Things to do in  Belize

Actun Tunichil Muknal, commonly known as the ATM Cave, is a popular adventure attraction outside San Ignacio in Belize’s Cayo district. Here, visitors experience an Indiana Jones-type excursion, hiking into the rainforest and across rivers to reach the cave, before wading through tunnels and passageways to see its stalactites and stalagmites. But Actun Tunichil Muknal is also a Maya archaeological site and sacred place, with artifacts and human remains visible to intrepid visitors.

On the island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, San Pedro Town is the main settlement. This is where the bulk of the island’s eateries, shops, nightlife, and businesses are located. The better beaches are farther away from the settlement, but the water and views are still beautiful, and numerous docks dotting the shoreline provide ample swimming opportunities. The streets are always coated with a thin layer of sand, and there’s plenty of greenery.

Long and narrow, the tiny island of Caye Caulker perches just off the coast of Belize, split in two by a narrow tidal pass where clear blue water rushes between the halves of the island. With this unique formation—protected by a barrier reef and with an elevation barely above sea level—it’s a place closely linked to the ocean, drawing travelers who want to stay as close to the sea as possible.

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.

Once a seat of the Maya empire, the ruins of the ancient city of Tikal are now the most famous archaeological site in Guatemala and one of the most-visited sets of pre-Columbian ruins in Latin America. The UNESCO World Heritage–listed Tikal National Park (Parque Nacional Tikal) consists of temples, plazas, pyramids, and two modern museums—plus diverse flora and fauna ranging from spider monkeys to jaguars.

Around 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) south of the shores of Ambergris Caye, Hol Chan Marine Reserve is the most-visited snorkeling and diving area in Belize. Part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the reserve covers about 3 square miles (7.7 square kilometers) and is divided into zones according to marine habitat.

Part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley is home to a multitude of 6-foot (1.8-meter) nurse sharks and stingrays with 4-foot (1.2-meter) wingspans. Over the years, fishers went to the site to clean out their catch—eventually, nurse sharks and stingrays started gathering in search of the boats and their daily treats.

After Hurricane Hattie struck Belize City in 1961, the decision was made to move the capital and government offices inland. The town now called Belmopan, part of the Cayo District, was built and became the landlocked capital of Belize. Just an hour from Belize City, and equally close to San Ignacio, Belmopan is a calm area with markets, coffee shops, and restaurants.

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.

Caye Caulker is divided in two by a narrow channel of seawater known as the Split. Crystal-clear water makes this a great spot to swim, while open-air, waterfront bars fuel all-day hangouts. One of these, Lazy Lizard, is among Caye Caulker’s most famous places to party, complete with swim-up bar tables, games, and cabanas.

Spread out along the banks of the Mopan River, this small rural village is the jumping-off point for Xunantunich, one of Belize’s most impressive Maya sites. The pace of life in the town is slow, although a steady stream of visitors pass through en route to the jungle-surrounded stone ruins on the far side of the river.

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.

A yawning, 65-foot (20-meter) chasm in the heart of Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge, the Rio Frio Cave welcomes exploration with the largest cave mouth in the country. Light filters in from both ends, illuminating an underground river, limestone formations, and dripping stalactites.

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.