Things to do in  Belize City

Dating back to the eighth century and partially restored, Xunantunich in western Belize once served as a Maya civic-ceremonial center. Xunantunich, which means “Maiden of the Rock,” features towering temples and replica stucco friezes, giving visitors a sense of how impressive this city would have been in its heyday. Keep your eyes open for a glimpse of the maiden’s spirit—she’s reported to have red glowing eyes and lingers near the main temple complex.

Altun Ha, site of the ruins of an ancient Mayan city, covers about 3 square miles (8 square kilometers) of Belizean countryside. The central area has more than 500 historic structures, mostly built during the Maya Classic era (AD 200 to 900). Join a private or group tour to learn how the city’s 10,000 inhabitants lived.

Meaning "submerged crocodile" in Yucatan Mayan, Lamanai is perhaps the most mysterious Maya site in Belize, because it is not yet completely uncovered. See history in the making as you visit the excavation site, where some temples still remain buried underground. Exposed structures that rise from the jungle floor offer plenty to explore.

Located near the Guatemalan border, the ancient Maya city of Caracol is the largest archeological site in Belize. Discovered in 1938, Caracol covers about 65 square miles (168 square kilometers) and includes more than 35,000 structures, five plazas, and an abundance of jungle. Visit on a day trip for a unique look at Maya life.

The Community Baboon Sanctuary is dedicated to protecting and preserving Belize's black howler monkey population. The 18 square mile (29 square kilometer) reserve in the jungle contains about 1,500 monkeys, as well as anteaters, armadillos, iguanas, turtles, deer, and more than 200 different species of birds.

St. John’s Cathedral dates back to the early 1800s and is the oldest Anglican church in Central America. The cathedral, located in Belize City, is known not only as a house of worship, but also as a symbol of Belize’s colonial past. It was built by slaves with bricks brought to the country as ballast in ships from Europe.

The Belize City Cruise Port connects the country’s Caribbean cayes with the mainland and the city’s urban center. Most visitors don’t linger here, with the majority of cruise ship passengers passing through on their way to inland attractions such as Mayan ruins. Belize City Cruise Port is also the main gateway for ferry traffic to islands like Ambergris Caye.

Bringing the wildlife of Belize’s jungles and savannas within reach of the country's urban center, the non-profit Belize Zoo is home to more than 175 animals and 45 native species. With exhibits designed to mimic natural environments, the zoo aims to encourage conservation and provide a refuge for rescued animals.

Established in 1984, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best bird-watching spots in Central America. Built on a network of lagoons, swamps, and estuaries, the sanctuary is home to thousands of native and migratory birds, including the boat-billed heron, black-collared hawk, pygmy kingfisher, and rufous-tailed jacamars.

Lighthouse Reef is an incredible atoll (a coral island encircling a lagoon) in the Caribbean Sea that was made famous by legendary sea explorer Jacques Cousteau, who rightfully declared it one of the top 10 diving locations in the world. Follow in Cousteau's footsteps by diving into the Great Blue Hole, the underwater sinkhole in the center of the lagoon.

Officially called the Fort George Light, this tapered white and red tower in Belize City is best known as the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, named after British aristocrat Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss who is buried at the base of the structure. It serves as an iconic image of Belize and is featured on billboards, promotional items, and even a beer label.

Government House, also known as the House of Culture, is one of the most beautiful colonial buildings in Belize City. The stately mansion was built in 1812 to house the colonial government of British Honduras, but it was later turned into a residence for the Governor General. Today, it is a creative community center.