Sandwiched between Mexico and Guatemala is Belize, a country of beautiful landscapes, ancient historical monuments, fashion metropolis cities, mile-long sandy beaches, Vegas-style casinos, and jungle canopies teeming with birds and exotic flora. Though small in size, Belize is big on adventure, offering an endless supply of outdoor activities to experience and enjoy. Belize’s barrier reef draws thousands of scuba and snorkeling fans from around the world, while many of the country’s National Parks are bird watchers’ haven. Tourism is one of the nation’s top sources of employment and investment, so Belizeans welcome all visitors with open arms!
Belize is home to a wealth of breathtaking attractions sure to amaze. It has the largest cave system in Central America and several underground rivers that have made cave tubing a national recreation and a top draw in western Caribbean cruises. Belize is also where you’ll find ancient Maya civilization sites, the most famous of which are Lamanai, located in its own archaeological reserve and Caracol – the largest Mayan site, where the ruins are less restored and are in a jungle setting, which adds to the ancient feeling of the site. Below are some of the points of interest you should not miss out while holidaying in Belize.
The Blue Hole
Situated near a 10,000 acre atoll, the Blue Hole is one of the world’s most recognizable natural wonders, which has been created as a result of repeated collapses of a limestone cave system formed during lower sea level stands in the course of the last ice age. This truly unique geographical phenomenon is about 125 m deep and 300 m wide and is very popular as a diving site. Being part of the larger Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Blue Hole is indeed an underwater adventure experience that will leave you breathless.
Ambergris Caye
Another very popular travel destination in Belize, Ambergris Caye is a small paradise island, found off the coast of Belize City. San Pedro is the only town on the island, offering a rich variety of watersports, including sailing, fishing, windsurfing, kite surfing, kayaking and, of course, world class diving and snorkeling. Nature lovers can admire a vast array of wildlife along the lagoon or along small mangrove cayes scattered to the north of the island.
Belize Zoo
Founded in 1983 to provide home for a collection of wild animals, Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center is another fine getaway with much to offer its visitors. The zoo exhibits over 150 animals of 45 different species, all native to Belize. With the tagline ‘the best little zoo in the world,’ the Belize Zoo is unlike any other zoo you may have seen, as it houses the animals in large vegetated enclosures of mesh and wood. To get to the zoo, take any bus between Belize City and Belmopan.
Other places of interest well worth a visit include: Xunantunich – a Mayan site consisting of a series of six plazas surrounded by more than 26 temples and palaces; Placencia – a best-known peninsula in southern Belize, where you will find some of the best mainland beaches and some of the most amazing offshore coral cayes and Caye Caulker – a tiny coral island famous for its laid-back vibe and abundance of restaurants and bars.
