General Information

Belize is a country located in Central America, borders to the north with Mexico to the west and south with Guatemala and to the east with the Caribbean Sea. Despite being a small country, it is full of great natural and cultural resources. Belize has a large network of national parks and sanctuaries for wildlife as well as thousands of beaches around the Caribbean Sea. You can find a great variety of animal species such as spider monkeys, iguanas, more than 500 species of birds, wild boars and some jaguars. In addition, it has Mayan sites, islands and keys. Belizeans are very kind people and represent a mix of nationalities such as Mestizos, Creole, Garifuna and Mayan. This combination of natural treasures, culture and friendly people make Belize a paradise that deserves to be visited.

The main Belize tourist attractions are Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, San Pedro in Ambergirs Caye, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio and Placencia. Although there are places that are growing and becoming more popular.

San Pedro
San Pedro is situated in Ambergris Caye, the most famous Caye in the Belizean coast. Being the largest island in Belize, it is a prime destination for many visitors. Ambergris Caye has a wide variety of restaurants, bar and night life. In Ambergris Caye you can enjoy aquatic sports or just relax at the beach. The Barrier Reef is located near the Caye making it a great place to practice snorkeling and scuba diving. One of the activities that attract people is swimming with rays and sharks, but if you do not enjoy this activity you can take a nap on the beach or chat with the locals. Other fun activities in San Pedro are sailing, fishing, kayaking, stand up paddling, etc.

Caye Caulker
Is the second largest island in Belize. If you prefer a more laid-back vacation, then Caye Caulker is for you. Smaller and cheaper than Ambergris Cay, it is a little further from the Barrier Reef, but still a great option if you want to go scuba diving or snorkeling. The island is just 4 miles long, but the town is in one mile only so you can walk to any restaurant or bar. Cycling it is very easy. You can follow the regular activities like diving, snorkeling, swimming, relaxing on the beach, or fishing, but you can also take a trip to visit the manatees in Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, kayak or take tours on the mainland.

Great Blue Hole
The Blue Hole Natural Monument is in Lighthouse Reef. It is a huge underwater sinkhole that provides a unique diving experience for skilled Scuba divers.  The Blue Hola has a dimeter of 305 mts and 124 mt deep. The Blue Hole was a cave that collapsed millions of years ago. The deeper you go the clearer the water and the best changes you will have to see all the rare fishes and stalactites not found near the water’s surface.

Placencia
Located at 231kms from Belice City you will find the 17 miles peninsula. With golden sand beach, Placencia has the best beach on mainland Belize. During the day you can go sailing, diving, snorkeling, go birdwatching at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary or just relax at the beach and in the afternoon or night you can head into town and get a feel of what a real traditional Creole fishing town is like, with its gastronomy and nightlife.

San Ignacio
Belize is divided in districts, one of them is Cayo District. The capital of the district is San Ignacio, the largest town of this district. Cayo District is known for attracting people looking for adventure and thrill. Here you will find a mix of culture, nature, adventure, Mayan sites and beautiful scenery. Between the attractions near San Ignacio you will find are Mountain Pine Ridge, a place to stroll, horseback ride, kayak, birdwatching, etc. Besides nature you can visit other Mayan sites and contemplate the ruins of the Mayan temples. Another main attraction is that from here you can visit Tikal Mayan site, in Guatemala.

Actun Tunichil Muknal
A place worth mention is Actun Tunichil Muknal, also known as ATM caves. Located in the heart of the Tapir Mountain Natural Reserve, at just 45 minutes from San Ignacio, it is the most impressive Mayan cave of the world. Actun Tunichil Muknal means “The cave of the stone grave”, this name was given to the caves because inside a sacrificial chamber, in the cave system, the bones of a young Mayan were found. The tour to the caves is very demanding, but it is rewarded with the opportunity to witness many artifacts, including complete pots and skeletons – evidence of its ancient ritual use.