25 Things to do in Belize

25 Things to do in Belize






1. Actun Tunichil Muknal - The ATM
The Caves Branch River is a unique river that races through the karst foothills of the Maya Mountains in central Belize. Most prospective visitors have heard about this spectacular one day river run, better known as the Belize ATM Cave, which travels for miles underground.
Its headwaters lie deep underground in a mysterious cave, and after it emerges on land it flows for 30 miles through the Belize tropical rainforest before linking with the Sibun River.

2. The Blue Creek Project
The Mayan Research Programme has sponsored annual excavations at the ancient Mayan site of Blue Creek in northwestern Belize since 1992. The Blue Creek Project is a non-profit research organization affiliated with Texas Christian University in Fort Worth endeavors to inform the public about Mayan Culture while managing, protecting and preserving Mayan artifacts and ruins in Belize.

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3. Belize Tourism Village
The Belize Tourism Village is the best location in Belize City for souvenirs and crafts; and is located on the Belize River, just around the corner from the Radisson Hotel, . Recently constructed to receive cruise ship visitors, this facility is the landing point for the up to 5000 tourists a day who descend from the cruise ships. From there most people get on a bus and go on an all-day land tour such as caving, seeing Mayan ruins and tubing.

4. The Hill Bank Field Station
The Hill Bank Research Station, established in 1996 is located on the New River. It has the same initiative as the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area with sustainable forestry management controlled eco-tourism and research as its objectives. Hill Bank was originally a mahogany logging camp for British buccaneers and African slaves in the seventeen hundreds. The village of Hill Bank was eventually abandoned after the mahogany population was nearly depleted.

5. Workshops by WildTracks
Paul and Zoe Walker run the private organization located in the Shipstern Reserve known as WildTracks. In close proximity to the Mexican border the WildTracks are workshops for Belizean and British children that have promoted and initiated such programs as the breeding of deer, and the development of medicinal and mahogany plantations.

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6. Bird Watching in Belize
Belize is a country the size of Massachusetts and home to over 570 species of birds. The diverse and largely undeveloped habitats within the country support this remarkable bird representation. Observations and sightings are abundantly available while taking nature walks, tours, river expeditions or while visiting any of the numerous cayes of Belize.
The New River as well as the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve also has a uniquely diverse bird population.. The Yellow Lored Parrot, Black Catbird, Reddish Egret, White Winged Dove and the Yucatan Jay are among just some of the birds that are found at the Shipstern Lagoon housing over two hundred species.






7. Belize Zoo
The famous Belize Zoo was started as a home for wild animals that had been used in making documentary films. The zoo’s creators soon realized that Belizeans were unfamiliar with their native animals and they decided to develop a wildlife education center. The zoo exhibits over 125 native animals. The enclosures are large, natural pens.
Many of the animals that are native to Belize are nocturnal, so a visit to the zoo may be the only way to see them. Have lunch at 'Cheers', across the highway and down the road a little from the zoo.

8. Cahal Pech
Cahal Pech is the home of elite rulers from the Classic period in Mayan history. Cahal Pech also has an excellent museum which houses a full model of the site. Cahal Pech is walking distance from the Cayo district. So a walk to Cahal Pech would be great starter for the day.

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9. The Supreme Maya centre
Located deep in the Chiquibul Forest and only seven miles from the Guatemalan border, the archaeologist William Coe proclaimed Caracol "the supreme Maya centre." Belize's largest Mayan ruin, Caracol has recently received attention as the site of discoveries that have contributed to new understanding of the Maya. Tours usually include a stop at Rio On Pools and Rio Frio Cave.

10. Caye Caulker
The nightlife of Caye Caulker is one of the best in Belize. Caye Caulker is less expensive and more relaxed. If you want luxury, Caye Caulker may not be for you. But if a relaxed, but somewhat touristy atmosphere appeals to you, then staying is recommend here before the trip to unwind and get used to the heat. It is easy to get here from Belize City by boat.

11.Chan Chich Horseback Riding
Chan Chich region has guided horseback rides, which leave daily from Gallon Jug Stables. These trained horses in the supervison of tour guides, take visitors through the Gallon Jug farm area, through nearby jungle trails as well as into and through the forest roads and trails. Rides to Punta de Cacao and to other Mayan ruins sites can also be arranged. In Blue Creek, the Mennonites offer a fairly unique horseback riding experience.

12. Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye's biggest claim to fame comes as a dive destination. Most visitors to Ambergris Caye visit because of the superior diving and snorkeling sites found close by. Local dive shops rent full gear, offer all levels of certification by PADIand NAUII and have daily trips to the reef and all local dive sites. Trips can be one, two and three tank dive trips including night dives.

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13. Clarissa Falls Cottages
Situated along the banks of the Mopan River, and just five and a half miles west of San Ignacio, Clarissa Falls is a low-cost alternative to the more expensive places in the Cayo area. From here you can go swimming, tubing or canoeing on the river, take nature walks into the forest or just relax in a hammock with a cool limonada while bird watching. A spectacular hike in Belize goes from Clarissa Falls to Bullet Tree Falls, about 6 miles one-way along the Mopan River Valley.

14. The Jaguar Preserve
The Belize Jaguar Preserve has one of the most extensive jungle hiking trails in Belize. Plants are identified along the trails and animals are often seen. The best part of the adventure is that the Jaguar Preserve has its own quarters available for rent by visitors.
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary was established as a result of a jaguar study conducted in the area by Alan Rabinowitz. Besides being the home of Belize's largest cat, the sanctuary protects the headwaters of two major river systems.. Over 128,000 acres of lush jungle are surrounded by the Cockscomb Mountains. The Victoria Peak trail is only accessible during the dry season and experienced guides are required for this mountain ascent.






