LOBSTERFEST In June, kick off lobster season with Belize's annual Lobster Festival, held first in Placencia, then on Caye Caulker. Each celebration lasts three days, and everyone from the villages comes out to celebrate. Whatever tourists who happen to be around reap the benefits of this spotlight on crustaceans. (Warning: napkins not included.) Lobsterfest Video / About Placencia village
MAYAN RUINS (JUNGLE)
Belize has the highest concentration of Mayan Ruins in the World. With over 600 sites identified, several are close to the properties. Ancient Mayans, flourished from around 300 BC to 900 AD. Archaeologists estimate that 2,000,000 Mayans once lived in what is now Belize, which currently has a population of about 300,000. They built cities, palaces and pyramids with their own hands in the unwelcoming jungle. Their sacred colors are red, blue, yellow and green. The diverse species of tropical forests supplied the essentials. The rivers provided transportation and the limestone formations provided building blocks. Over a span of nearly 2,000 years, the Mayans developed a cosmology, an arithmetic system that included the concept of zero, a calendar system based on a comprehension of astronomy and a system of writing which included both hieroglyphics and phonetics. The Mayan civilizations were rediscovered by explorers in the 18th Century with more discovery still to come by archaeologists today.
>>Mayan Ruins Recommended Trips: Nim Li Punit and Lubaatun to name several.
Nim Li Punit (big hat) Lubaatun (place of fallen stones)
MONKEY RIVER
Located in southern Belize near Placencia, this popular tour takes guests down the lagoon to Monkey River where they'll cruise up the river seeing many birds, tropical plants and trees. It might be possible to see a manatee or dolphin along the way. Then hike newly cut jungle paths to spot howler monkeys, iguanas, and more. It's an excellent combination of river life, rainforest, howler monkeys and a local village. You will see the famous Howler Monkeys, Iguanas, and maybe even a Crocodile or two along the river shore.
COMMUNITY BABBOON SACTUARY
Located 30 miles northwest of Belize City, Community Baboon Sanctuary was founded in 1958 to protect the black howler monkey, locally known as the "baboon". The monkey is an endangered species found in Belize, southern Mexico, and isolated areas of Guatemala. A visitor center at the 20-square mile sanctuary features an educational jungle exhibit. Hiking trails crisscross the sanctuary. Guided trail walks allow visitors to experience monkeys up close. Canoe trips down the river to see monkeys, birds, and other wildlife such as iguanas, crocodiles, anteaters and turtles, can be arranged at the visitor center.
JAGUAR RESERVE
The sanctuary and forest reserve is located in southern Belize, near Dangriga, below the Maya Mountains' Cockscomb Range. About 150 square miles are set aside to protect the jaguar population, as well as other plant and animal species. The reserve is also home to 290 species of birds. Just inside the gate is the Mayan Center, with slate carvings, baskets and other craft items for sale. The Jaguar, which is the third largest cat in the world behind the African Lion, has become the national eco-tourism symbol of Belize where it is prevalent.
JUNGLE EXCURSIONS
Zip Line: Rainforest-Jungle Canopy Tour
CROOKED TREE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The 3,000-acre sanctuary, located 33 miles northwest of Belize City, was established in 1984 to protect resident and migrant birds. One of the most noted residents is the jabiru stork, the largest flying bird in the Western Hemisphere. This sanctuary is also a refuge for other forms of wildlife such as black howler monkeys, crocodiles, coatimundi, turtles and iguanas.
BLUE HOLE NATIONAL PARK/St. Herman's Cave
This popular recreation spot is on the Hummingbird Highway about 12 miles southeast of Belmopan. The pool, about 25 feet deep, is filled with turquoise waters that originate from St. Herman's Cave. Swimming is excellent here.
Blue Hole National Park (the inland Blue Hole) is located about 12 miles southeast of Belmopan on the Hummingbird Highway. The park consists of 575 acres, full of forest with an abundance of flora and fauna. The Blue Hole itself is a sinkhole filled with water that is part of the underground Caves Branch Creek tributary, which then disappears below the surface as it flows to the Sibun River. The collapsed karst sinkhole is about 25 feet deep and roughly 300 feet in diameter with stunning turquoise water. The main enticements are the underground streams, rivers, sinkholes and the underground caves. There are also several great hiking trails within the park with many exotic species of birds to see along the way. Blue Hole park video
ST. HERMAN'S CAVE
St. Herman's Cave is also within boundaries of the the Blue Hole National Park and is about 500 meters from the Hummingbird Highway. This cave was used by the Mayans during the Classic Period. Many archeological artifacts have been discovered at the cave by the Department of Archaeology.
