Belize Adventure: Explore The Best Activities

Belize is a small country in Central America, bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea. It's known for its stunning natural scenery, including paradisiacal spots along the Belize Barrier Reef, ancient Mayan ruins, and lush rainforests. Here's an introduction to some of the best things to do and see in Belize:

Explore the Rich Marine Life

Belize is a diver's paradise, offering some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling spots in the world. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, located off the coast of Ambergris Caye, is the oldest reserve in Belize and is renowned for its diverse marine life, including stingrays, eels, and nurse sharks. Shark Ray Alley, part of the reserve, is a popular spot to observe these creatures up close. The Great Blue Hole, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another famous diving site, featuring an underwater sinkhole with unique ecosystems and stalactites.

Discover Ancient Mayan Ruins

Belize was once the centre of the Mayan empire, and the country is dotted with fascinating ruins. Caracol, located in the Cayo district, is the tallest human-made structure in Belize and was once a thriving Mayan city. Xunantunich, near San Ignacio, boasts impressive temples and plazas and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle and Guatemala. Altun Ha and Lamanai are also accessible ruins with unique stories to tell about Mayan history and culture.

Experience the Local Culture

Belize has a diverse cultural heritage, with influences from the Mayan, Garifuna, and Afro-Caribbean people. San Ignacio, often referred to as the heart of the Cayo District, is a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture, with its bustling Saturday market and historic landmarks. Hopkins, a seaside village, is known for its vibrant Garifuna culture, including traditional drumming and delicious cuisine. Caye Caulker, a laid-back island, attracts backpackers and younger travellers with its relaxed atmosphere, water sports, and lively bars and restaurants.

Adventure in the Jungles and Caves

Belize's jungles and cave systems offer endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave, believed by the Mayans to be the underworld, features ancient Mayan relics and skeletal remains. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in southern Belize is home to the highest concentration of jaguars in the world, offering a unique opportunity to spot these elusive big cats. For a thrilling way to explore Belize's caves, try cave tubing, where you can gently float through crystal rock formations and learn about Mayan history.

Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, natural wonders, or thrilling adventures, Belize has something for everyone. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and friendly locals, it's a destination that will leave a lasting impression.

Explore Mayan ruins, such as the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve

The Lamanai Archaeological Reserve is a must-see for anyone interested in Mayan history and culture. The site is located in the Orange Walk District of Belize and was once a major city of the Maya civilisation. The name "Lamanai" comes from the Maya term for "submerged crocodile", a nod to the crocodiles that live along the banks of the nearby New River.

The site is significant for its exceptionally long occupation, spanning three millennia from as early as the 16th century BC to the Spanish and British Colonial periods in the 17th century AD. Unlike many other Classic-period sites in the southern Maya lowlands, Lamanai was not abandoned at the end of the 10th century AD.

The Lamanai Archaeological Reserve covers about 860 acres and is the second-largest site in Belize. The site includes three main structural groups set around individual plazas, with the main ceremonial structures having been nicely restored. The rest of the site is mostly unrestored, with trails leading over rainforest-covered pyramids.

• Temple of the Masks: This structure is located in the northernmost plaza complex and is the earliest settled area, dating back to around 600 BCE. The pyramid features two well-preserved stucco masks, about 13 feet in height, that depict human/deity faces with crocodile headdresses.
• Great/High Temple: This is the highest pyramidal structure at Lamanai, standing at about 108 feet. Visitors can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the surrounding jungle and nearby lagoon.
• Temple of the Jaguar: This pyramidal structure rises to about 96 feet and features two jaguar masks that flank the lower platform stairway.
• Boat Ride on the New River: Many visitors choose to travel to Lamanai by boat along the New River. The boat ride offers scenic views of the rainforest and the opportunity to spot wildlife such as crocodiles, iguanas, birds, and monkeys.
• Museum: The small museum at Lamanai exhibits local artifacts and provides historical information about the site.

