For the avid traveler, a trip to Belize is almost certainly on the bucket list. This beautiful country can be found in Central America and is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. Belize has some absolutely stunning beaches and breath taking ocean vistas which will delight anyone with a taste for natural beauty.
The county is bordered to the north by Mexico and Guatemala to the south, sandwiched between two countries with a rich culture, you would believe Belize to be the same, and you would be right. The country may only be home to a little over 400,000 people, the lowest population in this area of the world, but the culture and heritage here leaves nothing to be desired.
The country has a rich and varied history with a focus on the Mayans and there is plenty to explore if you are interested in the history of the country. For those who are into animals and nature, Belize has a diverse and wonderful range of ecosystems including coral reefs which are some of the most attractive in the world.
If you are looking to travel to this brilliant country, you are likely wondering what there is to keep you entertained during your stay. In this article, we are going to take a look at some of the incredible things that you might want to take part in on your visit to Belize, in order to make your trip a memorable one that will invoke happy memories for years to come.
1. Great Blue Hole
If you are a keen diver, or even if you want to take up the sport then the great blue hole is the place to go. This huge marine sinkhole is not only breath taking but also amazing to discover marine life and is part of the Belize barrier reef system.
It has been discovered that the blue hole was formed over 150,000 years ago making it a prominent part of Belize’s ancient history.
2. Caye Caulker
This small island which lies just off the coast of Belize is a place where tourists flock, due to the natural beauty of the island. It is split by a natural channel which is known locally as ‘the split.’ At the point of the split you can find a bar and a gorgeous beach, this is a place where people come to relax and enjoy the scenery.
3. Xunantunich
As we mentioned earlier on, Belize has a great history surrounding the Mayans and Xunantunich is a great place to start your exploration of this ancient civilization. The site is located about 70km outside of Belize city and for those who climb to the top, they will be rewarded with stunning views stretching all the way out to Guatemala.
4. Belize Barrier Reef
You’ve no doubt heard of the great barrier reef off the coast of Australia but have you ever considered visiting the Belize barrier reef? This 300km reef is made up from many smaller coral reefs and has to be seen to be believed. There are over 500 species of fish which can be found here and so is a brilliant place for those interested in marine life.
5. Actun Tunichil Muknal
The name might be a bit of a mouthful, but upon visiting this site, you will likely be lost for words. The Actun Tunichil Muknal is another Mayan site which features a variety of artifacts and skeletons which have been preserved within the main chamber.
One of the most prominent attractions at this site are the skeletal remains of the ‘crystal maiden.’ She was believe to be an 18 year old woman, possibly a victim of sacrifice and her bones have become calcified and are now displayed as sparkling.
6. Hol Chan Marine Reserve
It would appear that Belize is a wonderful place for those with a penchant for the sea and the Hol Chan marine reserve is another great place for this kind of activity. Here visitors can snorkel and view a huge variety of creatures.
The site is set near to the mangrove forests which is any location are a truly stunning look into nature and everything it has to offer.
7. Cockcomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the center of the country, this wildlife sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to see the worlds very first reserve for jaguars. There are also some very interesting bird trails where you can take a hike and get to know some of the ornithological wildlife of the reserve.
As well as birds and jaguars, there are an array of other creatures such as the tapir, deer and various wild cats. It is not only wildlife here but there are other activities such as camping and river tubing for those looking for something a little more adventurous.
8. Belize Zoo
Keeping on the theme of animals, how about a trip to the renowned Belize zoo? Set over 29 acres, visitors have the chance to come up close to a huge variety of species which are housed at the zoo.
There are over 125 animals which are native to the country and visitors might be interested to know that the site started out as a ‘backyard zoo’ and has grown to become the conservation site it is today.
9. Glover’s Reef
If you love being on the water, or indeed, in it, then Glovers reef might be the ideal day out for your on your trip to Belize. At this venue, there is the chance to take part in activities such as snorkeling or kayaking and much more beside. The location is a partially submerged atoll and can be found just off the southern coast of the country.
10. The Maya Hotel Bistro
If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a spectacular meal whilst staying in Belize then look no further than the Bistro at the Maya hotel. This restaurant has some amazing reviews and it is little wonder when the food served here is of the highest quality. The meals here are a French twist on Belize classics and the eatery has won restaurant of the year twice!
11. Barton Creek Cave
For those of you who want to do a little more Mayan exploration then perhaps a trip to the Barton creek cave will sate this desire. This natural cave which features a variety of Mayan artifacts has fast become a popular tourist destination as well as being a archaeological site. Take a boat tour through the cave and explore the wonders that await you inside.
12. Museum of Belize
When visiting a country, it is always worth taking a look around one of the museums and these can provide a great insight into the culture and history of the country, and the museum of Belize is not different.
The building was originally built in the 1800s as a prison and was used as such up until the 1990s, after this it was renovated and turned into a museum in 2002. Visitors to the museum can view and interact with a great range of exhibitions including the Orange walk and house of culture.
13. Nohoch Che’en Caves
There are many caves and underground systems to explore in Belize and this is certainly one of the best. This is an archaeological reserve which features beautiful limestone caves. There is a fun zip-line which gives visitors a thrill as well as a great view of the surroundings.
14. Sit and Sip Belize
If you would like to take a tour of Belize city in a totally different way then why not try out the sit and sip bike bus tours? This is a fun and innovative way to have a few drinks, some social time at the same time as exploring the city. On the tours you will take part in everything from vibrant nightlife to interesting culture and everything in between.
Conclusion
Belize is a country rich in nature and history and there is no wonder that it is a sanctuary for many people looking to travel to interesting parts of the world. There are so many amazing things to do in this country that the choice seems endless and it is sure that visitors will leave with nothing but good thoughts of this Caribbean nation.
If you are looking to visit Belize, why not try out some of the great things to do on this list.
Last Updated on February 28, 2023