Top Things to do in Belize
Top Hotels in Belize
- 1. Pelican Reef Villas Resort
- 2. The Lodge At Chaa Creek
- 3. Colinda Cabanas
- 4. Hopkins Bay, a Muy'Ono Resort
- 5. Weezie's Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages
- 6. Mariposa Belize Beach Resort
- 7. Ramon's Village Resort
- 8. Caribbean Beach Cabanas - A PUR Hotel
- 9. Las Terrazas Resort
- 10. Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Curio Collection by Hilton
10 Things to do Good for Kids in Belize That You Shouldn't Miss
According to famed diver Jacques Cousteau, the Great Blue Hole of Belize is one of the most spectacular dive sites on earth. The crystal-clear sapphire waters are home to colorful tropical fish and several species of reef sharks – ideal for brave divers who love to get up close and personal with sea life. On dry ground, diverse rainforests, mangrove swamps, and Mayan ruins are perfect for exploration. The beaches of Belize are sunny and tranquil spots for a day of relaxation.
Restaurants in Belize
1. The Maya Ruins of Caracol
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 614 reviews
This 30-acre complex is the largest Mayan ruin in Belize.
Reviewed By Sandi-and-Tim - New Castle, United States
Despite having a rental car, my husband, son, and I opted to hire a tour guide (and HIS vehicle) for this trip, in part because of the 52 miles of rough dirt road. Don't be scared off by the "you must join the police escort" warnings. The ruins are close to the Belize-Guatemala border, and the escort was started due to a single incident a few years ago...but there haven't been any reported incidents since then. Caracol has the highest Mayan temple in Belize. In fact, we couldn't see the top from the ground. According to our guide, LIDAR Radar readings taken in the last few years show that there are around 36,000 Mayan buildings in the surrounding jungle that have not been excavated, and they estimate that there were approximately 1.5 million inhabitants at one point. One of the thing that's so amazing about that is that there is no water source nearby. What they did find, though, was over 200 retention ponds. This is a destination that is not as well traveled as some of the other Mayan ruins in Belize due to the poor access, but it is well worth the effort to get there. If you do go without a guide, make sure you sign in at the police checkpoint. Past that point the road is narrow and mostly one way in in the morning and out in the afternoons. Oh, if you do use a guide, make sure he lets you eat some minty-tasting termites. :-)
2. Xunantunich
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,467 reviews
Reviewed By galencampbell - Calgary, Canada
The ruins are excellent and will be workout climbing up and down, with fantastic views from the highest points. We picked up a guide before crossing the ferry. Elfego had A LOT of knowledge, which makes sense since he must have been at least 70 and had been giving tours and working with archaeologists at Xunantunich for decades. The visitor center is good, with enough information to educate you, but not so much as to be excessive. I still recommend a guide though for better explanations of what you are seeing when you are actually looking at it. We also got lucky and saw two troops of howler monkeys howling at each other in trees just up the hill from the ferry (so keep your windows down and your ears listening as you drive in).
3. Bunches of Fun Banana Farm Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 135 reviews
Bunches of Fun Banana Farm Tours are set on Sagitun Farm, just minutes away from resorts on the Placencia Peninsula and a quick drive from Dangriga and Hopkins. We are Belize's original banana farm tour. Reservations are essential.
4. Creek Art Walter Castillo Home Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Home of Belizean painter walter castillo's work shop and gallery. Guest can enjoy rush full tropical garden and small farm full of chickens and ducks. Try some complementary local herb tea made in traditional fire hearth. We have ordinal paintings and prints, post card.lunch can be served 1 day notice.
Reviewed By cpawill - Hopkins, Belize
We commissioned Walter to paint a depiction of Hopkins Inn. We gave Walter some ideas of what we wanted included and let his creativity fill in the blanks. Walter visited Hopkins Inn to experience the place and people, developed a sketch on the canvas, and then produced a detailed piece of art he titled “Nice Vibes.” We love it!
