Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

Of course Belize is listed on Lonely Planet's 2022 Best in Travel top 10 list!  

"As the end of 2021 approaches, we're so excited to bring you our complete Best in Travel 2022 list – a whole new set of destinations for a new year of travel."

Belize is number 6 on Lonely Planet's Best Value Destinations for 2017.  Picture is of the Jungle Splash pontoon boat on Vaca Lake.

"Belize is often thought of as one of Central America’s pricier options – but let’s take a fresh look. Here you can dive or snorkel as though you’re in the Caribbean and tour Mayan ruins such as Caraco, found deep in wildlife-packed jungle that could only be in Central America. And you won’t face long journeys: Belize is the same size as Wales or Massachusetts. Belize’s proximity to Mexico and the Caribbean has ensured a lively and exceptionally good-value street-food scene, making budget meals effortless. Yes, there are big-ticket resorts on Ambergris Caye, but head south to Placencia and Hopkins for laid- back beach culture that’s still making its way onto the map."

The Lonely Planet has this to say: "This diminutive country of just 330,000 people and 8,800sq miles, sandwiched between Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the south and west, proves true the old adage that “the best things come in small packages”. And a sojourn at Mountain Equestrian Trails, with its hardy steeds, welcoming hosts and collection of cosy, kerosene-lit cabins tucked tight into the stunning rainforest of Belize’s mountainous western Cayo district, provides the perfect base from which to experience this little country’s manifold adventures."

Belize is listed on the Lonely Planet's 'Top 100 Countries to Visit in 2019' list!  Cayo has some of the best and most accessible caves around. 

"Its Caribbean coast is fringed by the world’s second-largest barrier reef; its interior is riddled with some of the most extensive and accessible cave systems in Central America; and its people are an exotic mix of Maya, Mestizo, Garifuna, Creole, Mennonite and expats. Yet many travellers struggle to place Belize on the map. However, the tide is turning. The government is moving to fully protect its unique marine environment, new eco-resorts are taking advantage of the country’s stunning cayes and jungle hideaways, and travellers are discovering a slice of Central America that’s relatively untouristed, safe and tantalisingly easy to reach. Get here before the inevitable crowds do."

Excellent and informative Lonely Planet article all about the adventure found here in Cayo.  So much to do.  Mountain Equestrian Trails get a good mention.

"The Mountain Pine Ridge area near San Ignacio is a few degrees cooler than the humid lowlands and offers some excellent hikes to waterfalls and caves; highlights include long-drop Thousand Foot Falls, and Rio on Pools, where you can take a dip in a series of waterfall-fed swimming holes...

There are few better ways of exploring the jungles, riverbanks and Maya mountains than on horseback. Luckily for lovers of the graceful equines, Cayo is well set up for horseback riding regardless of your experience. In the Mountain Pine Ridge area near San Ignacio, Mountain Equestrian Trails is the premier operator where you can saddle up for half or full day rides, but the big news for horseback riders are the five and seven-day mountain and jungle riding packages, featuring birdwatching and Maya ruins and staying at the remote ecolodge."