THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN BELIZE

 

The Central American destination of Belize, is the adventure traveler’s dream, from its jungle-covered peaks to a coastline dotted with more than 450 islands stretching across the world’s second-largest barrier reef. The small country of Belize is the perfect destination for a vacation, has many interesting sights, is culturally diverse, and is home to historically significant Maya sites, creating a unique experience for visitors to the region. Here are the best places to visit in Belize.

 

The Cayes, Belize

 

Placencia

If you’re looking for an underwater paradise, then Placencia, in Belize is the perfect place.   Whether snorkeling or scuba diving, this southern town takes things up a notch from the standard coral reef to give you a look at gigantic lobsters, eels, sea turtles, and even whale sharks in season.  Snorkeling trips for all levels will take you out to Silk Caye where you’ll be surrounded by docile nurse sharks and stingrays for a fascinating encounter.  PADI certification classes take just a few days if you feel inspired to try scuba diving for the first time.
When you are not diving in its waters, Placencia is incredibly walkable with a wide sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing.  There’s a laidback vibe that makes it easy to relax and kick back.  Cool down with a gelato or walk to Sunset Point for a boat ride to a public swim-up bar. Close by you can head out wildlife-watching at Cockscomb Basin or making your own Mayan-style chocolate at a cacao farm. Placencia has something for everyone!

 

Placencia Beach

 

Ambergris Caye

 

San Pedro, the main city on Ambergris Caye, is a popular spot for travelers with a little money to burn since it has many luxury accommodation options. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great time here! San Pedro has a number of beach bars down on the waterfront and is the perfect place to chill out. is also a great place to base yourself if you want to enjoy diving and snorkeling in the Barrier Reef.

 

San Ignacio

San Ignacio is the second-largest city in Belize. Located in the Cayo District in far western Belize, the town of about 20,000 people is a popular place for adventure-seekers eager to explore the surrounding area. The Cayo District is known for its dense jungle, countless caves, and ancient Mayan ruins. You can even find ruins directly in the town of San Ignacio. The Mayan site, Cahal Pech, is located on the southern edge of town and within walking distance of the main streets.  The town has a variety of locally-owned restaurants and shops that will give you a true taste of the country and its rich culture. On Saturdays, the local market draws crowds of locals and tourists alike. 

 

Xunantunich, San Ignacio

Actun Tunichil Muknal 

If you’re planning a trip to San Ignacio, you can’t miss doing an ATM cave tour, one of the best places to visit in Belize for adventure seekers. Short for Actun Tunichil Muknal, this cave is located deep in the Belize interior, a 45-minute hike and 3 river crossings away from the nearest road. Once you reach the mouth of the cave, the adventure intensifies, as you swim through dark pools, squeeze through narrow rocks, and even climb up slippery rocks to get to the final destination. This sacred cave was worshipped by the Maya and where important sacrificial ceremonies were performed. The “cathedral” still has Maya remains, offering excellent insight into the customs and practices of the ancient Maya people.

Hol Chan

 

Want to swim in a real-life aquarium?  Hol Chan Marine Reserve accommodates snorkelers and divers staying in Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker to experience the underwater way of life. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a protected area off the coast of Belize which is part of the world’s second-largest barrier reef. The area protects wildlife by restricting fishing zones, meaning you can observe all kinds of wildlife: different types of live coral, seagrass, sharks, dolphins, stingrays, parrotfish, eels, and a huge selection of fish. One of the highlights is Shark Alley, a favorite place for sharks to hang out. The nurse sharks here are friendly and excellent for swimming with sharks without posing a major risk.

 

Hol Chan

Caracol

If you’re looking for some off-the-beaten-track Mayan ruins in Central America, you shouldn’t miss Caracol. While it’s the largest site in Belize, it gets nowhere near the number of tourists that Chichen Itza in Mexico or Tikal in Guatemala. This Mayan site is located deep in the jungle and you’ll find toucans, howler monkeys, and other wildlife within the Caracol grounds. You’ll be able to ascend the largest pyramid in the complex, where your vista is so unbroken that you can even see across the border into Guatemala!

Hopkins

Hopkins is found on the eastern coastal region of Belize’s mainland. Hopkins is home to a large population of the Garifuna people, a UNESCO-recognized culture of African Caribbeans who settled in Belize during the 1800s and brought forth a unique cultural twist to Belize’s naturally Latin and Mayan communities. Hopkins is a true jungle-beach experience with the Maya mountains on one end, and the lush jungle on the other that reaches right up to the Caribbean Sea. The area is the perfect base to explore inland and the amazing jungle hikes, waterfalls, and kayaking the Sittee River, but also off-land where you can easily access the Belize Barrier Reef for snorkeling, diving, or exploring some of the untouched beaches and islands. There are few places in the world where you can experience both the beach and the jungle at the same time, and Hopkins in Belize with its lush and pristine coastline is one of them!

 

 

Hopkins Beach

Lamanai

A tour of the Lamanai Mayan Ruins begins with a 90-minute boat ride along the New River from Orange Walk, Belize. It’s a scenic journey that takes you past an old rum distillery and a Mennonite community. Keep your eyes open for the abundance of orchids growing on the tree branches hanging overhead as well as the many birds and monkeys that call the surrounding jungle home.  Lamanai is distinctive in several ways; the layout of this ancient city and its ceremonial structures were built along the banks of the river rather than around the plazas as is typical in other Mayan sites. Lamanai means “submerged crocodile” in the Mayan language and you’ll see several crocodile representations in the carvings on site. Climb a pyramid and observe the amazing river views above the towering palms. 

 
Xunantunich

One of the highlights in the Cayo District, Xunatunich is a Mayan archaeological site located just east of the Belize border with Guatemala. The name Xunatunich means “Sculpture of Lady” or “Stone Woman,” and refers to a ghost that nineteenth-century locals believe inhabited the site. The highest temple "El Castillo" is 130ft (40m) tall with a breathtaking 360 view of the site reaching the Guatemalan border with Belize.

 

Xunantunich

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