Overview
- The Best Things to Do in Belize
- 1. Fly Over the Great Blue Hole
- 2. Snorkel At Shark Ray Alley
- 3. Take a Private Sailing Trip
- 4. Pamper Yourself at Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge
- 5. Relax at El Ben Cabanas, Caye Caulker
- 6. Chill Out on Caye Caulker South
- 7. Join a Food Tour
- 8. Take a Jungle Tour to Waterfalls
- 9. Play in the Waters of Ambergris Caye
- 10. Eat At El Fogon Restaurant
- 11. Tour the Mayan City of Caracol
- 12. Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
- 13. Go Shopping in San Ignacio
- 14. Swim & Tube Through Sacred Mayan Caves
- 15. Placencia
- 16. Snorkel at Mexico Rocks and Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary
- 17. Get Up Close & Personal with Howler Monkeys
- 18. Ride Horses on Jungle Trails
- 19. Experience Southern Belize’s Top Festivals
- 20. Feed Your Chocolate Addiction in Toledo District
- 21. Explore the World’s First Jaguar Preserve
- 22. Island Hop to Uninhabited Caribbean Islands
- 23. Take a Boat Through the Jungle to an Ancient Mayan City
- 24. Scale Belize’s Rugged & Remote Victoria Peak
- 25. Get Down with Garifuna Culture
- 26. Belize Zoo
It had been 20 years since we visited Belize. Back then, we were backpacking through Central America to become dive masters. Things changed a lot over two decades, but many things stayed the same, like the fantastic snorkeling in its crystal clear waters, hanging out with friendly locals, and enjoying its tasty cuisine. Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and lush Central American jungles, we will entice you to add this destination to your travel bucket list. From the mesmerizing depths of the Great Blue Hole to the ancient mysteries of Mayan ruins, these are the best things to do in Belize that promise an unforgettable adventure.
The Best Things to Do in Belize
This tiny English-speaking Central American nation is one of our favorite destinations on Earth. Bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east, Belize is known for its diverse ecosystems and Maya history.
We didn’t realize what a hidden gem it was until I told friends and neighbors where we went. Some people thought it was off the coast of Africa, while others mistook it for the Azores off Portugal. This beautiful destination is closer, more affordable and easier to get to than either. From the vibrant streets of Belize City to the serene islands of the Cayes, Belize’s unique position in Central America offers something for every type of traveler, making it an ideal destination for your next adventure.
1. Fly Over the Great Blue Hole
Discovery Channel rated The Great Blue Hole as one of the most amazing places on earth, and we agree. While scuba diving is on many a diver’s bucket list to take a deep dive down into its more than 600-foot depths, a flight over the Blue Hole is truly out of this world.
As you soar above this natural wonder, the stunning contrast of deep blue waters set against the vibrant turquoise coral reef is as breathtaking from the air as it is mysterious from the surface. This once-in-a-lifetime scenic flight offers a unique perspective of one of the world’s most extraordinary geological phenomena.
We booked a private charter over the Blue Hole with Tropic Air in San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye to see the astonishing Great Blue Hole. This hour-long flight took us over the beautiful sinkhole in the middle of the sea, and we had a bird’s eye view of the sprawling urban center of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, Secret Beach, and its coastline. We then flew over Caye Caulker to view the famous Split from above before moving on to see the underwater landscape of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and some of the 400 Cayes that are scattered throughout the Belize Barrier Reef in Central America.
It doesn’t matter whether you scuba dive or fly over the Great Blue Hole; there’s no mistaking the allure of Belize’s most famous attraction. You can book your Blue Hole Tour here at TropicAir’s website.
About the Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole that lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef, which is a small atoll located 70 kilometers from the mainland and Belize City.
Originally made famous by Jacques Cousteau in 1971, the Blue Hole is the iconic bucket list scuba diving trip. If you want the bragging rights of diving the Big One, most scuba dive trips to the site will also include a second dive to a nearby reef wall offering abundant marine life.
The Great Blue Hole is one of the natural wonders of the earth, stretching 300 meters (1000 feet) across, and plunging 124 meters (600 feet) deep.
Booking a Flight to the Great Blue Hole
Our private charter made four glorious passes around the entire Blue Hole, giving us two passes each way for ample time to take it all in.
