What to see in Belize: 10 must-sees
Discover what to see in Belize: 10 must-see destinations, from Great Blue Hole to Cockscomb Basin National Park. Predominantly natural and national park; each entry includes the best time to visit and the link to its official source.
Natural(2)
Descend the walls of the world's largest marine sinkhole, a circle 300 meters in diameter and 125 meters deep off the coast of Belize. Forty meters below the surface you'll find hanging stalactites, submerged caves, and reef sharks patrolling the blue gloom. Formed during the last ice age, this limestone sinkhole ranks among the Seven Wonders of the World and draws divers from across the planet. Bring your advanced certification, plan your trip from Belize City, and see why Cousteau ranked it among the world's best dive sites.
Visit the sacred Mayan cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal, near San Ignacio, where 1,400 artifacts, skeletons, and rock paintings form an underground museum. Walk through the tunnels, see the skulls of ancient sacrifices, and learn about the rituals the Maya once held in these chambers. Swim stretches of the underground river, surrounded by stalactites and calcite formations, as the jungle's flora and fauna line the walk to the entrance.
National Park(2)
Explore the world's first jaguar sanctuary, in Stann Creek, where 200 square kilometers of tropical rainforest protect jaguars, spider monkeys, and 290 species of birds. Follow the canopy trails, camp at the summit, and go hiking and birdwatching amid pristine forest. Here nature shows itself unfiltered: rivers, waterfalls, and a real chance of spotting jaguar tracks at dawn.
Take in this 173 km² park in the Cayo district, where Caribbean pines replace the rainforest typical of Belize. Cool off at the Rio On Falls, swim in the Rio Pools, and follow trails among rocks and streams. Birdwatching and inland wildlife round out a day designed for those seeking hiking and little-visited nature in the country's mountainous heart.
Archaeological Site(2)
Climb the 40-meter pyramid of the Mayan temple El Castillo, from where the 30-kilometer view takes in Guatemala and Belize. Wander the 26 structures, admire the bas-relief friezes, and discover the city that was a Mayan ceremonial center. Explore the archaeological site where ruins, artifacts, and history tell of civilizations that flourished millennia ago. Walk among the stones, admire the remains, and uncover the past.
Cruise the New River to the Mayan ruins, where the Mask Temple, the Central Plaza, and the Jaguar Temple tell 3,000 years of history. Walk among the ruins, take in the river views, and discover the longest-inhabited Mayan city. Explore the archaeological site where ruins, artifacts, and history tell of civilizations that flourished millennia ago. Walk among the stones, admire the remains, and uncover the past.
City(2)
Discover Belize's former capital as you tour San Felipe Fortress, the Central Market, and the seaside pier. Visit the Museum of Belize and St. John's Cathedral, two key sites for understanding local history. Stroll its streets among creole wooden houses and colonial buildings, watch everyday Caribbean life at the market stalls, and try Belizean cuisine at downtown eateries. The city blends tradition and modernity in every neighborhood, with the swing bridge opening over Haulover Creek.
Cross the bridge over the Macal River and enter San Ignacio, capital of the Cayo district in western Belize. Shop for fruit and crafts at the Saturday market, where Mayan, Mestizo, and Garifuna vendors sell side by side. Explore the Mayan ruins of Cahal Pech perched on the hilltop and arrange excursions to the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave or to Caracol. At day's end, have rice and beans at the downtown food stalls and take in everyday life in Belize's interior.
Beach(2)
Admire Ambergris Caye's turquoise water as you walk the white sand facing San Pedro, the town where golf carts replace cars and fishermen sell the day's catch at sunset. Swim out to the barrier reef, the second longest in the world, and snorkel among corals, rays, and colorful fish on the Belizean reef. Then stroll the streets of San Pedro, try habanero ceviche, and end the day with your toes in the sand, listening to Garifuna drums under the Caribbean light.
Explore Caye Caulker by bike or on foot, since there are no cars here and the official motto is "Go Slow". Swim among the corals at the Split, the canal that divides the island in two, or swim with fish and stingrays on the nearby reef. Eat grilled fish at the waterfront restaurants along the main strip and watch the sunset from the wooden piers. The white sand, the colorful houses, and the fishermen's unhurried pace make it easy to stay for several days.
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