The Macal River starts in the Maya Mountains of western Belize and meanders its way down through many small towns and villages of the Cayo District. It’s known as the river that divides San Ignacio from its twin town, Santa Elena, and as one of the rivers that form the Belize River.
Visiting the Macal River
The Macal River’s calm nature and easy access from San Ignacio and surrounding towns and villages in Cayo make the river a great spot to explore via canoe or kayak.
Along with the Macal River being the perfect place for a peaceful and quiet experience, visitors tend to also enjoy indulging in wildlife encounters. Iguanas, turtles, all sorts of birds, and sometimes howler monkeys or crocodiles can be seen on the banks of the river.
Kayaking or canoeing the Macal River can be done without a guide but for anyone that is really interested in spotting wildlife, it’s best to hire a guide since they have experience spotting animals and plants that ordinary people would miss.
