Cayo is the largest district in Belize. It is on the western border of the country and has the most diverse terrain of all the districts. Galen University is located just 7 miles east of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, twin towns separated by the Macal River.There are approximately 40,000 people living in Cayo, primarily in the twin towns, and in Belmopan, the nation’s capital. The nation’s population of Mestizo, Creole, Maya, Garifuna, East Indian, and a mixture of other nationalities, is evenly reflected in Cayo. 60% of the Cayo District has been set aside either as a National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary, or Forest Reserve.

San Ignacio and Santa Elena are located at the confluence of the Mopan and Macal Rivers. These become the Belize River, which runs all the way to Belize City, and, into the Caribbean Sea. San Ignacio, (also referred to as Cayo), is the commercial hub of the area. It has a colorful marketplace, a bus depot, banks, hotels, restaurants and stores. It hosts a large outdoor market on Saturdays where farmers and vendors come from many miles around to offer their wide variety of goods. The market bustles with tourists, Ex-Pats, and Cayo residents shopping for fresh vegetables, local herbs and spices. Clothes, plants, animals, household items and various other items can be found at the market. Although English is the preferred language, the variety of languages spoken in Cayo is very interesting. Belizean Creole, Spanish, and an occasional Mayan conversation can challenge one’s listening skills!

The San Ignacio/Santa Elena area is sometimes referred to as the Wild West. Most likely the label works because the general operating procedures for a community are somewhat loose. The roads are mostly paved, but their are roaming dogs. Road signs and street names are not always available. People walk, and stop to talk, in the roads where the sidewalks are not accessible. Colorfully uniformed students go back and forth to schools; large umbrellas shield the fruit stand; and store owners often sit out on their doorsteps. Periodically, parades or bike races will briefly hold up traffic. These parade may include buses, bikes, scooters and horses. There are internet cafes and restaurants in the center of town. Rice and beans with chicken is the standard meal, but international flavors are also available.

Whether it’s raining, or hot and dry, the weather dictates a lot. Ladies may carry umbrellas for shade, or, to get shelter from the rain. The towns and road get dusty during the dry season, which is from March to May. The rainy seasons from is from June to November, during which the rain comes and goes. The proximity to nature at its best, and worst, is part of the pleasure of living and studying in Cayo. 

Fresh air, fresh food, fresh faces, and new experiences await a visitor or student.