The Perfect Week-Long Escape To Belize

Belize is the perfect destination for a week-long trip. The small Central American country is packed with adventure, from ancient Mayan ruins to lush jungles, and a vibrant food scene.

Belize is home to hundreds of ancient ruins, including around 33 Mayan archaeological sites. The country is also full of wildlife, including pumas, jaguars, monkeys, and birds, and 50% of the country is protected by national parks and environmental laws.

Belize's reef is the second-largest barrier reef in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Popular activities include diving, snorkelling, sailing, and fishing.

Belize is also known for its mysterious caves, including the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, which was once used by the Mayans to perform human sacrifices.

The Cayo District is the place to be for adventure-seekers and history buffs. Here, you can go horseback riding, hike through limestone caves, canoe down rivers, and explore Mayan sites like Cahal Pech and Xunantunich.

For a more relaxed experience, head to the Caribbean islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, where you can enjoy the beach, go snorkelling, or take a catamaran cruise.

With its mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, Belize has something for everyone.

Exploring the ancient Mayan ruins at the ATM Caves and Xunantunich

Belize is home to hundreds of ancient ruins, including around 33 Mayan archaeological sites. Two of the most popular sites are the ATM Caves and Xunantunich.

Exploring the Ancient Mayan Ruins at the ATM Caves

The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Caves are considered one of the most significant archaeological sites in Belize. The ATM Caves are located in the Cayo District, near San Ignacio. To get to the caves, you will need to take a 45-minute flight or a 1.5-hour shuttle from Belize City to San Ignacio. From there, it is a 45-minute drive to the caves.

The ATM Caves are known for their well-preserved Mayan artifacts and human remains, dating back nearly 1500 years. Visitors can take a guided tour of the caves, which includes a hike through the jungle, swimming, and wading through the cave's crystal-clear water. The cave is protected, and visitors must be accompanied by a guide licensed by the Department of Ecology.

Exploring the Ancient Mayan Ruins at Xunantunich

Xunantunich is located in western Belize, less than a mile from the Guatemalan border, in the Cayo District. To get to Xunantunich, you will first need to get to San Ignacio, either by bus or taxi from Belize City. From San Ignacio, you can take a taxi or bus to Xunantunich.

Xunantunich is believed to have been inhabited around 700 AD and served as a ceremonial and administrative centre and possibly a residence for the Mayan elite. The site includes at least 32 structures, with the most impressive being El Castillo, a massive pyramid that stands at 130 feet tall. From the top of El Castillo, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding jungle, the Guatemalan border, and the Mopan River.

Xunantunich also features an extensive system of defensive walls and gates, suggesting that the site was also used as a fortress. The site's hilltop location made it an ideal defensive position.

In addition to exploring the ruins, visitors can also enjoy the surrounding natural splendour. The region is home to various animals, including monkeys, parrots, and jaguars. Guided hikes or river excursions are also available for those who want to see rare birds, reptiles, and other creatures.

Visiting the Belize Zoo, home to over 175 species of animals

The Belize Zoo is a great place to visit to see Belize's fauna. The zoo is home to over 175 animals of about 45-48 species, all native to Belize. The zoo was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who was caring for a handful of wild animals that had been part of a natural history documentary. When the filming was completed, she was left with these animals and decided to start a zoo. The zoo is located about 47 kilometres (29 miles) west of Belize City on the Western Highway and is set in 12 hectares (29 acres) of land.

The zoo has a strong focus on conservation and education. The animals at the zoo were either people's pets, orphaned, rescued, born at the zoo, or sent to the zoo from another zoological facility. The zoo is also accessible to persons with physical disabilities.

Some of the animals you can see at the zoo include:

• Mammals: Baird's tapir (Belize's national animal), jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, jaguarundi, white-tailed deer, red brocket deer, collared peccaries, white-lipped peccaries, Yucatan spider monkeys, black howler monkeys, Central American agoutis, lowland paca, gray foxes, neotropical otters, coatimundi, kinkajous, and tayras.
• Birds: Scarlet macaws, red-lored amazons, yellow-headed amazons, keel-billed toucans, jabiru, harpy eagles, king vultures, great black hawks, ornate hawk-eagles, barn owls, mottled owls, crested guans, and great curassows.
• Reptiles: American crocodiles, Morelet's crocodiles, boa constrictors, fer-de-lance, green iguanas, and black spiny-tailed iguanas.