The largest entrance to the cave is located in a sinkhole 180 feet wide narrowing to 60 feet wide at the entrance. You will find stone steps cut by Mayans covered by concrete steps and a trail with markers in the cave. From the entrance to the exit is approximately a 1/2 mile. You will see the incredible cave formations as you climb over rocks and move through water.
BARTON CREEK CAVE
Travel through a scenic Mennonite farm community to view large, multicolored cave formations and Mayan artifacts. You take a canoe through an underwater cave system thought to be a used for Mayan burial purposes. The Cave goes for approximately one mile from beginning to where it stops.
FIVE BLUES LAKE NATIONAL PARK
This national park, located in southern Belize at the foothills of the Maya Mountains about 22 miles from Belmopan off the Hummingbird Highway, contains a lake, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. The lake is so named because it displays five vibrant shades of blue. It was established in 1992 and consists of over 4,000 acres of tropical forest including caves and exotic wildlife in magnificent karst terrain. The park contains sinkholes, exposed rock faces and cave formations. It's situated close to St. Margaret's village and a few kilometers from Blue Hole National Park.
Five Blues Lake is situated in St. Margaret's Village in the Cayo District at the eastern boundary at mile 32 on the Hummingbird Highway. It is only a single lake, but is known as Five Blues Lake because of the varying water depths around the lake and the different limestone rock formations under water. The water and rock reflect a different kind of blue or blue-green, or sometimes a dark green, and at different times of the day the blues change. The lake was formed from a collapsed cave system known as a cenote or blue hole, which runs 200 feet deep over about 10 acres. Swimming is permitted and there are hiking trails throughout. There is a visitor's center with maps, picnic tables and bathrooms by the park entrance.
RIO FRIO CAVE
One of the most breathtaking of the natural wonders of Belize, the cave is open at both ends and arches to 65 feet at its center. A pool with a sand beach is also located inside the cave. Nearby, the Rio On Pools are formed by clear, clean water coursing downstream, wearing away the rocks to provide numerous small swimming holes. Rio Frio Cave and Rio On Pools are located in the Mountain Pine Ridge of the Cayo District.
GUANACASTE NATIONAL PARK
A 50-acre protected area of the rainforest near Belmopan, the park is named for the huge guanacaste tree, which can reach a height of 130 feet. The Belize River cuts right through the park, which holds myriad varieties of wildlife. This is a good site for bird watching.
BELIZE ZOO
Started in 1983, when Sharon Matola adopted 17 animals left behind by a film crew, the zoo moved to its current quarters off mile marker 29 on the Western Highway on the way to Belmopan in 1991. Today there are 150 birds, mammals, and reptiles, all species indigenous to Belize on its 29 acres of savanna. The zoo allows travelers to get memorable photos of the jaguar, tapir, scarlet macaw and jabiru stork. Mesh and wood enclosures resemble the animals' natural habitat. A special attraction is watching the morning feeding. The Belize Zoo is probably the finest zoo in the Americas, south of the U.S. The zoo is especially well-known for its phenomenal conservation achievement. When you visit this historic animal habitat you get the chance to see native animals of Belize at close quarters, housed in spacious enclosures identical to their natural environment.
The zoo ís theme, ìa walk through Belize,î contains a trail that takes you into the pine ridge, the forest edge, the rainforest, the lagoons and the river forest. The most famous inhabitant is a Bairdís tapir, April, locally known as a mountain cow. All the native Belizean cats are represented, included a rarer melanistic (black) jaguar. The existing birds include toucans, macaws, parrots, jabiru storks, a spectacled owl and several vultures. Additional spectacular animals include deer, spider and howler monkeys, peccaries, agouti (sometimes known as ìgibnutî on menus), crocodiles and snakes.
The Belize Zoo is open daily between 8:30AM - 5PM and costs US$7.50 for adults and US$3.75 for children.
See the Wildlife page for more information about specific animals found in Belize..
