Safari in Cayo & Western Maya Mountains
Discover the heartland of ancient Maya civilization, dramatic caves, and lush rainforests nestled in the foothills of the Maya Mountains.
Cayo & Western Maya Mountains Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Cayo & Western Maya Mountains
Cayo & Western Maya Mountains Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Cayo & Western Maya Mountains
Actun Tunichil Muknal Natural Monument
Actun Tunichil Muknal Natural Monument is a protected area in Belize.
Aguacate Lagoon Private Reserve
Aguacate Lagoon Private Reserve is a protected area in Belize.
Belize Maya Forest
Belize Maya Forest is a protected area in Belize.
Caracol Archaeological Reserve
Caracol Archaeological Reserve is a protected area in Belize.
Chiquibul Forest Reserve
Chiquibul Forest Reserve is a protected area in Belize.
Chiquibul National Park
Belize's largest national park, Chiquibul is a vast wilderness protecting significant tracts of rainforest and the country's highest point, Victoria Peak. It's a critical habitat for jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws, and is home to the ancient Mayan city of Caracol, offering a truly remote and immersive experience.
El Pilar Archaelogical Reserve
El Pilar Archaelogical Reserve is a protected area in Belize.
Guanacaste National Park
Named after a massive Guanacaste tree, this small but accessible park is a great stop for a quick immersion into Belizean wildlife. It's home to howler monkeys, armadillos, iguanas, and over 100 bird species, offering easy walking trails and a chance to experience the rainforest close to Belmopan.
Labouring Creek Jaguar Corridor Wildlife Sanctuary
Labouring Creek Jaguar Corridor Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Belize.
Lagoon Bank Reserve
Lagoon Bank Reserve is a protected area in Belize.
Mischner & Bowen Reserve
Mischner & Bowen Reserve is a protected area in Belize.
Monkey Bay Private Reserve
Monkey Bay Private Reserve is a protected area in Belize.
Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
An educational and conservation center, Monkey Bay offers a unique opportunity to learn about Belize's ecosystems and wildlife. Situated along the Sibun River, it's a great place to see black howler monkeys, iguanas, and a variety of birds, with guided tours and educational programs available.
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
This unique reserve stands out with its vast pine forests, a stark contrast to Belize's typical rainforests. It's famous for its stunning waterfalls like Big Rock Falls and Thousand Foot Falls, and offers opportunities to spot jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and a variety of bird species, including the rare orange-breasted falcon.
Nohoch Che'en Archaeological Reserve
Nohoch Che'en Archaeological Reserve is a protected area in Belize.
Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve
Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve is a protected area in Belize.
Noj Ka'ax H'men Elijio Panti National Park
Noj Ka'ax H'men Elijio Panti National Park is a protected area in Belize.
Rio Bravo Conservation & Management Area
One of Belize's largest protected areas, Rio Bravo is a biodiversity hotspot managed by Programme for Belize. It encompasses diverse ecosystems from tropical rainforests to wetlands, providing habitat for all five of Belize's wild cat species, over 390 bird species, and numerous Mayan archaeological sites.
Rock Farm
Rock Farm is a protected area in Belize.
Sibun Forest Reserve
Sibun Forest Reserve is a protected area in Belize.
Spanish Creek Wildlife Sanctuary
Spanish Creek Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Belize.
St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park
Home to two impressive cave systems, St. Herman's Cave and Crystal Cave, and a beautiful inland blue hole, this park offers a mix of adventure and wildlife. Visitors can explore ancient Mayan ceremonial sites within the caves and spot diverse birds, peccaries, and armadillos in the surrounding forest.
Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve
A strictly protected reserve, Tapir Mountain is a haven for its namesake, the Baird's Tapir, Belize's national animal. Access is limited and often requires special permits, ensuring minimal human impact on its pristine rainforests, which also harbor jaguars, monkeys, and diverse birdlife.
Thousand Foot Falls Natural Monument
Thousand Foot Falls Natural Monument is a protected area in Belize.
Vaca Forest Reserve
Vaca Forest Reserve is a nature reserve in the Cayo District of western Belize. The reserve covers an area of 35,701 acres (14,448 ha). It is bordered to the west by Guatemala, to the east by Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and Nojkaaxmeen Elijio Panti National Park, and to the south by Chiquibul National Park.
Compare Parks in Cayo & Western Maya Mountains
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Cayo & Western Maya Mountains
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiquibul National Park | 1,157 km² | 389 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BZ-0007 (35km) |
| Rio Bravo Conservation & Management Area | - | 406 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BZ-0001 (18km) |
| Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve | 431 km² | 389 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BZ-0007 (12km) |
| St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park | 269 km² | 389 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BCV (16km) |
| Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve | - | 389 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BZ-0007 (13km) |
| Guanacaste National Park | 23 km² | 389 | - | Quiet | Moderate | BCV (1km) |
| Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary | - | 355 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BCV (25km) |
| Actun Tunichil Muknal Natural Monument | - | 389 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BZ-0007 (14km) |
| Aguacate Lagoon Private Reserve | - | 389 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | MZE (8km) |
| Belize Maya Forest | - | 406 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BZ-0001 (8km) |
| Caracol Archaeological Reserve | - | 389 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BZ-0007 (35km) |
| Chiquibul Forest Reserve | 598 km² | 389 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | BZ-0007 (37km) |
102 species recorded in Cayo & Western Maya Mountains4 threatened
We love the sheer wildness of Cayo and the Western Maya Mountains. The air here is thick with the scent of damp earth and blooming jungle flowers, a constant reminder of the life teeming around you. We recommend venturing into the rainforest; the sounds of howler monkeys and exotic birds are unforgettable. The sunsets, when they break through the canopy, paint the sky in unbelievable hues, and the sheer scale of the ancient Maya ruins nestled within this verdant landscape is humbling.
Terrain & Altitude
Undulating limestone plateaus and rolling hills rise into the dramatic peaks of the Maya Mountains.
100-1,100m above sea level
Vegetation
Dense tropical rainforest, characterized by towering hardwoods, vibrant orchids, and a rich understory, dominates the landscape.
Water Sources
The region is crisscrossed by numerous rivers, including the Belize River and its tributaries, which carve through the landscape and feed into vast underground cave systems.
Unique Features
An extensive network of subterranean caves, some of the largest in the Western Hemisphere, forms a critical part of the ecosystem and holds immense archaeological significance.
We always recommend flying into BZE and arranging a private transfer or rental car. While the roads are generally good, especially the Western Highway, having your own transport gives you the freedom to explore the numerous Maya sites and jungle lodges at your own pace. Don't underestimate the distances between attractions; plan your days accordingly.
Nearest Airports
Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)
110km / 1.5hr drive
Daily international flights from major hubs in North America and Europe.
Johnston Atoll Airport (JAT)
150km / 2hr drive
Limited charter flights available.
Driving Routes
From Belize City
Take the Western Highway (Highway 3) directly towards San Ignacio. The road is well maintained tarmac.
From Belmopan
A short drive west on the Western Highway (Highway 3) to San Ignacio, the main hub for Cayo.
Temperature
22.5°C
73°F
Rainfall
104 mm
Wet season
Humidity
86.2%
Sunshine
9.2 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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Health & Travel Info
Important health and safety information for Belize