Cayo: Western Belize

ABOVE: Kinich Ahau - the Sun God is the largest Mayan Jade artefact discovered to date. It can be found watermarked on the corner of all Belize bank notes. It was discovered at Altun Ha, in the neigbouring Belize District.

San Ignacio is also only 15 miles from the Guatemalan border town of Melchor de Mencos where visitors can buy Guatemalan fabric and items at low prices. Melchor de Mencos borders with the Cayo town of Benque Viejo del Carmen , where in November 2002, the government of Belize opened a modern, comfortable immigration facility. Large and spacious, this 18,000 square foot facility is located on 22 acres of land, replacing the small, cramped 3,000 sq. foot structure that previously sat on one acre of land. The new western border facility features comfortable arrival and departure areas, separate areas for tourists, cargo, Belizeans and cross border traffic, as well as proper offices for immigration, customs and Border Management Agency (BMA) officials. The BMA comes under the Ministry of Tourism and the Benque facility is the first of two the BMA is coordinating; scheduled soon for opening is a similar revitalization of the northern border with Mexico in Santa Elena, Corozal.

Benque Viejo del Carmen is also home to a House of Culture. Located at the site of the old police station, it offers exhibits such as its recent "Art for the People" and "Women in Art." Additionally, the Benque House of Culture periodically offers cultural lectures and holds cultural workshops, recent ones being classes in the playing of marimba music and accordion music. The Coordinator is Belizean writer David Ruiz; contact number is +501-823-2697.

On the short drive between San Ignacio and Benque, you will pass San Jose Succotz Village . It is home to the Xunantunich Maya Ruin; one catches a quaint ferry ride from the main highway as one enters Succotz - feel free to purchase a Mayan slate carving or other handicraft sold from cultural stalls at the mouth of the ferry. A short climb up after the ferry disembarks leads one to Xunantunich.

A nine-cabana all-inclusive resort has been opened in a beautiful riverfront setting on the Mopan River near Benque Viejo del Carmen; it is the Mopan River Resort and features, kayaking tours, birding and visits to ruins.

South of San Ignacio is the quaint village of San Antonio , Cayo, famous for wood and slate carvings. The Garcia Sisters, Cayo's famous slate carvers, are established there. Their Tanah Mayan Art Museum is worth the visit. San Antonio , Cayo is also the home of the late Don Elijio Panti, who was the shaman guide for much of the work later developed at Ix Chel Farms. The Mayan ruin of Pacbitun is located on the outskirts of San Antonio Village .

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