Belize City In May: Activities And Adventures

Belize City is the country's largest urban area and its financial, transportation, and economic hub. It is often the first stop for visitors to Belize, as it hosts the country's only international airport. While the city itself does not have many top tourist attractions, there are plenty of things to do nearby.

- Explore the natural beauty of Belize by heading to the caves in the Belize rainforest.

- Go zip-lining in the rainforest.

- Visit the Belize Zoo, which is considered one of the finest small zoos in the world as it only features animals native to Belize.

- Visit the Tropical Education Center, where you can experience animals in their natural habitats while hiking or canoeing.

- Visit the Belize Museum, which is housed in a former colonial prison and discover the plentiful Mayan artifacts.

- Visit St. John's Cathedral, the oldest Anglican church in Central America.

- Visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary, dedicated to protecting Belize's black howler monkey population.

- Explore the ancient Maya site of Altun Ha, which is featured on the national beer of Belize.

- Visit Old Belize, a popular marina with its own beach, waterfall, museum, and restaurant.

- Spend a day at Goff's Caye, a popular spot for picnics, snorkelling, and fresh seafood.

Explore the Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is a great place to visit in May, as it is home to a wide variety of native wildlife and offers a unique opportunity to learn about conservation and wildlife rehabilitation. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:

Learn About the Zoo's History

The Belize Zoo has an interesting origin story. It was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who initially cared for a small group of wild animals that were used in a natural history documentary. When filming ended, she decided to start a zoo to provide a home for these animals. Over the years, it has grown from a "backyard zoo" into a world-renowned wildlife education centre, with a strong focus on conservation and rehabilitation.

Explore the Zoo's Wildlife and Exhibits

The zoo is home to over 150 native wildlife species, including various mammals, birds, and reptiles. You can see Belize's national animal, the Baird's tapir, as well as the five wildcat species found in Belize: jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, and jaguarundis. Other mammals include white-tailed deer, red brocket deer, collared peccaries, and black howler monkeys.

The zoo also features a diverse range of birds, such as several species of parrots, owls, and raptors, as well as a wetland aviary. You can spot colourful birds like scarlet macaws, red-lored amazons, keel-billed toucans, and harpy eagles.

In addition to the daytime tours, the zoo offers night tours where you can observe the activity of crepuscular and nocturnal animals, including tapirs, jaguars, margays, and howler monkeys.

Participate in Animal Encounters

The Belize Zoo offers unique animal encounter experiences. One highlight is the "Junior Buddy" encounter, where you can safely enter a cage within the jaguar exhibit. Junior, a jaguar born and raised in the zoo, has been trained to perform tricks in exchange for snacks, promoting appreciation and respect for the species.

Learn About Conservation and Rehabilitation

The zoo has a strong focus on conservation and wildlife rehabilitation. All the animals in the zoo are rescued, confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade, or transferred from other rehabilitation facilities. The habitats are designed to reflect the animals' natural settings, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors. The zoo aims to instill a sense of appreciation and pride in Belize's natural heritage, inspiring a desire to protect and conserve its resources.

Plan Your Visit

The Belize Zoo is located about 29 miles (47 kilometres) west of Belize City on the George Price Highway. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Sundays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The last admission is one hour before closing. The zoo is accessible to persons with physical disabilities, making it inclusive for all visitors.

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Visit the Museum of Belize

Belize City may not be the first destination on your trip to Belize, but there are plenty of things to do in the city, especially if you're staying for a couple of days. One of the top attractions is the Museum of Belize, which is housed in the historic Queen Elizabeth's Prison. Here are some reasons why you should visit the Museum of Belize:

Learn About the History of Belize

The Museum of Belize showcases the rich history and culture of the country. You can explore various exhibits that cover different themes, including the colonial history of Belize, with a focus on slavery, and the country's ecology, featuring native birds and insects. The museum also has a collection of Mayan relics, such as the famous Jade Head of the Maya Sun God Kinich Ahau, which was discovered at the Altun Ha archaeological site.

Discover the Building's History

The Museum of Belize is located in a heritage-style building with a grand exterior. The structure was originally built in 1857 as the main jail of Belize City. The two-level museum has a nominal entrance fee, and visitors can explore at their own pace, taking in the exhibits and learning about the country's past.

Enjoy the Temporary Exhibits

In addition to its permanent collections, the Museum of Belize also features temporary exhibits that showcase different aspects of Belizean culture and history. These exhibits rotate, ensuring that there is always something new to discover. During certain times, visitors can explore special exhibits like the one dedicated to the slave trade in Belize or the display of contemporary art by Belizean artist Pen Cayetano.

