Belize is a little paradise located on the Caribbean Sea between Guatemala and Mexico. In this only English-speaking country of Central America, you can unwind on tropical beaches, explore ancient Maya cities, venture into lush jungles filled with waterfalls and birds, and dive into a unique underwater world at one of the largest barrier reefs on the planet – where dolphins, rays, sharks, and sea turtles are no exception. You won’t just soak up the Caribbean vibe, but also discover an interesting mix of cultures and people. In this travel guide you’ll find my tips for the best things to do and see in Belize, including highlights, activities, festivals and places to stay in different parts of the country.
Belize is a small but diverse country, divided into several regions, each offering its own unique attractions and things to do. Along the Caribbean coast and on islands like Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, it’s all about tropical beaches, snorkeling, and diving at the Great Blue Hole and the Barrier Reef. In the west, around San Ignacio, you’ll find dense jungle, caves, and impressive Maya ruins. Southern Belize is quieter, with traditional villages, cacao plantations, and untouched nature in the Toledo region. The north features historic towns and the vast natural area of the Lamanai Reserve.
Each region shows a different side of Belize, from culture and history to unforgettable experiences in nature. Enjoy my tips for discovering this beautiful country.
The Belize Barrier Reef is one of the country’s highlights and best things to do if it comes to nature. It is the second largest barrier reef in the world, after Australia, and also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here you can snorkel, dive, and enjoy the most beautiful underwater world with countless species of coral, fish, rays, sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, and sharks.
Famous places such as the Great Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Laughing Bird Caye, Glovers Reef Atoll, Turneffe Atoll, and the Silk Cayes are all part of this natural phenomenon. The Belize Barrier Reef can best be visited from Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye, Hopkins, and Placencia, destinations that I will be discuss later in this article.
Do you want to take a trip to the Belize Barrier Reef? Here you can find a great selection of tours.
The highest waterfall in Central America is located in Belize. Contrary to what the name suggests, the Thousand Foot Falls is 1,600 feet high, about 500 meters. It is beautifully situated in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and from San Ignacio, it is a 1.5-hour drive to the viewpoint. Of course it is possible to admire the waterfall up close. But as you can imagine, this requires a steep climb down and back up.
One of the best destinations and attractions in Belize is Caye Caulker, located in the Belize Barrier Reef. On this tropical island, eight kilometers long and one kilometer wide, you are welcomed by swaying palm trees, a gentle sea breeze, reggae music, and an incredibly relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy the sun, a delicious cuisine, the turquoise sea, and the unique marine life, with rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. Life doesn’t get any better.
Wondering what to do on Caye Caulker, Belize? In the next travel guide, you’ll find all my tips for things to do on Caye Caulker, Belize.
Off the coast of Belize, there a several islands, of which Ambergris Caye is the largest. I love the laid-back atmosphere of Caye Caulker, but if you’re looking for a bigger and busier island in Belize with more things to do, definitely check out San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. From here, you can also explore the stunning underwater world through snorkeling and diving tours. Ambergris Caye is accessible by water taxi or plane from Belize City or the nearby Caye Caulker.
If you hear about Belize, chances are you’ll come across the Great Blue Hole. This massive blue sinkhole lies within the Belize Barrier Reef near the small atoll Lighthouse Reef and is one of the country’s highlights. The best way to view the Great Blue Hole is from the air. In a small plane, you’ll fly over the impressive dark blue hole, which is 70,650 square meters in size, in about forty minutes. You can book a flight through Tropic Air or Maya Island Air.
The Great Blue Hole is also one of the most unique places to dive due to the countless sharks, turtles, rays, corals, and stalactites you’ll encounter there. Jacques Cousteau even named it one of the top 10 diving spots in the world. However, to get the most out of your dive, you need some experience.
Swim with rays, starfish, dolphins and sharks? In Belize, you can go on amazing snorkeling trips which will take you to different places along the coast. One of the highlights in Belize is the Hol Chan Marine reserve where you swim past species of fish, coral, sponges, sea turtles, rays and sometimes manatees. At Shark Ray Alley, you won’t believe your eyes when hundreds of sharks, over 2 meters in size, swim around you. Fortunatly, these are Nurse Sharks, that are not dangerous. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is easily accessible from Caye Caulker.
Do you want to book a snorkeling tour? You will find a selection of great tours here.
