Belizean Vacation: Exploring Mayan Ruins in the Cayo District

Way back in March Dan and I travelled to Belize.  Since then I have been trying to figure out how to share this trip.  There was such a variety of adventures to the trip that limiting the photos and stories to one post was overwhelming and would just leave too much out.  So I am breaking it up into a short series.  We started our trip by driving completely inland, to the edge of the country by the Guatemala border in the Cayo District.  I have to say, this is one of our favorite vacations ever, more on that to come.

We spent three nights in the Cayo District of Belize and loved every minute of it.  I am so glad that this place made it on our itinerary.  It was beautiful, inspiring, relaxing, and one of those places where you feel like there is nothing else happening anywhere else but right there.  We were completely unplugged and just enjoying the moments.

The Cayo District of Belize has several Mayan Ruins.  We knew we had to visit ruins.  We decided to visit Xunantunich and Cahal Pech.  But I wasn't quite sure if I would love this part of the trip.  I really loved exploring the ruins.  It was beautiful and amazing, a highlight for sure.   

Since we had a car it made it easy to make it to Xunantunich before the crowds.  We headed there immediately after breakfast.  A hand crank ferry takes you across the Mopan River and then you hike up a ridge.  It is surrounded by forest and just about a stones throw to the Guatemala border.  At 6 months pregnant I climbed up El Castillo (second tallest structure in Belize) and at the top some backpacker woman said "see, she is just as wide as me" - she wasn't pregnant and I am not sure what the context of her observation was but it was pretty amusing. Why yes, I do have a huge baby house thanks for noticing!

After exploring Xunantunich we headed to San Ignacio to see Cahal Pech.  Cahal Pech was awesome.  It was so peaceful as I believe there are less tour groups that go to this one so we had the place to ourselves most of the time. 

 

{dan's typical couple shot- we take these everywhere!}

This last shot of Dan at Cahal Pech might be one of my favorites from the trip.  

Up next will be adventures from the Hummingbird Highway and Macal River!

Comments

[Stephanie]

It looks gorgeous! I'm so excited you are posting about this adventure...so far it looks like I'll have to add this to my list of places I would like to visit! Happy to know we aren't the only ones that do that type of couple shot! :)