When visiting Lamanai, it is recommended to bring sunscreen, light clothing, insect repellent, and plenty of water. The dry season from November to March is the best time to visit.

Visit the Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center is a non-profit organisation founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who began by caring for a handful of wild animals that had been used in a natural history documentary. The zoo is now a world-renowned wildlife education centre, with over 45,000 visitors annually. It is the oldest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility in Belize, with over 150 animals representing 43 native species.

The zoo is located on a 30-acre facility, roughly halfway between Belmopan and Belize City, and is accessible by car or tour bus. It is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and on Sundays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The zoo is set in a natural environment, with dense, native vegetation separated by gravel trails through the forest. The enclosures are designed to reflect the animals' natural settings, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors. The zoo is home to a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles, including:

• Belize's national animal, the Baird's tapir
• The five wildcat species found in Belize: jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, and 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
• 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
• American crocodiles, Morelet's crocodiles, boa constrictors, fer-de-lance, green iguanas, and black spiny-tailed iguanas

The zoo offers a night tour, where visitors can observe the activity of crepuscular and nocturnal animals, including tapirs, jaguars, margays, kinkajous, crocodiles, peccaries, and howler monkeys.

The Belize Zoo is also home to Junior Buddy, a young jaguar born and raised in the zoo as part of the Problem Jaguar Rehab Program. Junior has been trained to perform tricks in return for snacks, and visitors have the opportunity to enter a cage within his exhibit to encounter him up close.

Getting There

The Belize Zoo is located on the Western Highway, about 47 kilometres (29 miles) west of Belize City. It can be reached by car, taxi, or tour bus.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased at the zoo's front desk or online. The zoo also offers guided tours, which can be booked in advance.

Facilities

The zoo has a gift shop and a restaurant or canteen, as well as the Tropical Education Center, an 84-acre site adjacent to the zoo that serves as a lodge, learning centre, and training facility.

Go snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a beautiful nature reserve that is part of the second-biggest barrier reef in the world: The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The reserve includes the southern marine and coastal areas of Ambergris Caye and the mangrove islands of Boca Chica and Cangrejo Shoals. The reserve is known for its excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities.

Where is Hol Chan Marine Reserve located?

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is located in Belize, facing the southern edge of Ambergris Caye, about 4 miles from shore. "Hol Chan" translates to "Little Channel" in Mayan, referring to a coral-filled gap in Belize's immense barrier reef.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a densely populated aquatic zone that is home to a diverse range of marine life, including stingrays, eels, nurse sharks, turtles, and many species of tropical fish. The reserve is separated into four parts: the mangroves, the reef, the sea-grass beds, and Shark Ray Alley, which was added to the reserve in 1999.

The maximum depth of the reserve is 30 feet (9 meters), but the depth varies as it is a channel, starting at just 5 feet (1.5 meters) in certain areas. This range in depth allows for an up-close viewing experience of the marine life.

Yes, it is safe to snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. While there are nurse sharks in the waters, they are considered harmless. However, it is important to remember not to touch any of the wildlife or corals, as this can be perceived as threatening and cause harm to the ecosystem.

The cost of visiting the Hol Chan Marine Reserve depends on the type of tour you choose. Day trips with multiple destinations, including food and drinks, typically range from $90 to $110. These tours usually include the Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, and may also include additional stops such as the Conch Shell Graveyard, Turtle Garden, or Caye Caulker.

There are several departure points for tours to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, including San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Belize City. It is important to note that spaces on tours are limited and must be reserved in advance by tour companies, as there is a restricted number of visitors allowed per day to protect the area.