Even though the chances of running into a jaguar are not that high, it is always nice to go looking for one. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected nature reserve and the world’s first jaguar sanctuary. According to numbers, around 200 jaguars live here in addition to tapirs, toucans, ocelots and howler monkeys.
You can take several hikes. The route to Ben’s Bluff is beautiful, but an absolute must is the tough Tiger Fern Trail, which ends at a waterfall. The last one can only be done with a guide. Keep in mind that due to the heat, this is not an easy hike, so wear good shoes and bring plenty of water. A map of the hiking trails is posted at the entrance.
Want to visit the Cockscomb basin Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize? Find a selection of tours here.
When you’re in Belize, you’ll definitely want to book a stay at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant. This luxury boutique lodge is located in the Sibun Nature Reserve, at the foot of the Maya Mountains. It consists of 10,000 acres of greenery with an idyllic river and the mountains in the background, including the Sleeping Giant (a mountain shaped like a sleeping giant). The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant is a place where you not only stay in gorgeous rooms, and enjoy luxurious facilities but also go out daily to explore the area. What about hikes to viewpoints, kayak tours on the river or exploring ancient Mayan caves? This is a place you don’t want to leave anymore.
Do you also want to stay at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant in Belize? Find the latest prices and availability here. You can read more about my stay in the next article.
Always wanted to see whale sharks up close? One of the top attractions and things to do in Belize between March and June is Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve. Countless snapper and grouper come to this reserve annually to mate, and the eggs ensure that the whale sharks are here in large numbers. The very best time to spot whale sharks is 2 days before the full moon or 10 days after. Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve is best reached from Placencia.
Want to hike in a tropical setting and look for idyllic waterfalls? Then put Mayflower Bocawina National Park on your Belize bucket list. Bocawina consists of 7,000 acres of nature and is located in Stann Creek district, between the Maya Mountains and the coast, in southern Belize. The area is home to more than 200 bird species including toucans, kingfishers, owls, colorful woodpeckers, hummingbirds and the stunning Tarogon birds. Even the tapir, jaguar and ocelot are found here, although they are difficult to spot. Greater chances are you’ll see nose bears, the agouti, kinkajou, the gray fox, howler monkeys and deers. But the walks through the rainforest are reasons enough for a visit.
Mayflower Bocawina National Park has hiking trails to several waterfalls. The map at the entrance shows the trails and you can choose how strenuous you want to make your adventure. Bocawina Falls Trail requires the least amount of effort. The Big Drop Falls Trail and Antelope Trail, lasting about 45 minutes, are a little tougher because you are going up the mountain, but still doable for anyone with normal fitness. Should you go for the latter trail, you will get to enjoy wide views of Belize along the way. Moreover, at the top you can cool off under one of the waterfalls.
On a number of trails you pass former Maya temples such as Mayflower Plaza, Maintzunun Tau Witz, which are still completely under vegetation.
Are you looking for adventure and adrenaline? Then you can book a tour here, where you will abseil waterfalls. In addition, you can stay overnight in the park and have a bite to eat at the Wild Fig Restaurant.
In Belize, you get to experience the most beautiful sunsets, and one of the best ways to observe them is by going on a sunset cruise. Watching the sun set while sipping your cocktail and listening to raggae music is surely the ultimate vacation feeling. And when there are also, dolphins and sea turtles swimming around you, it really can’t get any better.
Tip: I booked an amazing sunset cruise from El Ben Cabanas on Caye Caulker, with fresh ceviches and cocktails.
Along the coast of Belize there are numerous small paradise islands. And there is nothing better than spending a day here. To relax, kayak, snorkel, eat fresh fish or a combination of all of these. I myself visited from Hopkins, Rythm Reef Key, a private island of the Belize Collection. And Rythm Reef Key is an island as you imagine it in your dreams. Sandy white beaches, palm trees and a clear blue sea where you see every fish swimming. There is also a team of staff ready to pamper you completely. Rythm Reef Key can be visited from The Lodge at Jaguar Reef in Belize.
Placencia is a peninsula in Belize measuring 27 kilometers long and 25 kilometers wide. It has been one of Belize’s popular attractions and things to do for many years because of its perfect beaches, colorful cottages and good cuisine. There are also many snorkeling and diving opportunities, around the islets off the coast of Belize. At Laughing Bird Caye and Silk Caye, there is a good chance of seeing sea turtles, manatees, sharks, rays and colorful fish.
