Beautiful Belize is located on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, between Mexico and Guatemala. This North American country has Belmopan as its capital. Most tourists who leave for Belize are looking for the many Mayan ruins, the densely forested rainforests, the colorful underwater world, the pearly white beaches and of course the wonderful subtropical climate. However, the rainy season in the months of May to December should be taken into account. In addition, Belize is sometimes hit by hurricanes. The most occur in the periods from June to December. Due to the amount of rain, there is a lot of special flora and fauna to discover in Belize. Belize, for example, consists of more than forty-five percent tropical jungle with rainforests and mangroves. Divers then don’t get too vocal about the underwater cavern ‘the Great Blue Hole’ near Lighthouse Reef. Belize is therefore pre-eminently a destination where nature, culture and fun are very close to each other. Check topmbadirectory for how to get to Belize.
Top 10 Things to Do in Belize
#1. Belize
Barrier Reef After the Australian Great Barrier Reef, the Belize Barrier Reef is the largest in the world. Several atolls, sandbanks, mangrove forests and lagoons provide a lot of variety in depth and view. Several endangered species call the Belize Barrier Reef their home. Think of sea turtles, the Manatee (sea cow) and even saltwater crocodiles. The area is excellent for snorkelling, but some vigilance is advised. The ‘Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System’ has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
#2. Xunantunich
The most beautiful Mayan temples of Belize can be found in the west of the country. The Xunantunich complex, which means stone woman, consists of several remains from the Mayan culture. This place with twenty-six temples and palaces was known in Belize as a ceremonial center. Irish doctor and archaeologist Thomas Gann was the first person to discover the Xunantunich complex around 1890. From the temple ‘El Castillo’ you have a wide view over the area and the mountains. Other special Mayan sites in Belize are: Caracol, Altun Ha, Santa Rita, Cahal Pech, Lamanai and Cerro Maya. Check simplyyellowpages for mass media and culture of Belize.
#3. Actun Tunichil Muknal
The caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal are part of the Mayan culture in Belize. The Actun Tunichil Muknal caves are also known as ‘Xibalba’. A walk through this cave of Belize can be quite a bit terrifying. For example, there is a room in which the skeleton of a young person can be seen. Some areas were used for decorations and others for offerings. The Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves are located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve park about 45 minutes drive from San Ignacio.
#4. Great Blue Hole
The colorful coral reef called the Great Blue Hole was originally an underwater cave that later collapsed. Several tropical fish species including Manatees and turtles use the reef as a biological system, where they can feed, lay eggs and/or hide from the predatory fish. The area is visited more than once by different shark species. The Belize Barrier Reef is located just off the coast of Belize, near ‘Lighthouse Reef’.
#5. Lamanai
The archaeological site of Lamanai was an important place within the Mayan culture. Translated, Lamanai means the submerged crocodile. Archaeologists have since uncovered temples with names such as Mask Temple, Jaguar Temple and High Temple. Some temples are partly underground. Some parts of Lamanai go back to 600 years BC. As with the Xunantunich temples, Doctor Thomas Gann was the first discoverer here. Several tours depart from Orange Walk Town to the archaeological site of Lamanai.
#6. Belize Zoo
On the Mile 29 Western Highway in Belize is an atmospheric zoo, Belize Zoo. The zoo was founded around 1983 by Sharon Matola, a biologist from America. In the zoo you will find a variety of animal species that you can encounter in Belize. These are animals such as spider monkeys, tapirs, jaguars, pumas, kinkajoe monkeys, grisons, crocodiles and the boa constrictor. Often these are animals that are rehabilitating, adopted, rescued or born there. As part of the zoo, there is also a tropical learning center to visit.
#7. El Caracol
In the Cayo district is the largest archaeological site ‘El Caracol’ of Belize. The site has a number of impressive temples, monuments and altars. Since the beginning of the archaeological search that started here around 1938, quite a lot has been discovered. All this happened under the direction of AH Anderson.
#8. Museum of Belize
For an exciting journey through time, it is highly recommended to visit the Museum of Belize (NICH) in Belize City. NICH stands for National Institute of Culture and History. Here it becomes clear how the country has developed and what preceded it. Of course the Mayan culture is a big part of this. All the beauty of Belize is showcased through art and a diverse collection of objects. The Museum of Belize is located in a listed building from the nineteenth century. It previously served as a prison.
#9. Caye Caulker Caye Caulker
Island is a favorite spot in Belize. Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. The area around this island is excellent for snorkeling, as this is where the Belize Barrier Reef is located. On the island you can participate in various activities such as: surfing, Manatee tours, diving, cycling, fishing, paddle boarding, shopping and bird watching. But lazing on the beach while enjoying a cooling drink can of course also be an option.
#10. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
In the south of Belize is the world’s largest Jaguar sanctuary in the world. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS) has specialized since 1986 following a study on Jaguars. The park is very beautiful and in some places gives you the feeling that you are in a jungle. Of course, the Maya culture is not lacking here either. There are several routes to follow that take you to places with beautiful waterfalls, pine forests and other beautiful natural beauty.
