The country of Belize sits in Central America to the south of Mexico and is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east. Beautiful beaches, a variety of ecosystems and wildlife, culture, and friendly people have made Belize a top tourist destination. Visitors to this English-speaking country will find many adventures in the jungle and both on and under the ocean waters. From Mayan ruins, jungle tours, scuba diving, and cave tubing, there is no shortage of adventures to be had in Belize.
Altun Ha Ruins
The Mayan people were the earliest inhabitants of modern-day Belize. They first populated the area known as Altun Ha around 250 B.C. They left behind traces of a rich and luxurious culture, and a people who studied the heavens and mathematics. Today, the Altun Ha Ruins cover an area of approximately 25 square miles.
Visitors can explore the temples and tombs on-site such as the famous Temple of the Masonry Altars.
The ruins are difficult to reach, and most visitors come by cruise ship. It is recommended that travelers come with an experienced tour guide to help them reach the Altun Ha Ruins.
Blue Hole National Park
The Blue Hole in Blue Hole National Park is a natural depression that was created when the roof of an underground cave collapsed. Over time, the depression filled with water. Today, Blue Hole is a popular swimming spot in Belize.
With a snorkel or SCUBA gear, swimmers can take a look at the underground caverns below the water. St. Herman’s Cave is also located on the park property. The cave is full of beautiful limestone features. The park also contains a network of trails that are great for hiking and birdwatching, a visitor’s center, rest area, and picnic benches.
Caye Ambergris
Caye Ambergris is the largest island off the Belize coast and is a top destination for travelers looking to enjoy the sun and surf. The island boasts beautiful white-sand beaches and clear blue Caribbean waters, which are great for snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, or just relaxing by the water.
The island’s one city, San Pedro Town, has a variety of stores, restaurants, and lodging. Other things to do at Caye Ambergris include wind surfing, parasailing, bicycling, bird-watching, canoeing, kayaking, hiking in the jungle, or visiting Mayan ruins. Map
Custom Romantic Itineraries with Absolute Belize
If you are looking for something unique for your vacation, call Absolute Belize which offers tailor made itineraries, including private luxury catamaran cruises that let you explore some of the most hidden bays and dive spots.
Honeymooners should ask about the Hammock Honeymoon package which includes several days aboard a luxury catamaran, followed by a stay at Turtle Inn (800-640-2182, Absolute Belize).
Laughingbird Caye National Park
Laughingbird Caye National Park is a long narrow island off the eastern coast of Belize. It contains what is known as a “faro” or “shelf atoll,” which is a steep-sided atoll with a central lagoon. This particular faro is surrounded by deep water channels all around. These unique features make the Laughingbird Faro an excellent habitat for marine life.
To protect the wildlife and corral that live there, the caye was declared a protected area in 1981. Today, it is a national park of Belize that attracts many visitors each year. Laughingbird Caye can be reached by boat from the nearby resort town of Palcencia. Map
Xunantunich Maya Ruins
Xunantunich is a relatively young Mayan site dating to approximately 700 to 1000 A.D. The name means “Stone Woman” in the Mayan language. Local legend tells of a beautiful, statuesque Mayan woman who appears to travelers at the mouth of a cave, then disappears.
Several excavations of the site by archaeologists have taken place over the years, unearthing many treasures that were subsequently lost. Today, the Xunantunich Maya Ruins site sits on top of a limestone ridge and contains a large multi-purpose building and stucco friezes with carved elements and symbols. A visitor center on-site displays maps and photos of the ruins.
Caye Caulker
No one is sure why this 5 square-mile island off the eastern coast of Belize is called “Caye Caulker.” It may be a mispronunciation of the island’s early name, “Caye Hicaco.” Today, Caye Caulker contains a small village that still maintains the culture and traditions of its earliest settlers. Hotels and lodging are small and cozy, and many businesses are small and locally owned.
Visitors to this island will find plenty to do, including shopping, dining, dancing, fishing, wind surfing, swimming, and birdwatching. The island can be reached by plane or by the water taxi that runs from Belize City on the mainland. Map
