Places to Visit
The Barrier Reef
As the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, this is one of the prime snorkel and SCUBA sites in the world. However, coral reefs are fragile living organisms, so take special care to not damage it. Don't ever touch the reef and only use responsible boat operators.
Monkey River
With headwaters originating in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the Monkey River's five distinct ecosystems provide habitats for a wide range of wildlife including the endangered Morelet's Crocodile and Manatee. Most of the river enjoys protected status and there is very little development along its banks. Monkey River Town, the only real settlement along the river's banks is accessible only by boat, has only one telephone, and can provide visitors with a truly unique experience.
The Rainforest
Half of Belize is covered in dense rainforest, and 80% of it is under government protection. Home to over 500 species of birds including Macaws and Toucans, this is one of the premier birding destinations in the world. Orchid lovers trek here to seek out the over 250 varieties found here, and the rainforest is home to over 4,000 species of tropical flowers. Much of the rainforest is still unexplored and it is best to use an experienced guide for both safety and informational purposes. Watch out for Crocs!
Mayan Ruins
Belize boasts the largest concentration of Mayan sites in Central America. The world famous Altun Ha site is only 30 miles from Belize City and is the most extensively excavated ruin in Belize. Caracol is Belize's largest Mayan site and features "Caana" (Sky Palace) which rises 140 feet and is the tallest man-made structure in Belize. Unlike the more touristy Altun Ha, Caracol lies in the more remote Cayo District and only averages about 15-20 toursits each day. Perfect for a relaxing retreat. Other notable Mayan sites include Cerros, Lamanai, Lubaantun, and Xunantunich.
Caving
Belize is home to the Chiquibul Cave System, which it the longest in Central America. It also has the largest known underground passages and cave chamber in the Western Hemisphere. One of the most unique and enjoyable ways to explore the caves of Belize is on a tubing tour where you can take a 7 mile ride on an underground river. Click here for information about cave tubing in Belize.
Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve
This is the only preserve in the world with free-ranging Jaguars. Although it is unlikely you will actually spot one of these stealthy cats, evidence of their activity abounds. This preserve is also home to a wide variety of other cats like Puma, Ocelot, Jaguarundi, and Margay. Peccary, Paca, Brocket Deer, Tayra, Otter, Coatimundi, and over 300 species of birds are also found in this 150 square mile preserve.
The Belize Zoo
Unlike most zoos that are a collection of animals from all over the world, The Belize Zoo only houses animals native to Belize. They only keep animals that were either orphaned, born at the zoo, rehabilitated animals, or sent to The Belize Zoo as gifts from other zoological institutions. Let's face it, you can see lions, tigers, and bears in almost any zoo. But where else can you see a Margay, Coati, Gibnut, or Kinkajou.
As the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, this is one of the prime snorkel and SCUBA sites in the world. However, coral reefs are fragile living organisms, so take special care to not damage it. Don't ever touch the reef and only use responsible boat operators.
Monkey River
With headwaters originating in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the Monkey River's five distinct ecosystems provide habitats for a wide range of wildlife including the endangered Morelet's Crocodile and Manatee. Most of the river enjoys protected status and there is very little development along its banks. Monkey River Town, the only real settlement along the river's banks is accessible only by boat, has only one telephone, and can provide visitors with a truly unique experience.
The Rainforest
Half of Belize is covered in dense rainforest, and 80% of it is under government protection. Home to over 500 species of birds including Macaws and Toucans, this is one of the premier birding destinations in the world. Orchid lovers trek here to seek out the over 250 varieties found here, and the rainforest is home to over 4,000 species of tropical flowers. Much of the rainforest is still unexplored and it is best to use an experienced guide for both safety and informational purposes. Watch out for Crocs!
Mayan Ruins
Belize boasts the largest concentration of Mayan sites in Central America. The world famous Altun Ha site is only 30 miles from Belize City and is the most extensively excavated ruin in Belize. Caracol is Belize's largest Mayan site and features "Caana" (Sky Palace) which rises 140 feet and is the tallest man-made structure in Belize. Unlike the more touristy Altun Ha, Caracol lies in the more remote Cayo District and only averages about 15-20 toursits each day. Perfect for a relaxing retreat. Other notable Mayan sites include Cerros, Lamanai, Lubaantun, and Xunantunich.
Caving
Belize is home to the Chiquibul Cave System, which it the longest in Central America. It also has the largest known underground passages and cave chamber in the Western Hemisphere. One of the most unique and enjoyable ways to explore the caves of Belize is on a tubing tour where you can take a 7 mile ride on an underground river. Click here for information about cave tubing in Belize.
Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve
This is the only preserve in the world with free-ranging Jaguars. Although it is unlikely you will actually spot one of these stealthy cats, evidence of their activity abounds. This preserve is also home to a wide variety of other cats like Puma, Ocelot, Jaguarundi, and Margay. Peccary, Paca, Brocket Deer, Tayra, Otter, Coatimundi, and over 300 species of birds are also found in this 150 square mile preserve.
The Belize Zoo
Unlike most zoos that are a collection of animals from all over the world, The Belize Zoo only houses animals native to Belize. They only keep animals that were either orphaned, born at the zoo, rehabilitated animals, or sent to The Belize Zoo as gifts from other zoological institutions. Let's face it, you can see lions, tigers, and bears in almost any zoo. But where else can you see a Margay, Coati, Gibnut, or Kinkajou.