Flights to the Blue Hole vary depending on group size and time of year, but our flight was $2500 Belizian dollars, which is $1250 USD for two people. It is a bargain for an hour-long flight to one of the most awe-inspiring views on earth. Flights with Tropic Air can be booked from Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
2. Snorkel At Shark Ray Alley
Another one of the top Belize attractions is the famous Shark Ray Alley. 20 years ago, we went scuba diving through the crystal-clear Caribbean waters of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. It was a day swimming with nurse sharks and sea rays that we always remembered. So when we returned to Belize, snorkeling here was at the top of our list. It didn’t disappoint. There are now many more sharks and rays since our first visit to Belize as the word got out among the wild nurse sharks that they may be able to get a treat from the tour operators.
The waters off the coast of Belize offer some of the best and most accessible snorkeling in the region, particularly if you are hoping to see Nurse Sharks, Spotted Rays, sea turtles, or even Manatees.
We booked our tour with Wanderlust Sailing and Snorkeling on Caye Caulker. You can also visit Shark Ray Alley from San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.
History of Shark Ray Alley
The sharks were initially drawn to the area by fishing boats where local fishermen would clean their catch in the calm waters of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, discarding the remnants into the sea. This practice inadvertently turned the area into a natural feeding ground for nurse sharks and stingrays, who were attracted by the easy meal.
Over time, these creatures began to frequent the area, recognizing it as a reliable source of food. As the sharks and rays became regular visitors, they transformed Shark Ray Alley into a unique and exciting spot for snorkelers and divers, offering a rare and safe opportunity to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Seeing the nurse sharks swim through the clear waters without a care in the world is truly spectacular. Shark Ray Alley has become a major attraction, contributing significantly to Belize’s ecotourism and conservation efforts.
3. Take a Private Sailing Trip
If you don’t want to get in the water with nurse sharks, never fear, you can book a sailing trip through the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Sailing through the Belize Barrier Reef is unlike other sailing trips. You can see the water change before your eyes, and you can spy nurse sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles directly from the bow of the boat.
We booked our sailing trip with Wanderlust Sailing and Snorkeling, who had the sails up once we left the Split, enjoying fresh fruit, rum punch, and fun music as we took in the views of this great barrier reef.
About the Belize Barrier Reef
The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching over 300 kilometers. It is the second largest barrier reef in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
- Trip Information:
- Location: Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye
- Season: Visibility is best in dry season, mid-November to April, but manatees prefer to visit in the summer months when the water is warmer.
4. Pamper Yourself at Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge
We spent four nights at the ultimate luxury Resort in Belize just outside San Ignacio. It sits in the center of 7000 acres of the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve and offers visitors unmatched luxury, fine dining, impeccable service, and incredible villas complete with plunge pools and rainforest showers, all while offering eco-tours in a pristine jungle.
The resort has been recently renovated with chic designer furniture and special attention to detail. We stayed in Villa #1, which starts at $600 per night and has its own plunge pool, two outdoor showers, an indoor rainforest shower, two fireplaces, a kitchen, a living room, and the most amazing outdoor sunroom with hammock, lounge chairs, and dining table for romantic jungle meals.
Fine Dining
The menu at Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge was designed by the number one chef in Belize, Sean Kuylen, who represents the country around the world. He has taken local Maya and Belizean flavors and infused them with international cuisine. I am not lying when I say that the salad is the best I have ever had. It is an explosion of flavor and textures that I couldn’t get enough of.
I am not the best at writing about descriptive food experiences, but if you could read my mind, you would know that the restaurant at Hidden Valley is an experience to remember on your Belize itinerary.
5. Relax at El Ben Cabanas, Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is often touted as a place full of budget travelers and expats who visited the key and never left. However, Caye Caulker North is starting to develop luxury hotels and attract high-end clientele to its quieter and more reserved shores.
We stayed at El Ben Cabañas on Caye Caulker North and loved our stay in this beautiful property that houses waterfront bungalows surrounded by swaying palm trees overlooking the water. It has two swimming pools and offers the best fine dining on both sides of the island combined.
The resort provides free water shuttles to Caye Caulker Town on a regular schedule. We enjoyed going into Caye Caulker to experience the nightlife but loved being able to return to our quiet, luxurious retreat.
The Split
Caye Caulker was split into two parts by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. The fierce storm carved a narrow channel known as The Split, creating a distinct north and south division of the island.
