Deep in the heart of Central America lies the tropical shoreline and dense jungles of Belize. Believed to be the home of more than four hundred thousand people, the country is overflowing with natural beauty, historical relevance and incredible attractions which never fail to delight visitors.
In fact, there are so many things to do in Belize that the task of choosing the best ones is often quite difficult. That being said, here are what we believe to be the absolute best things to do in Belize:
Explore the Caracol Mayan Ruins
Imposing and incredibly inspiring, the Caracol Mayan ruins can be found in the Cayo District, and these mystical ruins simply have to be seen to be believed. Discovered in 1937 by an unsuspecting local, the ruins were thought to have originated 1,500 years ago. Hidden by the rainforest for many years, these remnants are also in excellent condition and with many patterns or designs carved out of stone, it’s clear that the Mayan’s considered this particular area to be one of tremendous significance.
Climb the stone steps to the top of the ruins, and look out over the stunning landscape or make your way around the many ancient royal rooms; either way, this is a magical encounter and one of the best things to do in Belize.
Adopt an iguana at the Green Iguana Conservation Project
Located on the grounds of the impressive San Ignacio Resort you can find the Green Iguana Conservation Project. This project works to conserve the endangered iguanas of Belize while working to educate the visitors that walk through their door.
Visitors can also take part in the Iguana tour which features an interactive exhibit, allowing them to get a closer look at these incredible creatures. Working to conserve iguanas since 1996, the project is one of the more meaningful things to do in Belize as it offers visitors the chance to adopt an iguana, ensuring these dragon-like reptiles continue to receive the care they need.
Zipline through the forest in Belize
“Zip line in Belize” (CC BY 2.0) by rtadlock
If you yearn for a bit of an adventure, ziplining (and cave-tubing) is one of the most fun things to do in Belize. Yes, you now have the opportunity to cling to a zipline, high up in the rainforest’s canopy, and zoom your way through the forest at great speed.
Be aware that this tour is not for the faint of heart or those afraid of heights. However this tour is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and daring things to do in Belize, and it doesn’t end with the zip lines. Once you have traveled through the rainforest on seven zip lines, you’ll then have the chance to experience what it’s like to float underground while you explore dark cave formations and ceremonial sites that were used by the ancient Mayans.
Take the Jungle Pontoon Waterfall Adventure Tour
If you love nothing more than to be out on the water, you need to book a place on the Jungle Pontoon Waterfall Adventure Tour. Enchanting in every way, this adventure will take you to three incredible waterfalls, while you cruise along the river. You will get the chance to enjoy a bit of tubing, swimming, and cliff jumping, in addition to spotting some of the beautiful species of birds in Belize that can be heard calling from the edge of the rainforest.
Visit three waterfalls that are distinctly different: The waterfall that changes all the time thanks to the calcium deposits that run through it, to the Twin Falls that have cut a course right through the granite barrier, to the Rio-Frio waterfall that is the ideal swimming spot. With the opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife, and ideal for anyone who wants to get out in the open, this waterfall tour is a must and one of the best things to do in Belize for anyone interested in nature.
Visit Belize Zoo
One of the greatest Belize attractions has to be the local zoo. Founded in La Democracia, the zoo is known as ‘the best little zoo in the world!’ and was originally home to animals that were often the subject documentaries about tropical forests. Fast forward to today, and the zoo is home to a wide range of animals. From mammals to birds and reptiles, the zoo houses 145 species of mammals, some of which you’re unlikely to have seen before. Wildcats, for example, live deep within the broad leaf forests, and the Blue-crowned mot is simply stunning.
Take a day trip to the zoo, and meet the beautiful animals that call the zoo their home. Learn about where the animals came from, what type of food they eat, and how the zookeepers look after them. Learn about the Happy Eagle Restoration Program and the Problem Jaguar Rehabilitation Program that seek to care for and help these amazing creatures that have struggled in the wild. Although this may not be top of the list of things to do in Belize for most people, there is a good reason this is often referred to as “the best little zoo in the world”.
Travel deep into the Crystal Cave
Lasting up to nine hours, and ideal for anyone who is used to trekking, the Crystal Cave tour will take you deep into the heart of Mountain Cow Cave, in Blue Hole National Park. Explore the cave for hours, and spot the stalactites and stalagmites, the crystal formations, and the ancient pottery, relics, and carvings left in the cave long ago.
You can even enjoy a homemade lunch once you leave the cave, before taking a swim in the waters nearby. If the thought of venturing deep underground sounds appealing to you, this is one of the most adventurous things to do in Belize.
Go kayaking at Glover’s Reef
“The Easy Life” (CC BY 2.0) by justin_vidamo
John Glover was an eighteenth century pirate from England who attacked Spanish ships in this region, and consequently, the reef was named after him. With small mounds of white sand dotted in the light blue sea, and palm trees scattered here and there, Glover’s Reef is the ideal place to rent a kayak and set sail as the sun separates from the horizon.
Enjoy cruising across gentle waves as the calmness of the sea allows you to drift away in your little paradise. And then there is the beach itself, where white powder sands and the sound of the ocean offer the absolute perfect place to relax and unwind.
As mentioned, there are so many incredible things to do in Belize, that knowing what to do and where to go first can be hard. If you don’t fit everything in the first time you visit Belize, why not fit it in next time? The beautiful beaches, stunning rainforest, cascading waterfalls and unique things to do in Belize are sure to call you back again.
