Small but mighty and sandwiched between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize is a hub of nature, history and culture. I spent more than one year there while living as a Mormon missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I have returned several times, including this spring, for its charm and varied landscape that has you constantly surprised and entertained.
Whether you’re a beachgoer, a sports enthusiast, a history buff, or a seeker of ancient ruins, something is enchanting for everyone. Here are the top 10 places to consider when you visit this gem of Central America.
1. Xunantunich: Step Back in Time
We start at the magnificent Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, about a two-hour drive from Belize’s main airport. These ruins are open to the public year-round for just a few dollars.
Highlights of Xunantunich:
- The main pyramid, El Castillo, stands over 130 feet tall.
- Panoramic views of the Belize River Valley and nearby Guatemala
- Well-preserved friezes and stucco facades.
- The eerie yet fascinating sounds of howler monkeys in the surrounding jungle.
There is no telescope at the top of the 220-foot Castillo, but the panoramic views that unfold stretch for miles, jungle scattered with pyramids like a fire of emerald over rubies. Once here, nervous sensors actively seek the warmth of localised forests.
A slight rustle in bushes or stomp would resonate clear across the valley. Of course, you might also hear the cry of the howler monkey, an animal that could easily pass for a prehistoric dinosaur.
2. The Inland Blue Hole: A Jungle Oasis
While Belize has the Great Blue Hole out in the ocean, there is another Blue Hole in the jungle to see (just 20 minutes from the capital, Belmopan). Get going.
What to Expect at the Inland Blue Hole:
- Crystal-clear, blue waters fed by underground caves.
- A refreshing swimming spot in the heart of the jungle.
- Nearby St. Herman’s Cave for additional exploration.
- Lush vegetation and potentially diverse wildlife sightings.
The water is so clear and blue it’s almost like a tropical-flavoured sports drink (don’t lose your bottle). Bring a pair of goggles with you anyway and, with caution, explore under the water because the darkness beneath is real – if a little unnerving.
The stream leads to a series of sinkholes that offer hidden caves and pools.
3. Big Rock Falls: Nature’s Water Park
A place for both adrenalin junkies and nature lovers: Big Rock FallsAbout an hour’s drive from the town of San Ignacio, you will find one of Belize’s most spectacular waterfalls, Big Rock Falls.
Tips for Visiting Big Rock Falls:
- Use a 4WD vehicle to navigate the bumpy dirt roads.
- Bring water shoes for better traction on slippery rocks.
- Always check water depth before jumping or diving.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy in this picturesque setting.
The falls are bordered at their highest point by stone ledges amid tall trees, offering a variety of locations from which to do another favourite Belizean pastime – cliff jumping. The blue-green, super-cool water is welcome after days of strolling through Belize’s steamy heat and 90 per cent humidity.
After jumping is done, take time to discover the rest of the pools at the top of the waterfall.
4. Thousand Foot Falls: Majestic Natural Wonder
Just 20 minutes drive away from Big Rock Falls is Thousand Foot Falls, one of Belize’s grandest natural features. It’s actually a bit more than 1,600 feet high – making it one of the tallest falls in Central America.
What Makes Thousand Foot Falls Special:
- Stunning views from the observation deck.
- Cooler climate due to higher elevation.
- A unique ecosystem with pine forests.
- Potential for wildlife sightings, including rare birds and even jaguars.
The fact that you are much higher up means you have another side to Belize to see: pine trees and cooler temperatures. It’s a great place to take in the sunset, and the colours across the verdant vista below are just incredible. You can sometimes spot some of Belize’s more elusive wildlife here.
5. San Pedro: Caribbean Island Paradise
A must-do on any visit to Belize, the colourful island of San Pedro, also known as the town of San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye, can be reached either by water taxi or a short flight from the mainland.
San Pedro at a Glance:
| Getting There | Getting Around | Must-Do Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Water taxi ($30 round trip, 90 min) | Golf carts (recommended) | Visit Secret Beach |
| Short flight (faster but pricier) | Bicycles | Snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve |
| Walking (for short distances) | Enjoy the sunset at the local basketball court |
With its low-slung buildings, brightly painted facades, and clear water, San Pedro has a relaxed vibe and, layered on top of that, a growing sense of grit.
At ‘Secret Beach’, whose paradisiacal water is sheltered and perfectly calm, there are several thatch-roofed beach bars and a basketball court jutting out into the sea, where you can play a game of pickup with islanders or drink in those ocean views.
6. Hol Chan Marine Reserve: Underwater Wonderland
Just a short boat ride from San Pedro (a mere two-mile distance) lies the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a dreamland for snorkellers and divers as part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the Northern Hemisphere and the second largest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.
