Here’s your Instagram Guide to the Cayo District – Western Belize
Belize is a photogenic country, boasting incredible beauty in its wildlife, culture, and attractions. Many visitors feel like they are in a picture-perfect paradise as soon as they arrive. It’s easy to find picturesque spots throughout the country that are ideal for an Instagram background.
While the Belize location tag on the photo-sharing app may be filled with beach shots (unsurprising), there are also plenty of Instagram-worthy opportunities inland, particularly in the adventure capital of Cayo.”
The Cayo district is not only a magnet for adventure enthusiasts but also a goldmine for Instagrammers, as their posts about the region tend to go viral. This can be attributed to the district’s abundant flora and fauna, which offer a refreshing alternative to typical mass tourism destinations.
The way of life in Cayo exudes a certain purity, from the unhurried daily pace to the warmth of the locals. Your photos can capture this authenticity if you know where to look. To help you garner those coveted double-taps on Instagram, here’s a guide to the best Instagram-worthy shots in Cayo, along with tips on how to make the most of your visit.
Where to go in the Cayo District
San Ignacio
is a trendy, cool town located near Santa Elena. It attracts visitors because of its charm and proximity to the Maya temple of Xunantunich. This small town has a laid-back vibe and a thriving art scene that appeals to millennials.
San Ignacio is a popular choice for first-time travelers due to its great barbecue and proximity to outdoor experiences. In San Ignacio, you can take photos of beautiful murals downtown and add some color to your social media feed. Remember to visit the famous Bambu Tea Cafe at the Cayo Welcome Center for a refreshing drink and a photo opportunity.
San Ignacio is approximately two hours from the Philip Goldson International Airport and en route to another fantastic region in the Cayo district: The Mountain Pine Ridge.
Mountain Pine Ridge
This vast 100,000-acre forest reserve is the pride & joy of Belize’s Cayo District. Here, off-the-grid does mean you’re off the grid, but the digital sacrifice is worth every waterfall, natural pool, and cave you come across.
Just a few hours away from San Ignacio, this protected area is home to more than Mother Nature’s creations. The region’s tallest Maya temple resides here as well. Imagine a looming, ancient man-made castle as the background to an iconic Instagram shot.
This is the site of Caracol, one of the most revered – yet not as frequented – Maya sites in Belize. So you will get your money shot and won’t have to photoshop any strangers out of the photo since you’ll have the place all to yourself.
Want something less daunting but with the same “wow” effect? Visit the massive Big Rock Falls to bask in gushing cascades dropping from 150 feet! At the end of a winding wooden staircase, Big Rock Falls sits on the Privassion River in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. Many treks to the site to enjoy the giant pools and the jutting rocks along the river. Dive off a big rock before the waterfall for a perfect action shot, landing at the deep natural pool beneath.
Where to eat
Hunger for adventure often leads to actual hunger, so knowing the best places to grab some grub in the region is a must. Head to the iconic Pop’s Restaurant on West Street in San Ignacio for breakfast to find delectable fry jacks and refried beans.
Belizeans and travelers seek this six-booth, seldom empty restaurant despite its tucked-in location. As for the photo opp, the colorful yellow diner is the ideal background to capture those puffy, golden fry jacks.
Head out to the hipsters’ favourite Guava Limb Cafe for lunch. Guava Limb’s ambiance could only be described as an experience on the historic Burns Avenue in San Ignacio. Not only is the al fresco dining a welcomed factor in this era, but it is also an aesthetic one that adds to the whole natural vibe of the restaurant.
You can dine either on the ground floor or the second floor. However, if you’re looking for an unobstructed background of you munching on some fluffy strawberry cheesecake, sit near the beautiful tropical foliage that envelops the property.
The Lodge at Chaa Creek located a short distance from San Ignacio Town, is home to the Mariposa Restaurant, which serves delicious meals. You can enjoy authentic farm-to-table dining from the Lodge’s organic Maya farm at the restaurant.
The luxurious setting alone is worth a visit, and the award-winning resort’s food is exceptional, making booking a romantic dinner there every night of your stay tempting. Additionally, you can request a personalized setup for you and your partner right in front of the resort’s infinity pool for a romantic dinner.
Warm lights and gentle music will add the perfect touch to a memorable evening, and your friendly server can help capture the moment with a tremendous Instagram-worthy photo.
What to do
Love chocolate? Join Ajaw’s chocolate-making experience in San Ignacio Town. This two-hour workshop covers the origins of chocolate making, starting with the cacao fruit and ending with delicious, rich chocolate. Share your cacao grinding experience on social media to show what it takes to make this popular snack.
Visiting San Ignacio on a Saturday? Take advantage of the bustling farmer’s market, where local Belizeans sell their crafts, fresh produce, and culinary specialties. Immerse yourself in the local culture and friendliness, and find authentic souvenirs to take home.
The Cayo district is chock-full of adventures worth experiencing and documenting. Use this handy guide to make the most of your days in the West and instill major vacation envy in your followers and friends—especially if you plan to take advantage of Chaa Creek’s current vacation specials!