Belize's Best-Kept Secrets: Exploring The Country's Top Attractions

Belize is a Central American gem, brimming with natural beauty and ancient Mayan ruins. From dense jungles with howler monkeys and jaguars to the world's second-largest barrier reef, Belize is an eco-tourist's paradise.

- Hol Chan Marine Reserve: This nature reserve is world-famous for its excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities.

- Actun Tunichil Muknal: A remote cave filled with relics and sacrificial remains left over from the Mayans.

- Caye Caulker: A laid-back island with a tropical paradise vibe, offering superb diving and snorkelling spots.

- Lamanai Archaeological Reserve: A wild archaeological site nestled in the jungle on the banks of the New River, featuring pyramids, plazas, and temples.

- Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve: A soothing contrast to the tropical coast, with cool temperatures and respite from mosquitoes.

- The Belize Zoo: A wildlife preserve housing over 45 native species, including jaguars, toucans, and howler monkeys.

- Xunantunich: A prominent Maya site with six major plazas and the towering El Castillo structure.

- The Great Blue Hole: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this giant marine sinkhole offers excellent scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities.

- Placencia: A booming beach town with tranquil beaches, nature reserves, and underwater sanctuaries.

- Altun Ha: An ancient Maya trading post featuring human-made lagoons, temples, and pyramids.

Explore ancient Maya ruins

Belize is home to the largest number of ancient Maya ruins in Central America, with over 600 Mayan sites. The ancient Maya civilisation left a legacy of sacred temples, pyramids, palaces, and other impressive structures. Here are some of the must-see ancient Maya ruins in Belize:

Xunantunich

Xunantunich, meaning "maiden of the rock" or "stone woman" in Maya, is located across the river from the village of San Jose Succotz. Visitors can take a free ferry across the Mopan River to reach the site. Xunantunich is a Classic Period ceremonial centre, featuring six major plazas, over 25 temples and palaces, and a museum. The site also includes El Castillo, the second-tallest temple in Belize at 133 feet tall. Xunantunich is still an active archaeological site, with ongoing excavations yielding new discoveries.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha is a major ceremonial and trade centre during the Classic Period, located about 31 miles north of Belize City. The site is easily accessible and features two principal plazas surrounded by over a dozen Mayan temples, pyramids, and residential structures. Altun Ha is known for the discovery of the Maya Jade Head, representing the Mayan Sun God, the largest jade object found in the Maya civilisation. The site is also rich in wildlife, with over 200 species of birds and various land animals.

Caracol

Caracol, located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, is the largest known Maya centre in Belize. This ancient city was once one of the most powerful in the Maya world, covering an area larger than modern-day Belize City. Caracol features the Caana pyramid, the tallest man-made structure in Belize at 140-143 feet tall. The site also includes ball courts, an astronomic observatory, reservoirs, and hieroglyphics. The sheer size and preservation of Caracol make it a fascinating place to explore.

Lamanai

Lamanai, located in northern Belize, is one of the oldest continuously occupied Maya sites. Situated 24 miles south of Orange Walk Town, Lamanai combines impressive ruins with a spectacular jungle setting near the New River Lagoon. The site's name, "submerged crocodile," hints at the presence of crocodiles in the area. Lamanai features several well-preserved ceremonial buildings, including the High Temple, the Jaguar Temple, and the Mask Temple. The site also has remnants of 16th-century Spanish churches and an old sugar mill.

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech, located near the town of San Ignacio, is a smaller-scale Maya site. Built as a place for the wealthy, the complex includes several pyramids, residence buildings, and courtyards. Cahal Pech is one of the oldest-known ruins in the Belize River Valley, providing valuable insights into the Preclassic period of the Maya civilisation. The site offers panoramic views of San Ignacio and the Belize River Valley.

El Pilar

El Pilar, located in the Cayo District, is an archaeological site that is still in the early stages of excavation. It is believed to be three times the size of Xunantunich and has already revealed 25 plazas. El Pilar offers a glimpse into the lives of everyday Mayans, with temples, palaces, pyramids, a ball court, and water reservoirs. The site is also developing as a nature preservation area, providing hiking trails for visitors.

Dive into the Great Blue Hole

Belize is brimming with natural beauty and ancient sites, but one of the most famous attractions is the Great Blue Hole. This giant marine sinkhole is located near the centre of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, a small atoll off the coast of Belize. It is one of the world's most distinguished scuba sites and was made famous by Jacques-Yves Cousteau who declared it one of the top ten best scuba diving sites in the world.

The Great Blue Hole is almost perfectly circular, stretching 300 metres across and 125 metres deep. It is the only blue hole that can be seen from outer space. The site is protected from fishing as it is the centrepiece of The Blue Hole Natural Monument Marine Park.

The Great Blue Hole is for seasoned divers who wish to participate in a unique 'bucket-list' experience. The depth of the site requires good control over one's buoyancy and a calmness when faced with little light and very little change in water temperature or movement. The site can look imposing, even to the most experienced divers, so listen carefully to the briefing and stick close to your guide.

The dive begins with a descent of 40 feet to a sandy limestone shelf that surrounds the Blue Hole. The shelf begins as a wall at about 1 foot and is covered with coral until about 18 feet where it becomes a gentle sandy incline that leads up to a dark abyss. As you descend, the depths drain the colours to a gloomy hue. At about 60 feet, you may begin to see the silhouettes of Caribbean Reef Sharks. Your descent is continuous until about 100 feet where you veer off toward greyscale columns hanging from a ceiling in a cavern.