Highlights of Hol Chan Marine Reserve:
- Incredibly clear waters with visibility up to 100 feet.
- Diverse marine life, including colourful fish, sea turtles, and rays.
- The famous Shark Ray Alley, where you can swim with nurse sharks.
- Well-preserved coral formations.
The average tour is $30 per person and includes snorkel gear and guidance from local experts who have a deep love for their underwater wealth. The variety of marine life here is incredible, from tiny tropical fish to giant sea turtles.
The main draw of Hol Chan is Shark Ray Alley, where you can swim with nurse sharks and stingrays that are so docile and friendly that they will accept tidbits from commuting tourists with the patience of angels.
7. The Great Blue Hole: A Natural Wonder of the World
Any list of Belize’s ‘top 10’ attractions is guaranteed to include the Great Blue Hole, a 1,000-foot-plus wide submerged sinkhole that drops more than 400 feet into the earth’s interior.
Experiencing the Great Blue Hole:
- Aerial tours offer the best overall view (around $230 per person).
- Boat tours are available from San Pedro (2-3 hour ride).
- Diving expeditions for experienced scuba divers.
- Visible on clear days, even from space!
Although people should only dive into the Blue Hole with considerable experience, a flyover is a must, and it’s a stunning slice of nature. When the cave lies below the ocean’s surface, the deep blue of the hole looks particularly striking, set against the spectacle of the turquoise reef.
8. Caye Caulker: Laid-Back Island Charm
Across the water, connected to San Pedro by a short water taxi ride, Caye Caulker is a much smaller, more laidback island experience. This is a place whose motto is ‘Go Slow’. Caye Caulker stretches a mere 5 miles long and is less than a mile across.
Caye Caulker Highlights:
- The Split: a narrow channel dividing the island, great for swimming.
- Stunning sunsets with “cotton candy” skies.
- Fresh seafood at local restaurants.
- Excellent base for snorkelling and diving trips.
Boredom is almost impossible on Caye Caulker, which is probably why the locals and visitors here refer to it as ‘go slow’.
You can spend your day reading in a hammock, swimming in sparkling turquoise water, or exploring the island by bike. Be sure to catch a glorious sunset over the water at The Split – it’s the daily ritual of many visitors and locals.
9. Tikal: A Day Trip to Ancient Guatemala
Not technically in Belize, but a day trip south from Belize, the renowned ancient Mayan metropolis of Tikal in Guatemala is a site worth seeing. It is one of the most imposing and largest Mayan sites in Central America.
Planning Your Tikal Excursion:
- Arrange transportation at the Belize-Guatemala border.
- Consider hiring a guide to fully appreciate the site’s history.
- Bring plenty of water and sun protection.
- Allow a full day for the trip, including border crossings.
Built over several hundred years starting around 200CE, Tikal’s most striking pyramids reach up more than 200ft above the jungle floor (you can climb to the top of Temple IV for a bird’s-eye view of the canopy). And it’s hard to resist the temptation to visit the reconstructed plaza where Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader in Star Wars: A New Hope.
10. Placencia: Beachside Bliss
Completing our top 10 is delightful Placencia in southern Belize, a 16-mile peninsula known for its magnificent white sand and laid-back vibe. It is a throwback to the early days of travel before memory stick bars and text messaging made the ideal vacation into a predictable sameness. Here, you will find the beach as it was meant to be — simply for relaxing in and taking in local culture.
Don’t Miss in Placencia:
- Strolling down the famous Placencia Sidewalk.
- Fresh seafood at local beachside restaurants.
- Kayaking in the nearby lagoon.
- Day trips to nearby cayes for snorkeling.
Placencia is the best way to wind down after the extended road trips and short aeroplane rides of exploring the rest of Belize: the restored Colonial town ambience, the long beaches, and the local inhabitants appeal to those tired of the resort feel of Belize’s Northern hemisphere latitude.
Bonus Destinations
None of these ended up in the top 10, but you should certainly consider them if you have extra time:
- Caracol: Massive Mayan ruins deep in the jungle.
- Lamanai: Ancient Mayan site accessible by riverboat.
- Belize Zoo: Home to native species in natural habitats.
- Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: Jaguar preserve and hiking trails.
Belize is a small country nestled along the coast of Central America, with natural beauty, fascinating history, and undimmed hospitality as its biggest draws. From mesmerising Mayan ruins to tropical beaches, from jungle adventures to underwater exploration, the better part of Belize beckons the curious traveller.
When planning your trip, keep in mind that you will be a welcomed guest in this lovely place. Follow the rules of etiquette, try to leave the carbon footprint behind, and be ready to fall in love with Belize.