Exploring Cayo, Belize

The lush green forests of the country called us over and once a car had been rented through Vista Auto Rentals, we were off to new adventures down the Western Highway. And for this past week, Gay Travel Belize, is enjoying a wonderful time in the Cayo District of Belize.

Before hitting the paved roads, we met up with Cliff Wilson of Belize Sailing Vacations, who graciously gave us a tour of one of the fantastic 52 foot catamarans docked at the Old Belize Marina in Belize City. These cats are truly amazing, complete with four bedroom suites, kitchen/living room area, decks and plenty spaces to lounge around, get a tan and enjoy the Caribbean vistas. These cats are rented for different time frames and includes a private chef, snorkeling, fishing, and whatever else may come your way.

After our visit, we hit the road en-route to Cayo which is not hard to get to at all, all it takes is to follow the road. If one does not manage to locate their destination, rolling down the windows and asking the friendly people is one of the easiest things. They are all accommodating and helpful, each and every way they can be.

This past week has been a week of adventure that we are certain any gay or lesbian traveler would truly enjoy. Belize is a country so diverse that in a few hours from traveling from San Pedro Town, one can be enjoying the green countryside, steeped in Maya history, patchworks of green mountains and hills, kaleidoscope of colors in the form of both flora and fauna. Cayo District is truly gorgeous and one needs a good few days to enjoy all it has to offer.

Each stop that we took, transferred us to a different aspect of what the Cayo District is truly about. Having a rental car truly facilitated our adventure. Once we arrived at Santa Elena Town, we crossed the bridge between the Twin Towns we arrived in San Ignacio Town. Up the Bullet Tree Road we went and arrived at Mahogany Hall, full of Victorian modern elegance. From the high ceilings, beautiful hard woods, antique accents, Mahogany Hall, provides river views from your bedroom balcony. Rob, Mary, Jonathan and Chris make your time truly divine.

Our second stop was the open air, upscale rustic cabanas of Macaw Bank Lodge situated up on the road that leads to the Caracol Maya Ruin. This Lodge may just become your home away from home. From the home cooked meals to the comfortable rooms, nature trails combined with Ron and Al’s great enthusiasm, this is the perfect accommodation for any traveler that loves the great outdoors. Privacy is without a doubt, guaranteed! Acres of virgin land surround Macaw Bank Lodge putting you up close and personal with nature.

From Macaw Bank Lodge, the Mountain Pine Ridge is not far away. After an hour’s drive, we arrived at the Rio On Pools, there is no word or picture that will do it justice. Pools of cool water make their way down the side of the Mountain Pine Ridge. Never ending, for as far as the eye can see, the pools move forward.

Our third visit, took us back down to San Ignacio Town, smack dab in the middle of this busy town, Kumquat Cottage opened its doors. The general feeling would be that staying in the center of town would not allow for the jungle feel of the Cayo District, and Kumquat Cottage proves you wrong. Tucked behind tall trees in the Mehado Street of the town, the orange cottage sits on the side of a small hill. As you walk through the back mini-trail, a creek lies on the bottom, with trickling water soothing to the ears. Kumquat consists of a one bedroom home with all the amenities needed to make your stay truly comfortable.

Our night at Ka’ana Boutique Resort, allowed for a re-visit. Ka’ana’s attention to detail has not changed and once again we are mesmerized by each minute detail; hair product wooden holders, the clean fragrance of our bathrobes and towels, the miniature chocolate pastries during turn down service, everything about Ka’ana speaks luxury comfort.

Our last days have us enjoying the perfect view of the Xunantunich Maya Ruin from the home of friends, Michelle and “Cubano” Torres. Their home situated in the Calla Creek Village offers an unobstructed view of the tippy top of Xunantunich peeking through the lush jungles of Belize. With Matilda and Pancho (the cows), Goldie, Caviar, Cornelius (the horses), Delilah and Bugsy (dobermans), Black Thunder and White Lightning (the chicks) our last days in Cayo are passed enjoying the sounds of nature, and the rolling river, in one of the most serene places in the country.

Cayo District has for sure been an adventure and there is so much to share. Our lunches at Ko-ox Han-nah (Let’s go eat), dinner at Greedy’s, visit to the Districts villages (San Antonio, Cristo Rey, Succotz, Benque Viejo del Carmen, a dip at Clarissa Falls and a stroll through the market add to our journey. Throughout the next few weeks, read full reviews of the places we visited. These will give you more in-depth information on the places we stayed, ate and things to do while in the Cayo District.