Once you have completed your brief tour of the rock formations and are heading back up, you may be greeted by the guardians of the Blue Hole: Caribbean reef sharks and bull sharks that come barrelling out of the depths. After a slow ascent, you need to spend some time offloading some of the nitrogen absorbed during the deep dive. Angelfish, butterflyfish and colourful groupers all inhabit the shallow coral gardens.

The Great Blue Hole is a must do if you visit Belize.

Party on Caye Caulker

Belize is brimming with natural beauty, ancient sites, and adventure activities. But if you're looking for a party, head to Caye Caulker, a small island known for its fun-loving atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. Here are some tips to make the most of your time on this tropical island:

The Split

Caye Caulker is divided into two parts by a channel called The Split, which was created by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. The area has become a central gathering point for locals and visitors alike to socialise and enjoy the sandy beach. It's also a great spot for swimming, with clear waters and a small cabana hotel and snack bar. You can even rent small boats by the hour to explore the surrounding area. Just be sure to observe caution when swimming, as there are currents and boat traffic in the area.

Beach Bars

Caye Caulker has plenty of beach bars where you can enjoy a drink, listen to music, and socialise with locals and other tourists. The Lazy Lizard Bar & Grill is a popular spot, known for its tropical drinks and lively atmosphere. You can also check out the Barrier Reef Sports Bar, which describes itself as the "community living room" where you can watch sporting events, enjoy live music, or just relax with a drink.

Nightlife

While Caye Caulker is not famous for its nightlife, there are still plenty of options for those looking to party after dark. There are a few late-evening bars and even a nightclub to keep you entertained. And if you're not a party animal, don't worry—the island also has lounges and wine bars for a more low-key evening.

Daytime Parties

On Caye Caulker, it's always island time, so feel free to start the party early with a daytime celebration on the beach! Enjoy a few rum punches and soak up the sun. And if you need a caffeine fix or a sweet treat, there are also coffee shops and ice cream shops on the island.

Dining and Accommodation

Caye Caulker offers a range of dining options, from casual beachside restaurants to luxury hotels. You can find everything from fresh seafood and Creole cuisine to Mexican and Chinese food. As for accommodation, there are options for every budget, from hostels to luxury condominiums. The island has around 55 hotels and vacation rentals, with rooms ranging from very low-budget to moderate prices.

So, whether you're looking to dance the night away or simply relax with a drink in hand, Caye Caulker has something for everyone. It's the perfect destination for those seeking a tropical island experience with a lively atmosphere and friendly locals.

Visit the Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is a must-see for anyone visiting Belize. It is located on a 30-acre site at Mile 29 on the George Price Highway, roughly halfway between Belmopan and Belize City. The zoo is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (last admission at 4:00 pm) and on Sundays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (last admission at 3:30 pm).

The Belize Zoo is the oldest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility in Belize. It was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who started caring for a handful of wild animals that had been used in a natural history documentary. Today, the zoo is home to more than 160 animals representing 43 native species, including jaguars, ocelots, pumas, toucans, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys. The habitats designed for the animals reflect their natural settings, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors.

The zoo also has a strong focus on conservation and education. It is committed to the conservation of Belize's wildlife and habitats and aims to inspire passion for protecting Belize's wildlife and their habitats through wildlife rescue, engaging educational experiences, and conservation science. The zoo receives no financial support from the Government of Belize and generates funding through admission fees, tours, donations, and adoption and membership programs.

In addition to its focus on conservation and education, the Belize Zoo is also accessible to persons with physical disabilities, making it the first nature destination in Belize with this feature. This accessibility ensures that all visitors can connect with Belize's unique natural heritage and feel a sense of pride and responsibility for protecting these special resources.

A visit to the Belize Zoo offers a unique opportunity to see Belize's native wildlife up close and to learn about the country's commitment to conservation and education. It is a great place to begin your Belize sightseeing and gain a deeper appreciation for the country's fascinating wildlife and natural heritage.

Discover the Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Overview

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a protected area of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests off the coast of Belize, close to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The name "Hol Chan" comes from the Mayan for "little channel", referring to a natural break in the reef which is rich in marine life. The reserve covers approximately 18 square kilometres and is divided into four zones with different regulations to ensure sustainable use and conservation.

History

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve was established in 1987 following campaigning by Janet Gibson, who educated citizens, businesses, fishermen, and the Belize government on the need for the project. The reserve was originally divided into three zones with different regulations for fishing, snorkelling, and diving. In 1999, the adjoining area of Shark Ray Alley was added as the fourth zone.

Wildlife

The reserve is home to a diverse array of marine life, including over 160 species of fish, forty types of coral, five species of sponge, two types of seagrass, three species of sea turtle, and three marine mammals. The mangroves act as nurseries for many fish species, and the seagrass beds are home to parrotfish, hogfish, and turtles. Shark Ray Alley, as the name suggests, is a gathering place for sharks and stingrays.

Visitor Information

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a popular spot for snorkelling and diving, and there are many tour options available. The reserve is accessible via boat from San Pedro, and the journey takes around 15 minutes.

Frequently asked questions