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Published: 27-12-2022
Located south of Mexico on the Caribbean Sea, beautiful Belize is a tropical wonderland known for its stunning coasts, enchanted islands, and dense forests. Rich in culture, this former British colony in Central America attracts throngs of visitors to its landmarks and sites. This tour concentrates on the more off-the-beaten-track part of Belize, packed with Mayan archaeological sites, deep Garifuna culture, and picturesque beaches for a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.
Hopkins Sunrise
Caracol
Tikal and Chichen Itza get all the glory regarding the region's archaeological sites. Still, deep in Belize's jungle, about two hours from the nearest large town, you'll find pyramids just as impressive and far less crowded. Caracol is the highest and largest Mayan structure in all of Belize, and its position on the border of modern-day Guatemala means that you can see two countries at once from the top.
Caracol
Barton Creek
The Barton Creek natural cave in the Cayo District draws tourists as an archaeological site and a setting for some fantastic canoe trips. The Mayans used this extensive cave system, and you can explore it too on a canoeing adventure through this meandering waterway inside the mountain. The cathedral chambers are adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, making for some spectacular photo-ops. Besides the incredible reef, Barton Creek is one of the top attractions of Belize. The most remarkable thing about this cave is an actual beach, with sand and everything! How many countries can say that their shelters have beaches?
Barton Creek Caves
Cahel Pech
Cahel Pech consists of seven plazas and over 30 structures, including temples, residential buildings, ball courts, an altar, and a sweat house, all situated on just 2 acres. A royal burial chamber was found in one of the structures. Inside the tomb, a ruler had been laid to rest with the accouterments necessary for the afterlife. Included in the find were shell & bone ornaments, pottery vessels, obsidian blades, and jade objects, the most impressive being a jade & shell mosaic mask. One of the temples in this small complex commands the best view of the surrounding Belize River Valley. The visitors center and museum have a site model, excellent paintings showing Cahal Pech in its heyday, and an interpretive film.
Cahel Pech
Xunantunich
Xunantunich is located on top of a ridge above the Mopan River, about 80 miles west of Belize City in the Cayo District, just one kilometer east of the Guatemalan border. Evidence suggests the city was settled as early as the ceramic phase of the Preclassic period, which lasted from around 1000 BC to 400 AD. But it wasn't until Xunantunich established a political connection with the nearby city of Naranjo sometime between 670 and 750 AD that it began to grow. The center of Xunantunich includes six plazas, more than two dozen palaces, temples, ball courts, and hundreds of mounds that are still yet to be unearthed. It's surrounded by fertile farmland that once contained villages divided into family groups, all economically self-sufficient. Xunantunich was taken from the Yucatec Maya words for "stone sculpture of a noble lady." According to local folklore, a man from a nearby village passed by El Castillo; he was awestruck by a beautiful woman in traditional Mayan clothing standing in the mouth of a cave. Others later claimed to have seen her, but no one could ever find her inside the cavern.
Xunantunich
Hopkins
Traditionally a quiet, unassuming beach town, Hopkins, in southern Belize, has, in recent years, become the focus for many visitors to the country. There are many reasons for this growth in popularity, from its ideal location, highly rated resorts, authentic culture, and proximity to Sittee River. Hopkins is a small, authentic Central American village that is warm and welcoming to visitors. There is a large percentage of Garifuna settlers here who have maintained their cultural traditions. Garifuna culture is a massive part of the Belize experience, and part of the culture is the history of art, music, and food from African roots. The Garifuna drumming is a hypnotic, exotic experience that can only be had in a handful of places in the western hemisphere. Art and cooking lessons are also offered in the Hopkins area.
Hopkins
Lamanai
An important Mesoamerican archaeological site, many visitors come to Lamanai to explore its fascinating ruins, like the Jaguar Temple. Research is still conducted here as historians work to learn more about this old Mayan city filled with incredible relics and artifacts.
Lamanai
Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is an island you don't want to miss. Packed with the cultural appeal, San Pedro Town offers a range of resorts, jungle lodges, beachfront cabanas, and hotels. Ambergris Caye attracts many tourists and a community of ex-pats who have chosen to live in this decidedly laid-back setting. San Pedro Town is perfect for shopping, regional cuisine, spectacular beaches, and the pristine coral reef.
Ambergris Caye
Book the adventure of a lifetime in Belize here on this 9-day off-the-beaten-track adventure.
