Belize City: A Tropical Adventure Unveiled

Belize City is the country's largest city and former capital. While it may not be the first destination for most visitors, there's plenty to explore in this urban centre.

To begin your tour of Belize City, start at Haulover Creek, the main waterway that splits the city. Heading towards the coast, you'll find the historic centre when you reach the Swing Bridge. From there, you can go northeast to visit the Museum of Belize, the Fort Street Tourism Village, the BTL Memorial Park, and the Baron Bliss lighthouse.

Heading south from the Swing Bridge, you can tour the St. John Anglican Cathedral, the only Anglican church outside of England that was used to crown a king, and the Government House, which is now partly a museum.

- The Belize Zoo, which is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including large cats, primates, reptiles and birds.

- The Museum of Belize, where you can explore the rich culture and history of Belize and view Mayan relics.

- Altun Ha, one of Belize's most-visited archaeological sites, where the famous Jade Head of the Maya Sun God was found.

- The Community Baboon Sanctuary, where you can see the Black Howler Monkey, a spectacular creature to witness in the wild.

- The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a beautiful nature reserve in an area world-famous for its excellent diving.

- The Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, a remote cave filled with relics left over from the Mayans.

- The Great Blue Hole, the most famous dive site in Belize, which was discovered by Jacques Cousteau.

Explore the Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is a must-see for anyone visiting Belize City. Here are some reasons why you should explore this unique zoo:

Wildlife Conservation and Education:

The Belize Zoo is not your typical zoo. Founded by Sharon Matola in 1983, it started as a rescue centre for a handful of wild animals that were used in a natural history documentary. Today, it is a world-renowned wildlife education centre, with a focus on conservation and rehabilitation. The zoo is home to over 150 native wildlife species, including tapirs, jaguars, spider monkeys, keel-billed toucans, and scarlet macaws. All the animals in the zoo are rescues, confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade, or transferred from other rehabilitation facilities.

Immersion in Natural Habitat:

The zoo covers 30 acres of land, located in a tropical savanna, providing an immersive experience for visitors. The animal habitats are designed to reflect their natural settings, allowing visitors to connect with Belize's unique natural heritage. The zoo is also accessible to persons with physical disabilities, making it the first nature destination in Belize with this feature.

Up-Close Animal Encounters:

Get up close and personal with the animals through unique experiences like the "Lindo Link," where you can meet "Lindo," a rescued jaguar and one of the zoo's "jaguar ambassadors." You can also feed the inquisitive Keel-billed Toucan, Belize's National Bird, or get your photo taken next to a Tapir, the National Animal of Belize. The zoo offers a VIP tour, providing intimate animal encounters and a knowledgeable zookeeper guide.

Nocturnal Tours:

For a different perspective, sign up for a nocturnal tour of the zoo. Explore the zoo at night and witness the forest coming alive around you, offering a whole new dimension to your wildlife experience.

The Tropical Education Center:

Adjacent to the zoo is the Tropical Education Center, an 84-acre site that serves as a lodge, learning centre, and training facility. Here, you can hike or canoe through the centre, encountering animals in their natural habitats. The centre also provides accommodation and meals, allowing you to rest and recharge after a day of wildlife encounters.

Visit the Museum of Belize

Belize City is a hub of history and culture, and the Museum of Belize is the perfect place to immerse yourself in its fascinating past. Set inside the historic Queen Elizabeth's Prison, this museum is a must-visit for those interested in Belize's rich heritage and diverse cultural influences. Here's why you should include it in your itinerary:

Uncover Belize's Colonial History

The Museum of Belize provides a glimpse into the country's colonial era. Housed in a brick building constructed in 1857, the museum itself is a testament to the past. Once the main jail of Belize, the building's architecture and setting offer a unique insight into the city's colonial-era history.

Explore Mayan Relics and Artifacts

The museum showcases an array of Mayan relics and artifacts. Visitors can delve into the ancient history of Belize and admire the craftsmanship of this remarkable civilisation. From intricate carvings to ceremonial objects, the museum offers a window into the lives and traditions of the Maya people.

Discover the Country's Natural History

Belize's natural history is also on display at the museum. Visitors can learn about the diverse wildlife of the region, including native bird species and insects. The museum features an insect gallery and a dedicated exhibit on the Birds of Belize, offering a closer look at the country's ecological diversity.

Enjoy Temporary Exhibits and Art Displays

In addition to its permanent collections, the Museum of Belize also hosts temporary exhibits that showcase different aspects of Belizean culture and history. Previous exhibits have included a focus on the slave trade in Belize, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the country's complex past. The museum also features an art gallery, displaying the works of local artists such as Pen Cayetano.

Learn About Belize's Creole Language and Culture

As the former capital and a melting pot of cultures, Belize City has a strong Creole presence. The Museum of Belize offers insights into the Creole language and the history of the Creole people, who have played a significant role in shaping the country's identity.

Convenient Location and Accessibility

The Museum of Belize is conveniently located in the downtown tourist area of Belize City. It is easily accessible, with street parking available nearby. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, with an entry fee of around $7, making it an affordable and convenient addition to your cultural itinerary.

Tour St John's Cathedral

St. John's Cathedral is a must-see for anyone visiting Belize City. Here is a suggested itinerary for a tour of this historic site:

Getting There

St. John's Cathedral is located in the heart of downtown Belize City, just a few hundred feet west of the Government House. The cathedral is situated at the intersection of Albert and Regent Streets, directly across from the House of Culture. It is safe to walk to the cathedral during the day, and it is open seven days a week from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, with no entrance fee.