THE TROPICAL EDUCATION CENTER (At the Belize Zoo) The education center is across the highway from the Belize Zoo (off the Western Highway at mile marker 29). As the name suggests, there is a great focus on school, college and tour guide training groups, however it is also open to everyone who wishes to learn. There are self-guiding nature trails, observation decks and a lagoon. In addition, there are study facilities that include a classroom and a well-equipped library, as well as comfortable dormitory accommodations. For more information, contact: P.O. Box 1787, Belize City
Phone: 011-501-220-8004
BELMOPAN Belmopan is located approximately 48 miles southwest of Belize City and 22 miles east of San Ignacio. It is the Capital of Belize and has a population of only 7,000. Belmopan is known as the "Garden City." The city was established in 1965 and many government offices moved to Belmopan by 1970. The center of town is Independence Plaza. The Prime Minister's office, administrative buildings and post office are located in this plaza, as well as several embassies and University of Belize's main campus is close by. Market Square is next to the plaza and open most days of the week selling all sorts of products and fruits. The Novelo bus terminal is next to the market and the immigration office is across the street. Belmopan is emerging as a center for business. The town of Belmopan was incorporated in 2000 and since then there have been many positive improvements for business, such as the restoration of the market. There are more plans in the works.
THE GUANACASTE NATIONAL PARK This spectacular national park is just off mile marker 47 on the north side of the Western Highway where it meets the Hummingbird Highway and it is sponsored by the Belize Audobon Society, MacArthur Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, and the government. The park hours are 8AM until 4PM. The Guanacaste National Park packs a lot in a mere 56 acres, with its huge specimen of guanacaste or tubroos tree, ceiba, cohune palms, mammee apple, mahogany, quamwood, and other trees. Over 100 species of birds have been spotted in the park as well as agouti, armadillo, coati, deer, iguana, jaguarondi and kinkajou. The resident blue-crowned motmots were among the rarer animals observed at Guanacaste. Hourly tours start at 8:30AM to 3:30PM.
Do not forget to pack a bathing suit when you tour the park. You may want to take a relaxing swim where the Belize River and Roaring Creek meet. It will not take much convincing to cool off at this breathtaking, quiet spot. Not too far away is the famous old guanacaste tree, over 25 feet in diameter and 100 plus years old. The spectacular tree is home to more than 35 species of exotic flora, including orchids, bromeliads, ferns, philodendrons and cacti. Just past the tree, continue your journey on the trail and you will encounter the shore of Roaring Creek, the westernmost boundary of the park. Follow the trail and you will also see birds, delicate ferns, flowers and long parades of wiwi ants (clutters). Another hot spot to look for is steps that lead down to the Belize River, to the right of the entrance. The amate fig grows plentifully on the waterís edge; it provides food for the howler monkey and, waiting patiently in the water, the tuba fish.
MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE Mountain Pine Ridge is a 300 square mile forest reserve, south of the Western Highway in the Cayo District. Some of the features include the Hidden Valley Falls (1,000 Foot-Falls), the Rio On River, the Rio On Pools, the Rio Frio Cave and Nature Trail, and many waterfalls and streams. With its karst limestone terrain, the area is great for hiking, caving, biking and horseback riding.
To visit the reserve take Chiquibul Road from Georgeville or take Cristo Rey Road from Santa Elena. Mountain Pine Ridge offers a scenic drive on the way to Caracol and the Chiquibul Rain Forest.
RIO ON POOLS A serious of adjoining pools made from large granite boulders, connected by small waterfalls. Great place for swimming and hiking.
HIDDEN VALLEY FALLS
Also known as 1000 Foot Falls, is believed to be the highest waterfall in Central America and is actually over 1,500 feet. There is a viewing platform that overlooks the falls and a scenic trail with gorgeous views of the valley.
CAVES BRANCH
Located about 13 miles south of Belmopan on the Hummingbird Highway. You can take a guided tubing tour all day for about seven miles in and out of this underground river cave system. Float by stalagmites coming out of the water and stalactites coming down from above. Then pass a subterranean waterfall. This challenging attraction will also require some underground hiking.
TAPIR MOUNTAIN NATURE RESERVE
Covers 6,741 acres, it is 360 feet above sea level, located at the northern end of Mountain Pine Ridge. The reserve was created for research and preservation of genetic variety.
ARCHAEOLOGY (More about the Mayan ruins)
Belize was known to be the center the great Mayan civilization. There are estimates of thousands of Maya Ruin Sites within the country. Only a small number have been found and fewer have been excavated.
Some of the most popular sites available for viewing are:
Altun Ha and Yarborough Cemetary in the Belize District
Lamanai and Nobul and Cuello in the Orange Walk District
Santa Rita and Cerros in the Corozal District
Xunantunich, El Pilar, Cahal Pech, Pacbitun and Caracol in the Cayo District
Mayflower in the Stann Creek District
Nim Li Punit, Uknenba and Lubaantun in the Toledo District
The Belize Museum holds artifacts that have been gathered throughout the country. All ancient monuments, over 100 years old, are considered property of the state. Possession, removal, destruction, buying or selling is considered illegal.
