post card.lunch can be served 1 day notice.
Reviewed By cpawill - Hopkins, Belize
We commissioned Walter to paint a depiction of Hopkins Inn. We gave Walter some ideas of what we wanted included and let his creativity fill in the blanks. Walter visited Hopkins Inn to experience the place and people, developed a sketch on the canvas, and then produced a detailed piece of art he titled “Nice Vibes.” We love it!
