Cayo: Hotel Search and Travel Ideas for Belize

Belize offers a variety of options: crossing a river by hand-operated ferry, hiking down through the forest to a waterfall, national parks, wildlife conservation, Maya history, and an extensive reef system. Consider which of these themes you want to shape your travel plans.

River, Waterfall, and Conservation

A hand-operated ferry crosses the Mopan River to Xunantunich. At Big Rock Falls, wooden stairs lead down through the forest to the foot of the waterfall. These offer two different ways to get around: crossing a river by ferry and descending through the forest on stairs. Guanacaste National Park is named after its huge Guanacaste trees and is also Belize’s smallest national park.

The Green Iguana Conservation Project has a different focus. It provides ongoing protection and care for green iguanas, which are endangered in Belize. The natural attractions therefore range from a river and waterfall to a national park named after its trees and wildlife conservation.

Belize’s Barrier Reef as a Protected Area System

The Belize Barrier Reef extends along the entire length of the country and forms a large lagoon along the coast. The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System comprises seven protected areas: Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, Blue Hole Natural Monument, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve, Laughing Bird Caye National Park, and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve. Together, they cover 12 percent of the entire reef complex.

The Reserve System is the largest reef complex in the Atlantic-Caribbean region and the second-largest reef system in the world. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. As a connected system, its seven marine protected areas lie along the barrier reef, the shelf lagoon, and the offshore atolls. The Reef Reserve System provides habitat for threatened marine animals, including West Indian manatees, green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, loggerhead turtles, and American crocodiles. Endemic and migratory birds also nest in the coastal forests of the cayes, atolls, and coastal areas.

Bacalar Chico: Landscape and Maya History

Bacalar Chico was once an important Maya trading post. Bacalar Chico National Park comprises coastal forests, swamps, tidal flats, savannas, sinkholes, and lagoons. Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve is suitable for snorkeling and diving. Bacalar Chico can only be reached by boat, usually from San Pedro or Caye Caulker. Check local arrangements if you are planning a visit.

Visiting Hours and Activities in Belize

Lamanai is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including Sundays and public and bank holidays. Since these are specific visiting hours, check them again before your trip.

Laughing Bird Caye National Park is also suitable for snorkeling and diving. Sea conditions and access vary; check local arrangements before planning these activities. Belize’s destinations therefore differ not only in their landscapes, but also in their respective visiting conditions.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Belmopan, San Ignacio, Teakettle, Good Living Camp, Mount Hope, Blancaneau, San Antonio, Cotton Tree, Unitedville‎, Bullet Tree Falls, Santa Elena, Macaw Bank, Benque Viejo del Carmen, Savannah Bank, Roaring Creek, Ontario Village, Cristo Rey, Camalote.

For the main travel overview: Belize.