The Split is not just a geographical landmark but a fun hub for partying, watching the sunset, and day cruises to enjoy a rum punch at the legendary Lazy Lizard bar.
Shuttles leave on demand throughout the day to take people to Caye Caulker North for $5 USD per person. You have to ride this ramshackle shuttle at least once—it’s a rite of passage.
6. Chill Out on Caye Caulker South
Located just a 10-minute flight from Belize City, Caye Caulker is one of the most popular chill-out places in all of Central America. It was the first place we chilled out in 2003, and when we visited again last month, it was the first place we flew into.
Colorful, low-key, and downright funky, Caye Caulker laughs in the face of conventional beach holidays. You won’t find a proper beach on the limestone coral island, but swaying palm trees line the sandy streets. Most visitors agree that swimming in the Split is more than adequate. There is even a makeshift swimming pool with lounge chairs right on the side of the split.
Not to worry, if it’s a cold beer with your toes in the sand that you crave, you can do just that at over a dozen “cool spots” across the island.
If a couple of days swaying in a hammock, cooling off in the Caribbean, and sipping on ice-cold Belikin beers sounds too relaxing for your tastes, rent a kayak to explore the mangroves of the western shore, try stand-up paddleboarding, enjoy local cuisine, or book a snorkel or scuba day trip exploring some of the best sites along the Belize Barrier Reef.
Day tours to Belize City, Ambergris Caye, and to see the marine life of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve can be arranged through tour operators lining the sandy streets of the island.
7. Join a Food Tour
One of the best ways to get acquainted with the food scene, nightlife, and cocktails of Caye Caulker is to join A Taste of Caye Caulker food tour. We had the best time visiting the top bars and places with the best sunset views as we ate our way through the island.
This was one of the best food tours we’ve ever taken, as our guides knew everyone, and there was no way we were leaving hungry. We sampled traditional Belizean foods paired with cocktails while learning about life on the island and making new friends. The Taste of Caye Caulker Food Tour is an excellent introduction to the Cayes, and by the end, you’ll want to move to Belize!
8. Take a Jungle Tour to Waterfalls
A trip to the jungle is essential after enjoying the tropical waters of the Cayes of Belize. San Ignacio is the jumping-off point for jungle adventures in Belize, and there are plenty of tours you can book.
We stayed at Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge, which had its own jungle adventures. Located within 7000 acres of Jungle, this tour was one of the best experiences we had outside San Ignacio. We spent a day exploring hidden pools and waterfalls.
The waterfall located on their property is the same one that Bear Grylls rappelled down during his trip to Belize. Their reserve is one of the best places for bird watching in Belize, and if you have a chance to stay here for a night or two, we highly recommend it.
Other Jungle Tours
Mayflower Bocawina National Park is a jungle paradise for outdoor adrenaline seekers, offering rappelling, ziplining, and hiking experiences through lush tropical rainforest.
Few places offer the chance to fly through the air on Belize’s longest zip line, stand face-to-face with cascading falls, and cool off in idyllic pools while surrounded by enchanting jungle. If you enjoy viewing rare and colorful birds, Mayflower Bocawina offers some of the best birdwatching in Belize. Truly a bucket-list adventure and one of the best things to do in Belize!
- Trip Information:
- Location: Stann Creek District, near Dangriga and Hopkins
- Season: Best time to visit is dry season, mid-November to April.
- Lodging & Outfitters: We recommend Bocawina Rainforest Resort & Adventures.
- Cost: Varies, depending on activities and length of stay.
9. Play in the Waters of Ambergris Caye
While we stayed on Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye is the larger and more popular of the two Cayes. You can easily travel between both via water taxi, ferry, or by flying. We booked flights with Tropic Air. The flights are only 5 minutes long and cost approximately $50 per person.
The main town on Ambergris Caye is San Pedro, a bustling town with hundreds of golf carts zooming through the streets. During our day here, we not only booked a flight over the Blue Hole but also had a chance to go parasailing over the Belize Barrier Reef.
Belize Parasail Ltd offers parasailing adventures from Boca del Rio Resort, where visitors enjoy an hour-long tour along the coast of Ambergris Caye before soaring high above the beautiful waters. They picked us up in San Pedro Town, and we enjoyed a sightseeing drive to the far end of the island before boarding a speedboat. Parasailing is fun for the whole family when planning your Belize vacation.