Explore the Surrounding Area

The Museum of Belize is situated in a safe and tourist-friendly area of Belize City. It is within walking distance of other notable landmarks, such as the Baron Bliss Lighthouse and the colourful 'Belize' sign, which provide great photo opportunities. The museum is also conveniently located near fine hotels and restaurants, making it easy to explore the city's magnificent urban area.

Take a Guided Tour

To enhance your experience, consider taking a guided tour of Belize City, which often includes a visit to the Museum of Belize. These tours can provide deeper insights into the history and culture of the city and country, making your exploration of the museum even more meaningful.

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Tour St. John's Cathedral

St. John's Cathedral is the oldest Anglican Church in Central America and is a must-visit for anyone interested in British colonial architecture. The cathedral is located in the heart of Belize City, just a few hundred feet west of the Government House, and is one of the few physical reminders of the country's long history as a British colony.

The cathedral was built in 1812 using bricks brought over from England as ballast in slave ships. It is the oldest surviving building constructed by Europeans in Belize and is the only Anglican church outside of England where kings have been crowned. During the 1800s, four native Miskito tribe kings were crowned here in lavish ceremonies.

Today, the cathedral is still a functioning church and is home to the Anglican Diocese of Belize. It is open seven days a week for worship or visits from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, with no entrance fee. The interior features hardwood architecture, an antique pipe organ, and colonial-era tombstones. The surrounding grounds include bishops' tombs.

St. John's Cathedral is usually part of the "Belize City tour" and can be reached by heading to the historic downtown area in the southeastern part of the city. It is located at the south end of Albert Street and the east end of Regent Street, directly across from the House of Culture.

There are no guided tours or entrance fees, but visitors can explore the cathedral on their own, taking in the colonial-era tombstones, antique pipe organ, and lavish accouterments. It is best to visit when there are no religious services underway, giving yourself 30 to 60 minutes to explore.

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Visit the Government House

The Government House, also known as the House of Culture, is one of the most beautiful and important colonial buildings in Belize City. Located on Regent Street, it was erected in 1812 or 1814 when Belize was under British rule. It was built to house the colonial government of British Honduras and later became the residence of the Governor-General, the monarch's representative in Belize.

The building is an impressive example of colonial architecture, combining Caribbean vernacular with English urban design. It features polished silver, mahogany finishes, antique musical instruments, and period art and furniture. The grounds are also worth exploring, with cannons flanking the front doors and Baron Bliss' restored wooden vessel, the Sea King, on display.

Today, the Government House serves as a creative community centre and historical museum. It hosts various events, including art exhibitions, music festivals, concerts, and open-air theatre. It is also a popular venue for weddings and other social functions.

When visiting, be sure to admire the colonial-era artefacts on display, such as silverware, musical instruments, and art pieces. You can also learn about Belize's history through the exhibits of archival records, colonial glassware, and furniture.

The Government House is typically included in Belize City tours and is within walking distance from the McFadzean and Z-line bus stations. It is also easily accessible from the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, located just a 30-minute drive away.

Please note that the house is usually closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, and it may be temporarily closed to the public due to ongoing renovations. Therefore, it is advisable to check the schedule before planning your visit.

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Experience the Xunantunich Maya site

Xunantunich is an ancient Maya archaeological site in western Belize, about 70 miles (110 km) west of Belize City, in the Cayo District. The name means "Maiden of the Rock" in the Maya languages Mopan and Yucatec, combining "Xunaan" (noble lady) and "Tuunich" (stone for sculpture). The site served as a Maya civic ceremonial centre to the Belize Valley region in the Late and Terminal Classic periods.

Xunantunich is located atop a ridge above the Mopan River, with a view of the Guatemala border, which is 0.6 miles (1 km) to the west. The site is broken up into four sections – Group A, Group B, Group C, and Group D, with Group A being the most significant. The core of the city covers about one square mile (2.6 km2), consisting of a series of six plazas surrounded by more than 26 temples and palaces.

One of the site's most well-known structures is the pyramid "El Castillo", which is the second tallest structure in Belize at 130 feet (40 m) tall. The eastern and western summit of El Castillo feature large stucco friezes with carved elements that represent astronomical symbols, the sun god, moon, and Venus.

To get to the site, you can take a small hand-cranked ferry that carries visitors across the river from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. The distance from the ferry is under a mile, and the site can be hiked, but the road is hilly, so most visitors opt to take a taxi or tourist bus to the visitor centre and stroll to the site complex. The reserve has restrooms, picnic areas, and gift shops that sell drinks, snacks, and souvenirs.

There are various tour options available for visiting Xunantunich, including: