Geographically speaking, Belize is a tiny country, making it the perfect vacation destination for travelers looking to bounce around and see the full diversity the country has to offer. Ideally, you’ll want to break up your Belize vacation by spending a few days on the mainland and then head out to the coast, or to one of Belize’s popular cayes. Here’s a look at some of the best activities in the country, so you can experience the best of Belize in a week.
Go Snorkeling and/or Diving
Divers off Ambergris Caye
Whether you’re staying on Belize’s mainland coast or one of the beautiful cayes, snorkeling and diving are two of the most popular pastimes in the country. Islands like Ambergris Caye originally became popular due to their proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With world-renowned dive sites within a 15-minute boat ride, it’s no wonder divers flock to Ambergris Caye.
Dives to the famed Blue Hole and snorkel trips to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are two of the most iconic Belize experiences. The Blue Hole is an all-day dive trip, while a snorkel trip to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley only takes up a few hours of your morning (or afternoon).
Explore Belize City and Belize Zoo
At the Belize Zoo
Allot a day to explore Belize City and the Belize Zoo. Belize City gets a bad rap due to rising crime rates, but most of the crime is concentrated in a few areas only. Don’t miss learning about some of the historical sites in Belize’s former capital. After you visit some of the city’s important colonial buildings, head out to the Belize Zoo. The zoo is actually more of a sanctuary, founded to help animals that could no longer survive in the wild. Learn about the indigenous wildlife and conservation efforts underway in Belize today.
Visit Maya Sites
View from El Castillo at Xunantunich in San Ignacio, Belize
Be sure to take a trip to at least one of the country’s Maya ruins. Some of the best options include Lamanai and Xunantunich. Both sites are unique and offer completely different experiences, so visit both if you can. Another option is to hop over to Guatemala from Belize’s Cayo District and enjoy a visit to Tikal as well.
Another one of Belize’s best Maya sites is the ancient city of Caracol, which is a bit harder to reach some times of the year; four-wheel drive is recommended if you’re making your way there on your own.
For a truly unique look at the importance of the Maya culture in Belize, don’t miss Actun Tunichil Muknal, or ATM Cave. Here you’ll see a different side of the Mayn culture – the underworld. Start your day with a hike through rainforest to the mouth of the cave, then swim, climb and spelunk through the eerie caverns. You’ll see ancient artifacts used in Mayan ceremonies.
Find Adrenaline-Pumping Fun
Swimming in a natural pool in Belize
Belize is renowned for a myriad of adrenaline-filled adventures. Choose from moderately active day trips like zip-lining and cave tubing, to extreme experiences like waterfall rappelling. Be sure to go hiking in Mountain Pine Ridge where you can see waterfalls, do some bird watching, and cool off in natural pools.
Immerse Yourself in Culture
Hopkins, Belize
Belize’s Garifuna culture is recognized by UNESCO as an important part of Belize’s heritage. Areas like Dangriga, Hopkins and Punta Gorda are home to populations of Garifuna people. Take a traditional Garifuna drumming lesson, or spend an entire day in Punta Gorda immersing yourself in a full day of Garifuna culture.
Between adventure and culture, tropical seashores and mountainous jungles, Belize offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences to enjoy on your one-week holiday.
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