Recommended tours to Hol Chan Marine Reserve:

• From Caye Caulker: Hol Chan Full-Day Bucket List Snorkelling and Marine Life Tour
• From San Pedro: Belize Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley Snorkel Tour – Ambergris Caye
• From Belize City: Hol Chan Marine Park and Shark Ray Alley Snorkelling

Take a distillery tour at Copalli Rum

Copalli Rum is a unique distillery in Belize with a strong commitment to sustainability and the preservation of the local ecosystem. The distillery is located in Punta Gorda, Southern Belize, and offers an insightful look into the rum-making process while showcasing its dedication to environmental and social responsibility. Here are some details about Copalli Rum and why a distillery tour is a must-do activity when in Belize:

Sustainability and Social Impact:

Copalli Rum is more than just a rum distillery; it's a sustainable business model that promotes social and environmental harmony. The brand's founder developed this initiative after witnessing the devastating impact of rainforest logging and unsustainable fishing practices on the region's aquatic ecosystem. By providing alternative economic opportunities, Copalli Rum offers a way for the local community to support themselves without relying on the logging industry. Today, Copalli Rum's ecosystem consists of three core businesses that work together: the Copal Tree Farm, Copal Tree Distillery, and Copal Tree Lodge.

Award-Winning Rum:

Copalli Rum has gained recognition for its unique and delicious rum, receiving rave reviews from publications like Forbes, Food & Wine, and Thrillist. Their rum has won multiple awards, including NYISC Double Gold (2023) for Copalli Barrel Rested Rum, SIP Best in Class Platinum (2023) for Copalli Cacao Rum, and SIP Platinum (2023) for Copalli Premium White Rum. Copalli Rum is crafted from only three ingredients: fresh-pressed sugar cane juice, rainwater, and yeast. The sugar cane is organically grown on the Copal Tree Farm, and the distillery is designed to have zero impact on the environment.

The Distillery Tour:

The Copal Tree Distillery offers informative and engaging tours for visitors seeking a spirits-driven experience in the jungle. During the tour, you will learn about the rum-making process, from the farming of organic heirloom sugar cane to the distillation and aging processes. You will also discover how the distillery operates as a zero-impact facility, minimizing its environmental footprint. After the tour, you can elevate your experience by participating in a Cocktail Mixology class, where you can create delicious cocktails using Copalli Rum.

Tasting the Rums:

Copalli Rum offers a range of premium rums, each with its distinct profile. Their White Rum is a blend of pot and column still rum, offering a smooth taste perfect for cocktails like daiquiris. The Barrel Rested Rum has a richer, sweeter profile, delicious neat or as a base for rum cocktails. Finally, the Cacao Rum is infused with organic, roasted cacao nibs, giving it a rich chocolate flavor and aroma. You can sample these rums during your distillery tour, discovering why Copalli Rum is a fresh and innovative take on this traditional spirit.

Exploring the Copal Tree Lodge:

The Copal Tree Lodge is an eco-tourism lodge located adjacent to the distillery and its organic farm. It promotes the region's beauty and the efforts to preserve and conserve the rainforest environment and its fragile ecosystem. The lodge offers a Farm-to-Table All-Inclusive Package, providing guests with an immersive experience in sustainable agriculture and local cuisine. Staying at the lodge allows you to extend your distillery tour into a more comprehensive understanding of Copalli Rum's commitment to sustainability and the local community.

Explore the jungle on a pontoon boat ride

Belize is famous for its beautiful cayes, the Belize Barrier Reef, lush rainforests, and ancient Maya structures. One of the best ways to experience the country's pristine nature is via a pontoon boat ride through the jungle.

The Jungle Splash Eco Tours' Jungle Pontoon Waterfall Adventure Tour is often described as "the best activity anyone can do in Belize". The tour takes you to different waterfalls, including the Sandpaper Waterfall, which stands at 130ft high and is known for its unique grip. You can also swim, tube, or enjoy a BBQ lunch on board.

The tour starts in the town of San Ignacio in the Cayo District and offers panoramic views of the Maya Mountains. You will be able to spot wildlife such as howler monkeys and other elusive jungle creatures. You will also get to learn about the indigenous flora and fauna from your tour guide.

The Jungle Pontoon Waterfall Adventure Tour is a unique opportunity to become a part of nature without interfering with it. It is a memorable and adventurous experience that you should not miss when visiting Belize.

Frequently asked questions