Location: Belize City
Top Things to do in Belize City
What to do and see in Belize City, Belize District: The Best Cultural Tours
Located on the east coast of Belize at the mouth of the Belize River, Belize City sits on a peninsula jutting into the Caribbean Sea. As the nation's main port, the city is a hub for cruise ships and is often a jumping-off spot for excursions to other parts of Belize, including the Cayo District's caves and Maya archaeological sites along the Macal and Belize rivers. Belize City boasts the only manual swing bridge in the world and the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America.
Restaurants in Belize City
1. 9-Day Tour Including Tikal Islander and Ambergris Caye
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This adventurous 8-night and 9-day tour explores the beauty of Belize and Tikal together with their rich Maya heritage. Based between the Orchid Garden Eco-Village, Tikal in Guatemala and Ambergris Caye, this tour provides the opportunity to experience much of what defines Belize and Tikal.
Inclusions: Accommodations, Local taxes, Bottled water, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), All activities, Local guide, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Use of Snorkelling equipment, ATM Tour, Jungle Zip Lines, Cave System Tubing, Wildlife River Cruise and Lamanai Ancient Mayan City, Tikal Tour, Hol Chan Marine and Shark Ray Alley Snorkel, Culture and Nature Eco-Village Tour
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Lynn H
My husband and I had a great time here. It's a small hotel with a very accommodating staff. The owner, Christine, really cares, and wants you to enjoy your stay. You eat breakfast there, and lunch and dinner out. It's a very good value for the money. The rooms are rustic, but comfortable and clean. It's kind of a family atmosphere. They take you on different fun activities, and because the groups are small, they'll make a quick stop at the store if you need something. We were headed back from a day out, and going by the Belize Zoo, and our driver agreed to stop there for us, and proceeded to guide us through. I have to compliment him. His name is Alvaro, and we enjoyed talking to him, and getting to know him a bit. When we left, we even told him to look us up if he was ever in Chicago. He definitely went out of his way for the group, which was nice. I would definitely recommend Orchid Garden.
2. Xunantunich Mayan Ruin And Cave Tubing from Belize city
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
This 6-hour tour to the ancient Mayan center of Xunantunich sits on an impressive hilltop just near the border of Belize and Guatemala. Xunantunich was a major ceremonial center during the classic period.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Gratuities
Reviewed By caros
We absolutely loved our tour with Paul! Pick up from Belize Express started off our adventure to Altun Ha... We amazingly had the place to ourselves! And Paul took the time to explain the ruins and the surrounding areas to us, climbed the steps and took some great pictures for/of us. We then had any amazing lunch at the Teaky Tavern followed by exploring the forests and caves... Perfect weather, great company! We would definitely recommend booking your private tour with Paul, you will not regret it!
3. Belize City Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
The historic Belize City tour offers an interesting insight into the old capital city of Belize. Belize City is the largest city in the Central American region of Belize and was once the capital of former British Honduras until the government was moved to the new capital of Belmopan in 1970. The population of Belize City is 67,964; with neighboring suburbs adding up to about 80,000. Several cruise ships drop anchor outside the port and are tended by local citizens. Belize City was founded (originally as “Belize Town”) in 1638 by British lumber harvesters. It had previously been a small Maya city called Holzuz. Belize Town slowly improved its infrastructure and has been the object of numerous infrastructural projects. Nevertheless, many of the streets built from colonial days are still small and congested, a majority of houses are still susceptible to fire and damage from hurricanes.
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuity, Items of personal nature
Reviewed By cardoa10
This was not an excursion neither an adventure. This was just transportation to an island that you have to pay for everything in there. For $45 dollars they get you to an island where the only thing that has is a restaurant/bar with very rude people. A few chairs, no shade. If you want a bed that swings and is covered for the sun it cost. If you want something like a gazebo it cost. This company does not explain sincerely what this excursion was about.
4. Xunantunich and Inland Blue Hole Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Xunantunich is one of the largest ancient Maya cities ever built, the rulers of Xunantunich clashes with other powerful rivals in the area, including Tikal. In 2016, the largest Maya royal tomb ever discovered was excavated in Xunantunich, and the site remains an impressive display of pyramids, palaces, and other grandiose buildings.
Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Entry/Admission fee to Site
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By ChelsMbrown
Our guide Wilson was so knowledgeable about the various things in the hiking trails and took his time to stop and show us the various plants and even wildlife at the Jaguar Preserve. At the end of the hike we arrived at a beautiful and refreshing waterfall that we enjoyed so much. In the afternoon we had a local maya lunch followed by this culture teaching us how they make delicious savory chocolate directly from the fruit. This was definitely an adventurous day in Belize I will never forget. Definitely a must do tour with Untame Belize from Placencia.