5. Mexico Rocks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By Woodbine_Resident - Bonita Springs, United States
We went on a snorkel tour with Daryl from Searious Adventures to Mexico Rocks Reef. We saw abundant reef fish, a big barracuda named Henry, many lobsters, southern rays, several coral varieties and green sea turtles. It was an easy place to get around, with lots to see. High quality snorkel tour.
6. The Belize Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,838 reviews
The Belize Zoo is an institution that cares for over 150 native wildlife, and promotes Conservation, Education, Recreation, and Research. It is also the first nature destination in Belize that is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities. We are committed to the conservation of Belize's wildlife and its habitats through the establishment of a well maintained zoological facility and education center, both poised to bring about a greater environmental awareness to the people living in Belize, and to visitors from abroad. In 2014, the Zoo became the first nature destination in the country accessible to persons with physical disabilities. TBZ believes that by bringing the people closer to the animals, which are their natural heritage, they will feel proud of these special resources, and wish to protect them for future generations. All Zoo "residents" were once pets; donated to the Zoo; rescues found injured, abandoned or orphaned and brought in rehabilitation; or born at the Zoo. The Belize Zoo receives no financial support from the Government of Belize, and generates funding to care for its residents through admission fees, tours, donations, and adoption and membership programs.
Reviewed By wendyjared - Palo Alto, United States
We *loved* this little zoo! We stayed a night at the Zoo's Education Center (excellent budget accommodation) and did the night tour. The night tour is totally worth it! Zookeeper Jose walked us through to visit with the tapirs and big cats - it was an amazing experience to come face to face with the cougar and the jaguar. We then went again the next morning to see the animals that are awake during the day. The zoo is run by people passionate about preserving Belize's wildlife, and all the animals are either rescues or were born there. The enclosures are large and jungle like. This means that the animals have a great environment, but sometimes it might be hard to see them - but it gets our vote because it means the animals are happy!
7. Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Tiffy_Bird - La Plata, United States
Although Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary was not on our official itinerary, our guide indulged me and stopped for about 45 minutes. From one waterside spot, we literally saw about 40 bird species in that short time. Several were life birds for me---including the magnificent Jabiru stork. I cannot recommend Crooked Tree enough---especially for birdwatchers. I will definitely return and spend a LOT more time there.
8. Community Baboon Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
The Community Baboon Sanctuary is one of the first of its kind in the the world in terms of how it is set up. It is a Non Governmental,community base organization which is manage by the Women's Conservation Group(Local women from the area). The Community Baboon Sanctuary is home to more than 3500 howler monkeys and over 250 species of birds. A wide variety of other animals frequent the area..
Reviewed By CathyG229 - Baltimore, United States
We arranged for someone from the zoo to pick us up from where we were staying in Belmopan, bring us to the zoo, have a personal tour and then drop us off at our hotel in Belize City. Next time, I would stay at the sanctuary.
9. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 322 reviews
This reserve was established to help protect the endangered jaguar and other species native to Belize.
Reviewed By WanderSpy
We thoroughly enjoyed our day trip to Cockscomb Basin, with a short hike in to swim at the waterfalls and then a relaxing tube down the lazy river in the jungle. Our guide, Benedicto Choc from the Maya Center Village, was extremely knowledgeable about the area, pointing out various native flora and sharing local Mayan lore. He can also tell you where to spot toucans and would be an excellent guide for birdwatching or hikes in to Victoria Peak. Thank you for a great day!
10. Nim Li Punit (Big Hat)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
This Mayan site is known for its 25 intricately carved stelae, including a figure wearing a large headdress ("Big Hat").
Reviewed By ElgaK_12
We took a ship tour with a ferry to the mainland from Harvest Caye and then one hour by bus. The guides, Nate and Felix, descendants of the Mayans, were very knowledgeable and told us lots on the way. The drive was easy with little traffic. Felix told us the people use BMWs (Better Me Walk). Beautiful jungle paths through the site and a museum showing artifacts from the site.
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