Belize's Renowned Attractions: A Comprehensive Overview

Belize is a tropical paradise that offers a wealth of incredible experiences. From the vibrant colours of the coral reefs to the ancient Mayan ruins, Belize is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. If you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation, Belize is the place to go.

The Great Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is a challenging dive site, recommended only for experienced divers. The dive begins with a descent of 40 feet to a sandy limestone shelf that surrounds the hole. As divers descend further, the depths drain the colours to a gloomy hue. At around 60 feet, divers can see the silhouettes of Caribbean Reef Sharks. The descent is continuous until about 100 feet, where divers veer off towards the stalactites and stalagmites. The reduced light levels at these depths add a gothic atmosphere to the experience.

Ancient Mayan ruins

Belize is known for its abundance of ancient Mayan ruins, which include some of the most important pre-Columbian archaeological sites in the world. The country is considered part of the southern Maya lowlands of the Mesoamerican culture area.

The ancient Maya civilisation thrived in Belize for over 2,000 years, reaching its peak between 250 AD and 900 AD. The Maya built vast agricultural farmlands and trading centres, supporting a population of over 2 million. They constructed sacred temples, pyramids, palaces and other impressive structures, all without the use of iron or the wheel.

The ancient Maya civilisation began to decline between 600 and 900 AD, and by the time the Europeans arrived, it was almost completely gone. The Spanish conquistadors of the 16th century marked the end of the Maya in Belize, though many of their great cities had already been abandoned, possibly due to war, famine or a breakdown of government structures.

Today, the ruins of Belize's ancient cities are a popular attraction for visitors. Here are some of the most notable sites:

Caracol

Located in western Belize, Caracol is the largest known Maya centre in the country. It was once the centre of one of the largest Maya kingdoms, home to around 120,000 people. The site contains the remains of thousands of structures, including the Caana pyramid, which, at 140 feet tall, is the tallest man-made structure in Belize. Caracol is an active archaeological site, and while many of its treasures have been uncovered, there is still much to be discovered.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich is a Classic Period ceremonial centre, situated on the Western Highway across the river from the village of San Jose Succotz. The site covers several square kilometres and includes six major plazas, over 25 temples and palaces, and an astronomical carved frieze. The highest structure is 133 feet tall, making it the second tallest temple in Belize. Visitors can take a free ferry across the Mopan River to reach the site, which is also a popular spot for archaeologists and field researchers.

Altun Ha

Located just 31 miles north of Belize City, Altun Ha is a major ceremonial and trade centre during the Classic Period. The site is easily accessible, with flat grassland surrounding its two large central plazas and pyramids. Altun Ha is beloved by Belizeans and can be found on the national currency and the bottles of the country's leading beer, Belikin. The most significant find at Altun Ha is the Maya Jade Head, representing the Mayan Sun God, Kinich Ahua.

Lamanai

Lamanai is one of the oldest continuously occupied Maya sites in Belize, situated 24 miles south of Orange Walk Town. The name Lamanai means "submerged crocodile" in Maya, and the site is known for its impressive ruins as well as its spectacular jungle setting near the New River Lagoon. Lamanai is also notable for being one of the only sites to retain its original name.

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech is a smaller Maya site located just outside of San Ignacio in the Belize River Valley. The complex was originally built for the wealthy and includes several pyramids, residence buildings, and seven impressive courtyards. The central part of the ruins offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Cahal Pech is easily accessible and makes for a fascinating day trip from the nearby Cayo District.

Wildlife and nature reserves

Belize is known for its incredible biodiversity, with the Cayo District being one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. The country is home to pristine jungles and rainforests, with roughly half of its land covered in jungle and 80% of its rainforests protected by the government. These forests are home to a wide array of wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, crocodiles, ocelots, and thousands of species of birds.