5. Altun Ha Maya & Belize City Adventure
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Join us with us at the lost Maya city of Altun Ha. A local tour guide will take you on an informative tour where you will learn a wealth of information, and take advantage of the scenic view at the top of the temples and take pictures of everlasting memory.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance fee into park
Exclusions:
Reviewed By tryandstop
We had an excellent tour of Altun Ha and the Howler monkey sanctuary, Belize. We arranged this on line before we departed the UK with Linslade of Wild Caribbean Tours. Our ship was 2 hours late in arriving at Belize City, but there was Linslade, patiently waiting for us and not at all perturbed about the delay. He directed us to his very nice comfortable vehicle and we found ourselves the only ones on this occasion, so we had Linslade’s undivided attention all of the day. He pointed out places of interest to us, always stopping if we wanted to take a photo, such as the big BELIZE sign, where we bought some cashew nuts from a local trader. At Altun Ha, we spent over an hour there and Linslade gave us as much information as we wanted about these splendid Mayan ruins and encouraged us to climb to the top of the main temple at our own pace, as one of us had mobility problems, where there was a good view of the site and the surrounding jungle. He constantly took photos of us (he has since sent these to us) and allowed us a little time at the museum, before departing for the Howler monkey sanctuary. At the Howler monkey sanctuary, he arranged with Royce, the owner ,for us to sit in the shade and eat our picnic lunch. There was a place he said he could have taken us to where we could have had a local style lunch, if we had wanted. After our unhurried picnic lunch, Royce and Linslade walked with us into the adjoining rain forest by the Belize river and Royce soon spotted a family of Howler monkeys, high up in the trees. He enticed them down by imitating the sound they made and had them eating out of our hands, tempting them with a cut up banana! I doubt whether those on the larger ship tours had this experience! In fact the ship’s tours were two separate ones to these two sites, but our combined one was far better and less expensive! On the way back, Linslade showed us other sights of Belize City, like the cathedral and the swing bridge and even where he lived with his wife and young son! We felt completely secure with him, as he was also a detective and he made sure we were back to our ship in plenty of time and the two hours we lost earlier was made up later. We started the day as strangers but ended it as friends! Linslade was a real nice genuine guy and we would thoroughly recommend him. Write a Review
6. Altun Ha Mayan Site tour from Belize City
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
The guided tour of Altun Ha allow you to climb the temple to the Sun God of the Mayan Civilization
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, National park entrance fee
Exclusions: Food and drinks, This half day tour does not include lunch you will be allow to purchace snacks or lunch at a local restuarant along the way after your tour
Reviewed By Loren928
Everyone should travel to Belize. The tourism industry is back! We came to Belize for a scuba diving trip and went on several land excursions too. Yesterday we had the best tour of Lamanai (the Mayan ruins in northwest Belize). At 8am, Albert Alvarez (from “A Plus Adventures Belize”) picked us up from the Radisson in Belize City and we drove about an hour to pick up Amir Reyes (local tour guide for Lamanai) from Tower Hill Village). From there we drove through the Mennonite community and farmland. Albert and Amir taught us about the variety of cultures found in Belize. Then we passed the small village of Indian Church (population of 236 people). When we arrived in Lamanai, we had the whole place almost to ourselves. Amir gave an excellent cultural and historical tour as we walked through Lamanai. It was great taking pictures of all the Mayan ruins without any other tourists getting in our pictures. Really an amazing experience. After that, we had a delicious lunch at Las Orquideas Restaurant in Indian Church. And on the way back to the hotel we made a quick detour to see trucks filled with sugarcane pulling into the sugar processing plant. Albert and Amir were both very friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge of Belize with us. Overall, it was a great tour and a great day. Everyone should come visit Belize and book a tour through A Plus Adventures. We’ll be returning soon.
7. Belize City to Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
As the elevation increases from Belize City to Xunantunich you will get to see the Maya Mountains from a distance and the change in vegetation from savanna to tropical jungle. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours in which we get to venture through the Twin Towns of San Ignacio and Elena as we make our way closer to the hand crank ferry. Once, we arrive to the ferry we will be hand cranked across the beautiful green Mopan river which we then drive for another 5 minutes to our destination. You will have the opportunity to climb the El Castillo temple which is approximately 130 feet tall. From here you will be able to see Guatemala the one of the neighboring countries with Belize. As you trek along the site you might run into some wildlife as this site is surrounding by jungle. You might get a glimpse of monkeys, birds, spiders and much more. After we finish the site tour, we will enjoy a picnic of local cuisine and then make our way back to Belize city.
Inclusions: Lunch, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance Fees
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By MarynaG312
Our guide Oscar was perfect. He gave us information about every detail. Took his time and made us feel very comfortable. The way to the cave and the entrance was really cool. Going over rivers. The cave itself was behind amazing. You just have to do it.
