Belize: A One-Day wanderlust in Cayo

  • 9:00AM: Xunantunich Archeological Site
    25 minutes (10 miles) from San Ignacio

    Xunantunich Archeological Site is a historical site that consists of six major plazas and over 20 temples and palaces. It is known for its most notable structure, "El Castillo," which has a height of 130 feet and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding jungle and nearby Guatemala.

  • 11:00AM: Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins
    15 minutes (7 miles) from Xunantunich Archeological Site

    Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins is an ancient Mayan ruin located in the heart of San Ignacio. Visitors can explore the plaza and temples of the ancient civilization and learn about the Mayan culture and their way of life. It also offers a beautiful view of the surrounding jungle and wildlife.

  • 1:00PM: Lunch at Ko-Ox Han Nah
    5 minutes (1 mile) from Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins

    Ko-Ox Han Nah is a popular restaurant that serves authentic Mayan cuisine. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes such as Cochinita Pibil, Tamales, and Chaa' Kaax.

  • 3:00PM: Green Iguana Conservation Project
    10 minutes (3 miles) from Ko-Ox Han Nah

    Green Iguana Conservation Project is a non-profit organization that focuses on the conservation of the Green Iguana species. Visitors can tour the facility and interact with these gentle creatures, learn about their behavior and habitat, and even feed them!

  • 5:00PM: Swim at Big Rock Falls
    35 minutes (16 miles) from Green Iguana Conservation Project

    Big Rock Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Visitors can take a refreshing swim in the waterfall's natural pool, surrounded by lush vegetation and serene sounds of nature.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Xunantunich (2 hours, $15)
  • Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins (2 hours, $10)
  • Ko-Ox Han Nah (1 hour, $15)
  • Green Iguana Conservation Project (2 hours, $20)
  • Big Rock Falls (2 hours, $5)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $65

Transportation

Transportation in Belize is limited. The most convenient way to visit the sites is by renting a car or hiring a taxi. The estimated cost of renting a car is around $50 for the day, and hiring a taxi can cost between $100-150 depending on the distance and negotiations. Keep in mind that roads in Belize are unpaved and can be rough, so renting an SUV would be more suitable.

Useful Tips

For those who have more time, we recommend visiting the nearby Blue Hole National Park, which offers beautiful swimming areas and a cave complex for exploration. For those with less time, we recommend skipping the Iguana Conservation Project and heading straight to Big Rock Falls, but keep in mind that it does close at 5:00 PM.

Airports

Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) is the main airport in Belize, located in Ladyville, about 30 minutes from Belize City. It serves several international airlines, including American Airlines and Delta. Cayo is located about 2 hours away from the airport, and visitors can rent a car or hire a taxi to get to the destination quickly.

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