Belize boasts a range of wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves that showcase its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a picturesque conservation centre located amid gorgeous forests and waterfalls. It is known for being the only jaguar preserve in the world, providing a protected habitat for these majestic big cats. The sanctuary also offers a challenging hike to Ben's Bluff waterfall, where visitors can enjoy a swim in a jungle pool.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 250 migratory bird species passing through each year. It is one of the few remaining areas where endangered species such as tapirs and jaguars can still be found roaming free. The sanctuary provides a peaceful setting to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a renowned diving spot, known for its diverse marine life, including nurse sharks, rays, fish, and coral reefs. The clear waters make it an ideal location for snorkelling and exploring the underwater world.

Green Iguana Conservation Project

The Green Iguana Conservation Project in San Ignacio is dedicated to conserving and protecting the endangered Green Iguana species native to Belize. Visitors have the opportunity to interact with these fascinating reptiles and learn about their incubation, hatching, rearing, and release processes.

Green Hills Butterfly Ranch

The Green Hills Butterfly Ranch is a unique conservation effort located in the Belizean jungle. It showcases the spectacular life history of butterflies, with thousands of live butterflies on display in a 4,000-square-foot walk-in flight area. The ranch also features a botanical garden with over 150 plant species and a hummingbird viewing area.

The Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is a one-of-a-kind institution that cares for over 150 native wildlife species and promotes conservation, education, recreation, and research. It is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities, making it an inclusive nature destination. The zoo is set up to mimic the animals' natural habitat, providing a immersive experience for visitors.

Belize Barrier Reef

The Belize Barrier Reef is a 300-kilometre-long section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is the second-largest coral reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It is located roughly 300 metres offshore in the north and 40 kilometres in the south within Belize's country limits. The Belize Barrier Reef is also the largest reef complex in the Atlantic-Caribbean region.

The Belize Barrier Reef is made up of offshore atolls, sand cays, mangrove forests, coastal lagoons, and estuaries. It is home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, eels, nurse sharks, goliath groupers, dolphins, and manatees. It is also one of the most sought-after tourist destinations for recreational activities such as diving, snorkelling, sailing, and fishing. In fact, it is Belize's top tourist destination, attracting almost half of its 260,000 visitors.

The Belize Barrier Reef is also vital to the country's fishing industry and protects the coastline from the damaging effects of wave action, tropical storms, and hurricanes. A large portion of the reef is protected by the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which includes seven marine reserves, 450 cayes, and three atolls. In 1996, the reserve system was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The Belize Barrier Reef has faced threats from oceanic pollution, uncontrolled tourism, shipping, and fishing. Other threats include hurricanes and coral bleaching due to global warming. Scientists claim that over 40% of Belize's coral reef has been damaged since 1998. Despite these challenges, the Belize Barrier Reef remains a popular destination for its diverse scuba diving opportunities and its ability to support an incredibly diverse ecosystem of plants and animals.

San Ignacio

The town was originally named El Cayo by the Spanish, meaning "island", due to its location between the Macal and Mopan rivers. San Ignacio and Santa Elena are connected by Belize's only suspension bridge, the Hawkesworth Bridge, built in 1949.

• Ancient Maya ruins: The area around San Ignacio boasts several impressive Mayan archaeological sites, including Caracol, the largest Mayan ruin in Belize, as well as Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and El Pilar.
• Caves: The Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, with its skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware, and Barton Creek Cave, popular for canoe tours, offer a glimpse into the ancient past.
• Nature reserves: The Chaa Creek Nature Reserve and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve provide opportunities for hiking, exploring waterfalls, and observing wildlife.
• Green Iguana Conservation Project: Located at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, this project aims to conserve and raise awareness about the endangered Green Iguana species.
• Cayo Farmers' Market: A great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and sample fresh produce and crafts.
• Macal River: Canoe or boat trips along the river offer a peaceful way to explore the surrounding nature and wildlife.
• Birdwatching: With its diverse ecosystems, San Ignacio is a birdwatcher's paradise, offering the chance to spot a variety of resident and migratory bird species.

Frequently asked questions