10. Eat At El Fogon Restaurant
One of the most famous and oldest restaurants in Belize, El Fogon Restaurant is a staple in San Pedro Town. If you want authentic Belizean cuisine, this is the place to go.
Owned by the Arceo-Eiley family, who purchased this prime piece of land over 35 years ago and transformed it into a thriving restaurant in the early 2000s. Now, it is family-owned and operated, with the daughter managing the restaurant, serving Belizean stews, soups, and traditional dishes cooked over an open fire and wood stove.
It is always packed with people and lively entertainment, making it a must-visit whether you are in Ambergris Caye for a day or a week.
11. Tour the Mayan City of Caracol
While Mexico and Guatemala may be more famous for their Mayan history, Belize has ancient Maya cities to explore without the large crowds. History buffs will love exploring the ruins of Belize, and Caracol is a great place to start. We were picked up from Hidden Valley resort by Maya Walk Tours for a two-hour drive deep into the heart of the jungle to explore the ancient Maya civilization of Caracol.
They are currently paving the road to Caracol, making it easier to visit the Mayan Temple in the middle of the jungle, so the time to visit is now. There were only five other groups at the Maya City during our visit, allowing us the chance to walk through the nearly deserted ancient Maya ruins free from crowds.
Caracol, which translates to “The Snail” in Spanish, was one of the most powerful Mayan cities, rivaling Tikal in neighboring Guatemala. At its peak, it boasted a population of over 100,000. Today, visitors can stroll through the site and can even climb the Mayan Temple of Caana (Sky Palace), which remains one of the tallest structures in Belize.
Caracol is surrounded by a lush rainforest home to abundant wildlife, including howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, and jaguars.
12. Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Caracol’s location in the Cayo District allows for easy combination with the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve or indulging in caving adventures in the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM Cave). We didn’t get the chance to do this as rains made driving and caving treacherous.
If you want to go on adventures when visiting Belize, such as cave tubing, the ATM Caves, or other cave tours, make sure to avoid the rainy season and instead visit during the dry season from December to May. However, we visited in December, and due to climate change, it still rained long after the season ended.
13. Go Shopping in San Ignacio
San Ignacio is the jumping-off point for Belize jungle adventures and an excellent place to set up base and do some shopping.
Located in the heart of Belize’s lush Cayo District along the banks of the Macal and Mopan Rivers, it is a culturally rich destination offering a perfect blend of adventure and heritage. Known as the eco-tourism capital of Belize, San Ignacio serves as a gateway to ancient Mayan ruins, including Caracol and the renowned Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, allowing for a deep dive into the mysteries of Mayan civilization.
Here, you can book tours for river tubing, horseback riding, and caving adventures, such as visiting the famous Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM Cave).
We also picked up some souvenirs at San Ignacio’s outdoor market, filled with local crafts. The town’s proximity to natural reserves like the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve enables easy access to stunning waterfalls and wildlife sightings.
14. Swim & Tube Through Sacred Mayan Caves
Sadly, we didn’t get to explore the ATM cave as heavy rains flooded the caverns during our time in San Ignacio. Luckily, Dave Baxter of AwayGoWe, who contributed to this piece, had that opportunity. Taking a day trip from San Ignacio to Actun Tunichil Muknal (or ATM Cave) is hands down one of the most popular inland activities and the best things to do in Belize. And it’s easy to see why.
Trekking deep into the Mayan underworld combines adventure, intrigue, history, and Mayan mysticism, not to mention subterranean swimming, hiking, climbing, and crawling.
ATM Cave Tour Information:
Location: Day Trip from San Ignacio
Cost: From $95 per person on GetYourGuide
Crystal Cave
During the rainy season, you’ll have a better chance to visit the Crystal Cave as it is a dry cave. However, be prepared to crawl through narrow passageways. There are many other lesser-known water caves to explore throughout the rest of the country as well, where you can go cave tubing and take cave tours to see other Maya civilizations.
Some of our other favorites include Barton Creek Cave (which involves taking a boat through the jungle to the mouth of the cave), cave tubing through Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, and exploring Blue Creek Cave outside Punta Gorda in Southern Belize.
15. Placencia
During our first visit to Belize, we spent a lot of time in Placencia. This time we didn’t make it, but we still wanted to mention it as it is an excellent place to visit in Belize. You can still visit the Belize Barrier Reef for world-class scuba diving and snorkeling from Placencia, and unlike the Cayes, it has wonderful sandy beaches.