Want to visit the various islands off the coast of Belize? Here you will find a selection of tours. Placencia is also easily accessible from Livingston in Guatemala.
When in Belize, you will definitely want to meet the proud Garifunas, Caribbean people descended from African slaves from the 17th century. Today, an estimated 200,000 Garifuna live across Honduras, Nicaragua, Belize and Guatemala. You will encounter this population in various places in Belize but if you really want to learn more about the culture, it is recommended to visit the Kalipuna Cultural Heritage Island,near Hopkins, a center dedicated to preserving and spreading knowledge of the Garifuna culture.
The Garifuna are for example known for their fantastic rhythms of drumming and dancing and delicious cuisine. During a visit you can take a cooking or dancing course. And I am sure that the drumming ceremony will make a deep impression, whether you participate or not.
Do you want to learn more about the Garifuna? Here you will find a selection of tours.
Are you looking for a lovely spot to relax on the beach? Then you want to go to Hopkins. Here you will not only be welcomed by the friendly Garifunas but you can also enjoy fine beaches such as at Jaguar Reef. There are bars and restaurants with live music in the village and enthusiasts can join a drumming or dancing session. Hopkins is also a perfect base for day trips to Mayflower Bocawina National Park and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
One of the must-see attractions and things to do in Belize is the ATM cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal), also known as the Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre. This former ceremonial site of the Maya was named the number one sacred cave in the world by National Geographic. Visiting it is a true adventure: you swim, climb, and hike through water-filled tunnels and chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites, guided only by a helmet and headlamp. Thrilling, but above all, unforgettable.
What makes the experience even more special is the rich history you’ll encounter along the way. Inside the cave are ancient Maya artifacts and the skeletal remains of sacrificial victims, some dating back to 600 BC. The highlight is an impressive ceremonial chamber, where, with guidance from your tour guide, you’ll learn more about Maya rituals and their worldview. The tour that you can make from nearby San Ignacio, lasts a full day and is a unique experience that you will remember for a long time.
Do you want to visit the ATM cave? Find a selection of tours here. It is forbidden to film and photograph inside the cave, as visitors in the past dropped their equipment on skulls and skeletons. In addition, it is good to know that you will be entering the water and get wet. So it is important to put on appropriate (water) shoes and swimwear and bring a towel and dry clothes, for afterwards.
Want to learn more about the impressive green iguana, which you’ll spot all over Belize? The Green Iguana Conservation Project in San Ignacio is a small but impactful initiative dedicated to protecting this endangered species and raising awareness about its ecological importance. Years of hunting and habitat loss had drastically reduced iguana populations before the project was founded.
The project immerses you in the world of the green iguana. You’ll learn about their lifecycle, behavior, and threats, and you’ll have the chance to see both young and adult iguanas up close, and even gently hold them.
I’m usually cautious about places where animals are used to attract visitors, but this project radiates education, care, and conservation. The guides speak passionately about their work and how they involve local communities. Each year, dozens of young iguanas are successfully released back into the wild.
San Ignacio is a small town in western Belize, close to the border with Guatemala. From here, you can visit impressive Maya ruins like Xunantunich and Caracol, explore mysterious caves such as the ATM Cave, venture into the jungle, or take a day trip to Tikal in Guatemala. The town center is a great base for day tours, but the surrounding area also offers some of the most beautiful jungle lodges to stay in. Curious? In the next travel guide, you’ll find all my tips on what to do and see in San Ignacio, Belize.
Many people think that you have to be in Guatemala or Mexico to see Mayan ruins, but Belize also has a large number of archaeological sights and things to do. And these are not just a few. In Belize you will find more than 700 Maya sites scattered throughout the country.
Of course, you can’t visit all the Maya archaeological sites but be sure to pick 1 or 2, depending on the region you are in. The large and well-known sites tend to be the busiest. At a small and lesser-known site, chances are you’ll be walking here with a handful of other visitors. Want to visit one of these Mayan ruins? Here are my tips for archaeological sites in Belize and this is a selection of great tours.
One of the most renowned archaeological sites and things to do in Belize is Caracol, hidden deep in the Maya Mountains. This former city was once a powerful rival to Tikal in Guatemala and covers an immense area filled with temples, plazas, and stelae. The central pyramid, Caana (“Sky Palace”), still rises 40 meters high, making it one of the tallest Maya structures in Belize, offering stunning views over the surrounding jungle. Caracol is about a 2.5-hour drive from San Ignacio and is best reached with a 4×4. Booking a guided day tour is highly recommended.
