The Cayo District

The wild west region of Belize is celebrated as The Cayo District. The term 'wild' refers to the natural beauty of the lush jungle mountains and to the exciting opportunities for adventure. From climbing verdant mountains and Maya ruins to kayaking the mighty Mopan or Mocal rivers, there are plenty of activities for the outdoor adventurer. In only 3 days we did all of the above and still had time to rest, relax, shop, and eat some delicious local food.

Hiking the jungle. Many of the mounds are uncovered ruins.

Climbing the smaller Palace of Xunantunich (shoo-nan-too-nich)

The Cayo District is the western most district bordering Guatemala. Most people speak Spanish and English. I spoke to everyone in Spanish as practice and most everyone spoke to me in English except at the big Saturday farmer's market in the capital town of San Ignacio.

Overlooking the town of San Ignacio from the Cahal Pech Village Resort

Cody and our friend Phil at the Saturday Market after the morning rain

All the fruits and vegetables were fresh from local farms

La sandía sabrosa, 'the tasty watermelon'

The local hot pepper, Habanero.

Pupusa con queso y frijoles, a thick corn tortilla stuffed with cheese and beans

After the market, we arranged to canoe down the Mocal river to picnic at Carmelita Gardens, an off-grid sustainable community. Our tour guides, Phil and Jim, were knowledgable, telling stories about the history of the area, as well as, familiar with the abundant wildlife and plants. Along the river, we observed iguanas and various species of birds high in the trees. The day was hot, but soft misting showers and clouds kept us cool as did the local Belize beer, Belikin.

The Mocal river starts in the Maya Mountains then joins the Belize river to the sea

Phil Hahn & Jim Hardesty, our fantastic tour guides

Arriving by canoe at Carmelita Gardens

Through the trees and into a charming rural community based on the idea of  independent off-grid living and sustainable agriculture. Carmelita Gardens is located in a rural area along the Belize river not far from the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. The same family has owned the land for three generations and is now building a one-of-a-kind community. All the homes are sustainably designed with the latest technology. A healthy and relaxing lifestyle is the aim for residents with a community center, pools, gardens, green spaces and river access for swimming and fishing. Still in the early phase of development, Cody and I purchased a piece of property as our new homestead. We look forward to building our home and being apart of an eco-friendly farming community.

off-grid homes of luxury

221, our new sustainable homesite

A new friend and local resident, John (middle right), with Phil, Jim, and Cody

Pupusas and habanero salsa from the market with John's homemade green curry & papaya salad washed down with cold Belikin beer

There is so much to see and do in The Cayo District of western Belize. Luckily, we will have plenty of opportunity for exploring while building our dream home. If you are interested in property or touring Carmelita Gardens, contact www.carmelitagardens.com. Cody and I are also happy to answer any questions about Carmelita Gardens and The Cayo District. Just send us an email at sunshine@thebotanicaljourney.com Maybe we will be neighbors!