8. Lamanai Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Lamanai is arguably Belize’s must-do temple tour. This impressive Maya temple is accessible as a full-day tour from Caye Caulker - explore the temples shrouded in the jungle along the banks of the New River Lagoon. Explore the Mask Temple, High Temple, Jaguar temple as well as the on-site museum. A breath-taking, panoramic view awaits you from atop the High Temple. Your tour is fully inclusive: water taxi transfers, tour transfers, park entrance fees, lunch with beverage, and guided tour.
Inclusions: Licensed Professional Guided Tour, Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, Pick up at your hotel location (Bze City / Ladyville Areas), Gold Standard Approved Operator
Exclusions: Water Taxi or Air Transfers btwn Caye Caulker or San Pedro & Belize City, Park Entry Fee @ US$5pp, payable in cash at the site
Reviewed By KEB47360
During our recent travels to Belize, we were fortunate to discover Up Close Belize through the hotel we stayed at on our first night. We had a positively wonderful time on the Cave Tubing, Zipline, and Altun Ha Temple tour with our guide, Joel. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the areas we traveled to as part of the tour as well as the many other Belize-related questions we asked him. He was a delight to spend the day with and learn from. Because we had such a positive experience with Joel, we booked our snorkeling trip (to Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan on Ambergris Caye) as well as the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave) with Up Close Belize also. Our guide for the ATM Cave, Auner) was also fantastic. Overall, we were very pleased with the quality of the tours, tour guides, and communication with the company. We would highly recommend exploring Belize with the exceptional guides of Up Close Belize!
9. Altun Ha & Belize City Tour from Caye Caulker
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
You’ll enjoy the wide-open spaces and incredible architecture of these ancient historical temples. After trekking an ancient home of the Maya, take a tour of the present-day city that is the heart of Belize.Our guides will meet you upon mainland arrival in Belize City before heading off to Altun Ha, which is the nearest Mayan ruin to the “Old Capital”. Belize City was once the capital of the country, but that changed after Hurricane Hattie when her vulnerability as a seaside city was exposed. The capital was moved inland to Belmopan, but Belize City has remained the Commercial Capital. It is a vibrant, dynamic city that is undergoing modernization to keep up the needs of its people and its growing tourism market. Enjoy some of the remnants of our colonial history, and the landmarks of recent stories that have impacted the changing face of this growing, vibrant city that sits proudly on the Caribbean Sea.
Inclusions: Entrance Fee, Private Guide, Transportation, Water
Exclusions: Gratuities, Water Taxi Tickets, Hotel Pickup
Reviewed By saiofrelief
Our tour guide Paul notified us in advance to his arrival. Our Airbnb address was incorrect but he was still able to locate our lodging . Our guide Paul was extremely personable, relatable, knowledgeable about historical and contemporary facts about Belize and provided us with exemplary service and an unforgettable experience. During the drive he pointed out local landmarks, historical sites, answered our endless assortment of questions and brought us up to speed on contemporary matters pertaining to the country. When we arrived at Xuantunich Paul took us to each of structure offering insight as to its significance and purpose. He also assisted us with taking photos and answering any questions that we had on the archaeological site. Cave tubing was extremely fun and Paul ensured that we were safe, having a good time as well as gave us a history lesson on caves in Belize and how they related to the ancient Mayan civilization. After tubing my sister and I enjoyed a beverage we purchased from a local vendor who placed rum, coconut milk, fresh juice and melon into a half pineapple. Paul was kind enough to let us stop at a grocery store within close proximity to our AirBnb. He also provided us with restaurant recommendations and familiarized us with the general area that we stayed in. Private Belize Adventure provided an excellent tour and an overall amazing experience. Please request Paul as he will certainly show you a great time along with educating you.
10. Belize Maya Ruins
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 14 reviews
Altun ha maya ruins and Belize City tour, as we leave Belize City we drive thru several streets pointing out the historical points of interests such as the light house where one of Belize’s greatest benefactor was laid to rest underneath the light house. With this we start our city tour. On the way out to our destination Altun ha maya Ruins, Altun ha maya Ruins is one of the most popular and nearest archeological Mayan city to Belize City located some 31 miles north of Belize City or cruise port. At Altun ha we give and provide a full guided tour of the site and also allowed to climb the temples. We spend about an hour 15 minutes touring on the site. There are state of the art restrooms faculties on site too. We provide transportation, water, and a fully guided tour all the way. We will take you back in time and will make your experience a memorable one never to forget. Drive time each way is about 50 minutes.
Inclusions: Transportation, drinking water
Exclusions: bug spray, lunch, sun block, rain jackets
Reviewed By candiceo142
Dennis was a fabulous guide very informative. We had a blast the ride was clean and comfortable and he showed us to some great local cuisine.
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