Lamanai is located on the shores of the New River Lagoon. The best way to visit this former Maya city is by taking a boat ride from Orange Walk Town, an ancient route the Maya used to travel themselves. Along the way, you have a chance of seeing howler monkeys and numerous birds. An interesting tour can be booked here.
Nim Li Punit, is an archaeological site hidden in the tropical rainforest, in Toledo Province, in southern Belize. This historical place contains the largest Maya monument in Belize, and the second largest in the entire Maya Empire. This is a stela with hieroglyphics of 9.5 meters high, which can be admired in the accompanying museum. Only 30% of the site has been excavated and the rest is under vegetation, something that creates a mysterious atmosphere. Because it is a small site, chances are you will be walking here all alone early in the morning.
Altun Ha served as a ceremonial center and is one of the country’s smaller complexes, but no less extraordinary. The site is known for the temple of the sun god, Kinich Ahau, where a large jade artifact was also found. This national treasure is today on display in the Central Bank of Belize, and seen as a watermark on Belize’s banknotes. Altun Ha is an hour’s drive from Belize City and you can book a tour here.
Xunantunich is one of the most impressive Maya sites and highlights of Belize, perched on a hill near San Ignacio. You reach the ruins by crossing the river on a hand-cranked ferry, adding a unique touch to the experience. Once at the top, El Castillo awaits, a 40-meter-high temple you can still climb, unlike many other Maya structures. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the jungle and distant Guatemala.
As you explore the site, you’ll pass plazas, ancient buildings, and carved stelae that tell stories of the Maya civilisation. Xunantunich is compact and easy to visit. You can book a tour here.
Want to visit Mayan ruins in Belize? Find a selection of Belize tours and tips here.
Belize hosts a wide range of annual festivals, from vibrant Carnival and Garifuna Settlement Day to the Lobster Festival and traditional Maya celebrations. These events offer a glimpse into the country’s diverse cultures. Below I share some of my favorite festivals that will make your trip to Belize even more special.
Every year in May the province of Toledo is all about chocolate, a tribute to this cacao fruit. The fruit played an important role in pre-Columbian times and even served as currency. Chocolatiers from all over the country travel to southern Belize for the Chocolate festival to showcase their crafts. There are performances, markets, chocolate artwork and lots of tastings.
Do you love tacos? Orange Walk Town in northern Belize hosts a taco festival every November, where you can try and sample countless varieties and flavors.
Garifuna Settlement Day is celebrated every year on November 19th to commemorate the arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize. In coastal towns like Dangriga and Hopkins, you can experience parades, traditional drumming, dancing, and performances. It’s one of Belize’s most important cultural festivals and is a great way to understans more of the Afro-Caribbean culture.
Every year in San Pedro, Caye Caulker and Placencia, the Lobster Festival celebrates the grand opening of the lobster season. During the month of June, you can enjoy most delicious dishes and listen to live music.
Are you planning to tour Belize and visit its many attractions and things to do? There are several ways to get around the country.
You can easily travel by public transportation or shuttle service, which you can conveniently book via Bookaway. Personally, I love renting a car and getting around on my own. But there are also numerous tours offered where transportation is included.
From the port in Belize City, ferries and water taxis depart several times a day, taking you to Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye in under an hour. Check here for available routes and prices.
Have a bit more to spend and want to experience Belize from the air? Then book a flight with Maya Air or Tropic Air. These are small planes that operate like a bus service, picking up and dropping off passengers in places like Belize City, San Pedro, Corozal, Caye Caulker, Lamanai River, Dangriga, Placencia, and Punta Gorda. The views along the way are absolutely breathtaking. You can easily search, compare, and book flights via Skyscanner.
Are you looking for tours, tips and things to do in Belize? Have a look at Viator, an easy platform to search, compare and book tours.
Planning a trip to Belize or just starting your research? In the next travel guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about traveling to Belize, including practical tips, essential travel info, and inspiration for where to go and what to see. Hopefully, my articles will help you get the most out of your trip, or convince you to add Belize to your travel bucket list.
Did you enjoy reading this article with tips, highlights and things to do in Belize? Let me take you on a further journey along the most beautiful destinations and attractions in Belize in the next articles.
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Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