History

The Cathedral Church of St. John the Baptist, an Anglican cathedral, was built between 1812 and 1820 using bricks that had been ballast aboard ships. It is the oldest surviving building constructed by Europeans in Belize and is a historical landmark from the country's colonial past. Initially a parish church, it became a cathedral in 1891 and has since undergone several renovations.

Architecture and Interior

The exterior of the cathedral is made of brick, while the interior is furnished with mahogany and sapodilla wood. Inside, you will find an antique pipe organ, a brass eagle bible stand, a central chandelier, and a stained glass likeness of Jesus on the cross. The cathedral also houses countless memorial tablets dedicated to Englishmen, their wives, and children who succumbed to diseases like Yellow Fever. Attached to the cathedral is the oldest cemetery in the country, Yarborough Cemetery, built by the British using slave labour.

Role and Significance

St. John's Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Belize and the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Belize. It was once used to crown four different native kings of the Miskito tribe in lavish ceremonies. Today, it remains an active place of worship and a symbol of Belize's colonial past.

Touring Tips

There are no guided tours or entrance fees for the cathedral. To make the most of your visit, choose a time when there are no religious services, and allow yourself 30 to 60 minutes to explore. Take time to read the inscriptions on the colonial-era tombstones, admire the hardwood interior architecture, and learn about the role the church played in Belizean history.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include the Government House, the Museum of Belize, and the Belize Tourism Village. The cathedral is also part of the "Belize City tour," which often includes stops at other colonial buildings and historical sites.

Discover the Government House

One of the most important historical and political landmarks in Belize, the Government House is a must-see on your trip to Belize City. Here's why:

History

The Government House, also known as the House of Culture, is one of Belize's most preserved colonial buildings. It was built in 1812 or 1814 when Belize was under British rule and served as the residence of the Governor of British Honduras. Later, it became the residence of the Governor-General, the monarch's representative in Belize. In 1981, the Union Jack was lowered, and the Belize flag was raised here to mark the country's independence. After the government moved to Belmopan following Hurricane Hattie in 1961, the house was used for social functions and as a guest house for visiting dignitaries.

Architecture

The Government House is considered the finest colonial structure in Belize City, combining Caribbean vernacular and English urban architecture. Designed by the illustrious British architect Sir Christopher Wren, the stately mansion boasts polished silver, mahogany finishes, antique musical instruments, and period art and furniture. Outside, cannons flank the front doors, and the grounds house Baron Bliss' restored wooden vessel, the Sea King.

Things to Do and See

The Government House now functions as a creative community centre and historical museum, exhibiting colonial glassware, silverware, furniture, and a collection of archival records. It also hosts various events, including art exhibitions, music festivals, concerts, and open-air theatre. It is a popular venue for weddings and other social functions.

Visitor Information

The Government House is located on Regent Street in downtown Belize City. It is typically included in tours of the city. Opening days and times may vary due to ongoing renovations, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit.

Adventure to Altun Ha

Roughly an hour's drive from Belize City, Altun Ha is one of Belize's most-visited archaeological sites. This Maya temple is featured on the label of Belize's national beer, and it's where the famous Jade Head of the Maya Sun God, Kinich Ahau, was found.

The site covers about 3 square miles (or 5 square miles, according to another source) of Belizean countryside, and the central area has more than 500 historic structures, mostly built during the Maya Classic era (AD 200 to 900).

The largest of Altun Ha's temple-pyramids, the "Temple of the Masonry Altars", is 16 metres (52 feet) high. A drawing of this structure is the logo of Belize's leading beer brand, Belikin.

The site is accessible for tourism. To get there, take the Northern Highway towards Orange Walk. Just past Sand Hill, turn right onto the Old Northern Highway, and make a left onto Rockstone Pond Road to the site. The site is open from 8 am to 5 pm, and the entrance fee is US$5.00 or BZD$10.00.

Altun Ha was occupied for many centuries, from about 900 BC to AD 1000. Most of the information on Altun Ha comes from the Classic Period (from about AD 400 to AD 900), when the city was at its largest.

The site consists of a central precinct composed of Groups A and B. Groups A and B, and Zones C, D, and E, consist of the nucleated area, with Zones G, J, K, M, and N making up the suburban area. The site does not contain any stelae, suggesting that stelae were not part of ceremonial procedures.

Inside the site, you will find two main complexes with smaller, mostly residential, groups. Group A comprised the early civic/ceremonial core of the site. The structures are arranged around a large plaza. While not the largest, Structure A1 is the most important structure in this group. It is a truncated pyramid with a broad stairway leading up to three staggered terraces. At the rear of the uppermost terrace, a smaller, central stairway rises to a temple structure with several rooms. A royal tomb was discovered under the temple floor, containing over 300 jade objects, in addition to other fine funerary items, including the remains of a rare codex (bark-covered book). It has been dated to about AD 550.

The other main complex is known as Group B. This area of the site gained importance during the Late Classic, and is where many elite burials were found containing vast amounts of jade objects. The most important structure in the group, and the site, is Structure B4, also known as the Temple of the Masonry Altars. This multi-tiered structure rises to a height of 55 feet (17 metres). A broad stairway leads to a number of rooms divided by rectangular pillars on the first level. Behind these rooms, another broad stairway rises five levels to the summit, where there is a single, centrally located round altar.

Inside the structure, several royal tombs have been found. The most impressive is the tomb of a presumed ruler in Tomb B4/7, the oldest in the structure, dating to around AD 650. The elite funerary objects included the largest jade object found in the Maya World; a carved jade head of the Sun God, Kinich Ahau. This carving weighs nearly 11 pounds (5 kilograms) and is an exquisite example of Maya art. Due to its priceless heritage, it is normally kept in the Belize Central Bank, occasionally being displayed at the national museum.

Frequently asked questions