Visitors can also enjoy kayaking through the mangroves. Placencia’s narrow main street is lined with colorful boutiques, local art galleries, and inviting eateries, offering a taste of Belizean culture and cuisine.
There are multiple lobster festivals in Belize, but many consider Placencia’s Lobsterfest a cut above the rest. Held every June since 1998, Lobsterfest offers a diverse selection of lobster and other dishes, showcasing Creole, Maya, Garifuna, Indian, Chinese, European, and North American influences. It’s hard to beat the beach location. Be sure to book lodging in Placencia well in advance, as accommodation fills up fast for this ever-popular event.
16. Snorkel at Mexico Rocks and Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary
While Hol Chan Marine Reserve gets much of the attention for sharks, rays, and sea turtles, Mexico Rocks, a bit farther north, is a less crowded option, offering the chance to see all of the above without the crowds.
For a rare chance to snorkel near the elusive manatee, head to the mangroves of Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary. For snorkeling trips in Belize, we recommend having 1-3 days of flexibility in your itinerary. Belize is an amazing snorkeling and diving destination. However, weather conditions (even in the “dry” season) can be unpredictable from day to day.
17. Get Up Close & Personal with Howler Monkeys
While visiting the Ancient Maya ruins, you will hear deep guttural growls of the Black Howler Monkey, but they may be difficult to see. You could easily stay for a year and never catch a glimpse of one of the largest primates in the Americas. However, visiting the Community Baboon Sanctuary near Belize City dramatically increases your chances of spotting multiple of these sociable primates along with their families!
Residents have banded together to create a protected forest area for their beloved “baboon” and welcome visitors daily with guided tours.
- Visit Information:
- Location: Bermudian Landing, about 45 minutes west of Belize City
- Duration: 1-2 Hours
- Cost: US$7 entry fee
18. Ride Horses on Jungle Trails
A short distance from Hopkins in Kendal, Outback Trails offers a unique opportunity for riders of all skill levels to explore Southern Belize’s mountains and streams on horseback.
Spend the day riding miles of pristine jungle trails over clear mountain streams and under towering cohune trees. You can also combine your ride with a climb to a lookout tower or a jungle hike to a remote waterfall and swimming hole.
- Trip Information:
- Location: Kendal, near Hopkins
- Season: Best time to visit is dry season, mid-November to April.
- Duration: 3+ hours.
19. Experience Southern Belize’s Top Festivals
If you find yourself in Southern Belize in November, don’t miss Battle of the Drums, one of the main events of Garifuna Settlement Week in Punta Gorda. Watch some of the best Garifuna-style drummers on the planet compete for the top prize as groups come from across Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras to showcase their talent for an eager audience.
Every May, Toledo’s famous Cacao Fest (Chocolate Festival) celebrates the region’s economic and cultural connection to cacao, showcasing local producers’ best chocolate products.
Belize Brewing Company even gets into the festive spirit with their popular Belikin Chocolate Stout brewed just for the occasion. Each year, the festival kicks off in the heart of Punta Gorda with chocolate, local crafts, and entertainment before finishing at the nearby Mayan ruins of Lubaantun.
20. Feed Your Chocolate Addiction in Toledo District
For many families in Belize, cacao farming has been a way of life for generations. Fortunately for the rest of us, family traditions have translated into tasty (and sustainable!) family businesses, particularly in the Toledo District, where local farmers produce some of the highest-quality chocolate worldwide.
Ixcacao, San Felipe
Ixcacao in San Felipe offers a unique opportunity to not only indulge in a variety of local chocolate products from the Cho family farm but also experience the full process from start to finish with members of the family as your hosts.
Cotton Tree Chocolate Factory in Punta Gorda
If you can’t get out to San Felipe or attend the Cacao Fest, be sure to check out Cotton Tree Chocolate Factory in downtown Punta Gorda for your chocolate fix as well as insight into the local chocolate-making process.
21. Explore the World’s First Jaguar Preserve
Don’t count on spotting a jaguar at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. But rest assured, around 200 of these stealthy cats are dispersed across the expansive and densely forested reserve.
What you can count on is seeing colorful native bird species and other tropical jungle creatures along dozens of kilometers of hiking paths. Tube the river, investigate the remains of aircraft wreckage hidden in the jungle, or hire a guide and trek to the top of Victoria Peak.