15. The Birds Eye and The Crooked Tree
Crooked Tree is a wonderful Belizean village. Located on a shallow, fresh-water lagoon, the village is surrounded by the wildlife sanctuary and has four small lodges and a few restaurants. This is the best place for birders in the country, and more than 300 species have been recorded here.
For the majority of the year the lagoon is full and birding tours take off straight from your lodge by boat, first going out into the lagoon and then up the Spanish Creek to make a loop, returning by vehicle. Spanish Creek during the dry season when the trees are flowering is particularly beautiful.
Of the four lodges at Crooked Tree, the best choice in relation to hospitality is the Birds Eye View Lodge. Situated right on the lagoon, it is simple but clean and comfortable, with an excellent kitchen serving buffet-style meals to their guests. They have a small bar for their guests and their in-house tour company is excellent.

16. The 'Real' Belize
Although small by American standards, Dangriga is a regional center and has a decidedly urban atmosphere. This is where you go to immerse yourself in the culture. Hopkins retains a more relaxed, small town atmosphere but has recently become the focus of much tourism development.
Both Dangriga and Hopkins are Garifuna settlements; these people are a distinct ethnic group of West African and Caribbean Indian ancestry who arrived in great numbers early in the 1800’s. Dangriga is the largest Garifuna settlement in the world.

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17. Glover's Reef Atoll
Glover's Reef Atoll is the most remote of Belizean coral regions. Thirty-five miles east of Dangriga and 70 miles from Belize City, Glover's is a Unesco World Heritage site and a marine park, but it is mostly protected by how remote it is. The Belize Barrier Reef ecosystem is world famous for the diversity of its sea life, the pristine condition of the coral, and the sheer vastness of the islands and reef that stretch on for miles. You can see a hundred species within 15 minutes of jumping into the water. Slickrock Adventures operates a solar and wind-powered eco-lodge on Long Caye, one of four islands in the atoll.

18. Big Daddy
Big Daddy's is known as the scene of all the action in downtown San Pedro. It is located on the water and there is a beachside barbecue some nights. The bustling buffet-lunch spot on the central market's second floor serves Belizean staples such as stewed pork and duccunu, plus fresh juices. The local crowd knows to grab an upper-level table for the prime views of Haul Over Creek. Don't miss a slab of sweet-potato pudding.

19. The Pier Lounge Bar
The Pier Lounge Bar is known for its World Famous Chicken Drop Game. Held on Wednesday starting around 6 pm at the Pier Lounge, bet a buck on a numbered square, and if the chicken poops on your square, you win the pot of US$100. It is very popular on the island and only at the beach of the Pier Lounge at the Spindrift Hotel. Gambling at its finest.

20. The Blue Mermaid
Sailing tours can be arranged with local guides. The Sirena Azul (Blue Mermaid) has a sunset sail, and is also available for snorkeling and charters. The traditional style sailboat is made out of hardwoods found in Belize, including Santa Maria, Bullet and Mahogany. The boat has a very unique style with its cabin shape and wide beam. Beto Munos says it was the largest wood sailboat ever built and launched in Sarteneja.
Sunset is one of the most spectacular times on the island as blue skies give way to a lavender backdrop of the island. Everyone from honeymooners to retirees can enjoy a mouth-watering dinner buffet, live music and drinks as they cruise along the east side of Ambergris Caye aboard the 40-foot the Sirena Azul.

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21. Kitesurfing
A cross between wakeboarding and windsurfing the rider uses a large powerful traction kite to skate across the top of the water and boost 20-30ft jumps. Ideal conditions are 10-20knots of wind and flat shallow water - all of which Ambergris Caye has in abundance. It is as if, Ambergris Caye was made for kitesurfing.

22. Museum of Belize
The Museum of Belize, located at Gabourel and Hutson streets, is a beautiful, old brick building that was built as a colonial prison in the 1800’s, and operated as a prison until 1993; one cell has been restored. Originally built to hold one man, at the time of the prison’s closing each cell held 6-8 prisoners. This museum also focuses on the Maya and colonial history of Belize. Highlights include priceless Maya artifacts dating back some 2500 years.






23. Parrot Nest
Parrot Nest is located on the Mopan River in Bullet Tree Falls and an easy three-mile walk from downtown San Ignacio. This place is a hidden jewel. Some of their cabins are tree houses. Spending the night under a 100’ guanacaste tree in a thatched tree house is like nothing else! The lodge is surrounded on three sides by the Mopan River, and parrots are in great number here, along with hundreds of other types of birds, making this an ideal location for bird watching.

24. Xunantunich Ruins
Xunantunich is one of the easiest-to-reach and the most-restored ruin in Belize lies just eight miles from the Guatemala border. Perched high on a hill overlooking the Mopan River, this complex was a major ceremonial center during the classic period of the Maya. Beautiful stucco reliefs are on display and excavation projects continue. From the top of the nearly 150 foot "Castillo" one can see for miles into neighboring Guatemala.

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25. Progresso and Cocos Lagoon in Northern Belize
Both Progresso and Cocos Lagoon served as passage for Mayan merchants at the height of the Mayan Era. These waterways in the Corozal District are located only 10 to 12 kilometers from the Caribbean Sea. Progresso and Cocos Lagoons today serve as an area of unique ecological diversity within a serene, tranquil environment.
Within Progresso Lagoon you will find Caye Coco. This ancient Mayan hub, a post-Classic monumental center may be the colonial Maya site of Chanlacan, the capital Chetumal after the fall of Santa Rita and seat of the 1547 rebellion against Spanish Bacalar. More recent excavations of Caye Coco have uncovered cemeteries, courtyards and buried residential platforms.

- By Sunil R Yadav

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