Belize: Places To Visit
Belize City / Belmopan Northern Cayes Northern Belize
Southern Belize Western Belize
National Museum of Belize: includes a permanent exhibit on the Mayansites of Belize.
Museum of Belize and Mangrove Tunnels
St John's Cathedral is the oldest Anglican church in Central America.
Cave Tubing and Belize Zoo
Historic Belize City
Belize City and Reef Helicopter Tour
A Tale of Two Cities
The Cayes lie off the coast of Belize and are essentially sand islands, some are or have been homes to fishermen, some are unihabited others are now private beach resorts. But even the Mayans recognised there worth. The Mayan site of Marco Gonzalez was built on the tip of the largest Caye, Ambergris. Caye Caulker is a good option if you are on a budget.
One of the premoer dive sites is the Blue Hole, a circular sinkhole a 1000ft across and 400ft down. the sinkhole is rated as one of the best dive sites in the world.
The whole area is great for diving, sea fishing, snorkelling and resting in a hammock.
Manatee Watch and Barrier Reef Snorkel
primarily Belize's agricultural area, but there are some of the countries best sights hidden away:
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary consists of a network of lagoons and swamps which attract many birds. Due to visiting migratory birds, october through to May is the best time to visit. The jaribu stork, the largest bird in the western hemisphere can be found here as well as howler monkeys, crocodiles, coatimundis, turtles and iguanas.
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Altún Ha: was a major ceremonial and trading area in the Classic Period, (AD250 to 900). The site consists of 2 scentral plazas surrounded by pyramids. This is where the largest piece of Mayan Jade was found: the head of the Sun God, it is now the National symbol of Belize.
Altun Ha and the Olde Belize River Safari
Lamanai: This is one of belize's largest archeological sites, containing evidence of human habitation form around 1500 BC, but the earliest buildings date to 700 BC and most impressive is a 112ft temple, N10-43, from which there are spectacular views. A guide is reccommended.
Blue Creek: This is the largest of the Mennonite settlements, a Canadian community who originally fled to Mexico to escape modernity.
The district is known as the Cayo District, and San Ignacio is the capital and largest town. Worth seeing close to the city ar Bullet Tree Falls, and El Pilar, an archeological site set in rainforest. the site has been left uncleared. There are 5 walking trails, 3 archeological and 2 nature. the surrounding rainforest is home to hundreds of birds and animals.
Caracol: This is a national Monument reservation, and is a rediscovered Mayan city, dating from around 300 BC to the late classic period. The Sky Palace which rises 138ft into the air is still ebing excavated. There are signs of resevoirs and field terraces to provides crops.
Caves: Belize has a extansive cave network, and it is worthtime to visit at least one:
Barton Creek cave can be visited by canoe, which creates an eerie silence as you glide through.
Tunichil Muknal Cave: is more adventurous caving but the cave also is home to Mayan artifacts and sacrificial remains as well as rock formations.
Rio Frio Cave is in th emountain Pine forest area.
Cave Tubing and Rainforest ATV
Mountain Pine Ridge: this is forest reserve dedicated to pine and hardwood forest. the area has some rare ans stunning orchids and butterflies. Plus waterfalls and caves.
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Preserve
Xunatunich (Maiden of the rock): This is an area of classic Mayan remins, the city has three plazas, a ball court and a the Castillo which stands at 130ft tall. there are stunning views, Mayan graffitti, and a frieze on the walls of the Castillo.
Xunantunich and The Belize Zoo
Southern Belize is the most remote part of the country, and has poor roads but is worth a visit.
Dangriga: this is the largest Garufuna cimmunity in Belize. The Gulisi garifuna Museum offers insight into the Garifuna people, there histroy and customs.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: This is the only sanctaury dedicated to jaguars in the world, and is your best chance of seeing one. You may also aee, pumas, ocelot, margray, anteaters, tapirs and tayras. Plus red tree frogs, iguanas, king vultures, and great curassows.