The zoo offers both daytime and night-time tours, allowing visitors to see the crepuscular and nocturnal animals such as tapirs, jaguars, margays, kinkajous, crocodiles, peccaries, and howler monkeys.

The Belize Zoo is a great way to learn about and see the native wildlife of Belize in their natural habitat. It is an excellent destination for anyone interested in nature and conservation.

Snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to turtles, rays and sharks

Snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a must-do when spending a week in Belize. The reserve is located just a short 15-minute boat ride from San Pedro Town and is considered the most popular snorkelling site in Belize. It is home to a diverse array of marine life, including over 160 species of fish, nearly 40 species of corals, and various types of sponges, algae, seagrasses, marine mammals, and sea turtles.

As you snorkel through the channel, you will be greeted by schools of jacks, groupers, and snappers. The channel's edge features vibrant coral formations, crevices, and an overhang where green eels and lobsters dwell. Just a three-minute boat ride from Hol Chan Marine Reserve lies Shark Ray Alley, where you can swim with nurse sharks and southern stingrays. This site offers an exciting opportunity to observe the gathering of these marine creatures as they feed.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve snorkelling experience is perfect for beginners, as it offers shallow waters, white sands, and excellent visibility of up to 100 feet. Whether you are an experienced diver or a novice snorkeller, you will be amazed by the beauty and abundance of marine life that the reserve has to offer. Remember to book a guided tour and follow the instructions of your guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Touring the Great Blue Hole, a giant marine sinkhole

The Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole near Lighthouse Reef Atoll, and it is Belize's top tourist site for a scenic flyover tour. It is a large submarine sinkhole in the Caribbean Sea, lying near the centre of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll 70km from the mainland and Belize City. The hole is circular, over 300m across and 124m deep. It was formed during several episodes of Quaternary glaciation when the ocean began to rise again and the caves were flooded.

The Blue Hole is Belize's most famous attraction, and it is a popular destination for divers and snorkelers. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best snorkelling experiences in Belize. The Blue Hole is a world-renowned marine site, attracting divers and snorkelers eager to explore its underwater formations, including stalactites and limestone formations.

There are several ways to experience the Blue Hole. You can take a boat tour, which usually includes snorkelling and island-hopping. Alternatively, you can take a flight over the Blue Hole, which offers a unique perspective and allows you to see the other atolls and coral reef formations from above. This option is more expensive but provides breathtaking views.

If you decide to dive or snorkel, be aware that the Blue Hole is an advanced dive due to its depth. It is not recommended for beginners, as it can be a scary experience. There are also reports of rough seas during the boat ride to the site, which can make for a long and uncomfortable journey.

The Blue Hole is best accessed from San Pedro, Belize City, or Caye Caulker.

Relaxing on Caye Caulker, a tiny island with no paved roads

Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. Measuring about 5 miles (8.0 km) north to south and less than 1 mile (1.6 km) east to west, Caye Caulker is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a “go slow” Caribbean vibe. The island attracts younger and less affluent travellers seeking a no-frills beach vacation. With no paved roads, the primary mode of transport is by bicycle or golf cart.

Caye Caulker is located approximately 20 miles (32 km) north-northeast of Belize City and is accessible by high-speed water taxi or small plane. The island is made up of a sand bar over a limestone shelf, with an underwater cave named Giant Cave found below the Caye in the limestone.

A narrow waterway known as the Split divides the island into two. The Split was formed by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, which devastated Belize City. However, the villagers of Caye Caulker maintain that it is largely a man-made feature, as they hand-dredged the waterway themselves.

Caye Caulker is a popular destination for snorkelling, diving, and fishing. The Belize Barrier Reef, located just off the coast of Caye Caulker, is one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world. It is a haven for snorkelers and divers, offering the chance to swim alongside colourful coral reefs and encounter majestic sea turtles.

In addition to its natural wonders, Caye Caulker also boasts a vibrant culinary scene. Indulge in fresh seafood delicacies, try traditional Belizean dishes like rice and beans or stewed chicken, and don't forget to sample the famous Belizean hot sauce.

For a truly relaxing experience, head to The Lazy Lizard, an iconic bar and hangout spot located at the northernmost tip of the island. Soak up the sun on the stunning wooden deck while enjoying a refreshing drink and breathtaking views. If you're feeling adventurous, take a swim in the crystal-clear waters or try the rope swing.

Caye Caulker truly embodies the essence of a laid-back island paradise. With its stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural heritage, it offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure that will leave you wanting more.

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