Cayo District – Home of Belize's capital Belmopan
Cayo in western Belize is the country's largest district by area and home to its capital, Belmopan. The new capital was built inland after Hurricane Hattie devastated the coast in 1961, bringing the seat of government into the heart of Cayo.
Long before that, the region was part of the Maya world, and ancient sites such as Xunantunich and Caracol still bear witness to its rich past. The district's own capital is the town of San Ignacio, a lively centre on the western edge of the country. Today Cayo is the second-most populous district of Belize and a favourite destination for nature and history lovers. Do you have Cayo stories to tell? Share them with us!