Cockscomb also offers a variety of lodging options from the very basic to the comfortable and quirky. Check out our complete guide to visiting the sanctuary, including details on hikes and lodging.
- Experience Information:
- Location: Near Maya Centre, 20 km southwest of Hopkins
- Season: Year-round
22. Island Hop to Uninhabited Caribbean Islands
Kick off this unique opportunity with a one-of-a-kind 3-day sailing adventure to Dangriga, with stops at remote and unknown islands along the Belize barrier reef.
By day, glide through crystal-clear waters under sail, stopping along the way to access some of the best snorkeling and fishing areas along the Belize reef. Stay overnight on uninhabited cayes in beach camping accommodations, with the option to upgrade for one night to an over-water bungalow.
Our own trip with Ragamuffin was one of the highlights of our time in Belize and highly recommended for anyone looking to get away from it all while experiencing true paradise.
- Tour Information:
- Location: Starts in Caye Caulker and ends in Dangriga. The trip cannot be done in reverse.
- Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
- Cost: $400 All-Inclusive ($450 over Christmas/New Year’s)
23. Take a Boat Through the Jungle to an Ancient Mayan City
Once a significant ancient Maya city, Lamanai was inhabited for 3,000 years until the early 20th century. The sprawling archaeological site is impressive on its own, but the spectacular setting and unique way of accessing it makes it even more memorable.
Lamanai is located among dense rainforest overlooking a picturesque lagoon where you can hear the deafening growl of Howler Monkeys and the exotic echoes of native birds throughout the site.
The ancient Mayan city is accessed by a one-hour boat ride through the jungle, making for an unforgettable day trip from Belize City or Orange Walk, or an even more memorable overnight excursion staying in one of the nearby jungle lodges.
Visit Information:
Location: Near Orange Walk
Cost: Varies, depending on length of the trip and whether you book a package tour.
Arranging a Package Trip: For the best rates, inquire with your guesthouse in Belize City or Orange Walk.
If you wish to book ahead, Lamanai Belize Tours is one of the most reputable operators.
24. Scale Belize’s Rugged & Remote Victoria Peak
With a height of just 3,675 feet (1,120 m), Victoria Peak might not be the tallest mountain you’ll ever hike, but it is perhaps the most strenuous, most spectacular, and most rewarding!
Located deep in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the multi-day trek takes 3-5 days round trip to complete, depending on conditions and personal ability, and must be done with a licensed tour guide, which can be hired from the nearby community around Cockscomb.
Expect long hiking days, high temperatures and humidity, biting insects, and significant elevation gain (and loss). Your reward? Stunning views from the top of Belize and an experience like none other.
Trip Information:
Location: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Season: The trail is open from February 1 – May 31 (dry season)
Cost: Inquire locally.
25. Get Down with Garifuna Culture
By far, one of the most memorable things to do in Belize is spend time with the locals. While it’s nearly impossible to get a true sense of “Belizean culture” (there are five very distinct ethnic groups), the culture and practices of the Garifuna people may be the most accessible for short-term visitors.
In addition to having an incredibly fascinating history, the Garifuna are proud of their culture and eager to share it through food, music, dance, and celebrations.
There might be no better place in Belize for visitors to experience Garifuna culture than Hopkins and Punta Gorda. Every November, Punta Gorda hosts the world-renowned Battle of the Drums, a feature event of Garifuna Settlement Week, which is celebrated fervently throughout Southern Belize.
If you’re interested in learning to drum from a master or want to learn more about Garifuna music and dance, we recommend booking a drum lesson at Warasa Garifuna Drum School in Punta Gorda.
26. Belize Zoo
We don’t typically include zoos on lists of things to do; however, Belize Zoo is quite different. It only houses rescued animals and is renowned as the best little zoo in the world. The Belize Zoo serves as a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center, hosting rescued or wildlife confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker eager to explore Belize’s world-renowned barrier reef or a culture enthusiast keen to immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Belizean life, this guide serves as your treasure map to the wonders of this Central American gem. Join us as we journey through Belize’s enchanting landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, proving why it’s a top destination on every traveler’s list.
This post was originally written by Dave Baxter of AwayGoWe, a travel blog inspiring independent travelers hungry for off-the-beaten-path destinations and adventure travel in less-developed countries. Follow his adventures at AwayWeGo / Facebook / Pinterest. It has been updated by iBestTravel.