SITTEE RIVER From its origin deep within the Maya Mountains, the Sittee River snakes its way to the sea with its mouth just south of Hopkins. Many resorts offer canoeing and/or kayaking excursions on this river. Green and orange iguanas can be spotted lounging in the trees, along with possibly a crocodile resting at water's edge. Parrots, toucans, motmots, herons, and egrets are often seen and heard. Sting rays, manatee, and crocodiles have also been seen far up river.>BARTON CREEK CAVE This cave, adorned with stalagmites and stalactites, lies just behind the Mennonite settlement of Barton Creek in the Cayo District. Most tours include a canoe trip through this remote cave that was once used by the Mayans as a burial site and for ceremonial purposes. Mayan pottery, skulls and skeletons can be observed with headlights (generally supplied by the tour).
TEMASH/SARSTOON NATIONAL PARK The Temash/Sarstoon National Park is situated between the Temash and Sarstoon Rivers in the southern most region of Belize. Being one of the most remote reserves in Belize, this 41,000-acre wildlife sanctuary provides habitat for a variety of wildlife including warries, tapirs, ocelots, and jaguars, and rarely seen birds and animals such as the scarlet macaw and the whitefaced capuchin monkey. Old red mangrove trees tower alongside the riverbanks of the Temash River, sometimes reaching more than 100 feet. Paynes Creek National Park is also in southern Belize, featuring incredibly diverse natural habitats.
ALTUN HA MAYAN ARCHAELOLOGICAL SITE Altun Ha is the most visited and most excavated Mayan site in Belize. It is located in the Belize District near Rockstone Pond Village. The entrance to Altun Ha is about one mile off Mile 32 of the Old Northern Highway. Altun Ha was a important ceremonial center during the Classic Period and an essential trade center that linked the Caribbean and other Mayan centers. The site has two main plazas and over a dozen residential and temple buildings.
Archeologists believe Altun Ha was settled around 250 B.C., and continued into the 10th century. Some 10,000 Maya lived in and around Altun Ha, which was a significant trading center. Altun Ha, about an hour from Belize City, features two central plazas surrounded by towering temples that enclose a palm strewn area.
XUNANTUNICH Pronounced Zoo-nan-two-nich and meaning "lord of war and fertility," is a site about 325 square yards, and is located near the western border, across from San Jose Succotz, about eight miles west of San Ignacio in the Cayo District. The most prominent pyramid, El Castillo, meaning the Castle, is 130 feet above the main plaza and has panoramic views of the Cayo District and Guatemala. Xunantunich is made up of six major plazas and more than 25 temples and palaces. To visit from San Ignacio take Benque Viejo Road to San Jose Succotz. From there, a hand-cranked ferry will take you across the Mopan River and then there is about a mile walk to the entrance. The ruins are open daily from 8AM to 4PM.
"The Maiden of the Rock" is the name given to the site by present- day Maya. Just three miles from San Ignacio, the site is accessible by a short ferry ride across the Mopan River. El Castillo is a 130-foot temple with elaborately carved friezes showing monkeys, warrior masks, and the Mayan symbol for spring. From the top of the temple, visitors can see the rangeland and jungle of eastern Belize, the lowlands of Guatemala to the west, and the impressive Maya Mountains to the south.
LAMANAI This Mayan center, Lamanai (meaning submerged crocodile) thrived for nearly three millennia. The Lodge that overlooks the New River Lagoon combines education, relaxation and exploration in a habitat rich in history and ecology. This research center, a Belize non-profit organization has been active since 1992. It offers the largest inland body of fresh water in Belize, several endangered species, over 350 species of birds and over 700 Mayan structures making it a wonderful research and educational site for many scientific disciplines.
Located in the Orange Walk District of northern Belize, Lamanai is best reached by air or a boat ride up the New River. One of the longest occupied Mayan sites, Lamanai was settled around 1500 B.C. and was still inhabited into the 19th century. An incredible stone face etched into a temple here is widely included in many guidebooks to Belize.
CARACOL The Caracol Archaeological Reserve, includes the Mayan ruin of Caracol, the largest Mayan site in the country. This ancient city had much importance and was large, advanced and hidden from the world by rain forest. Caracol encompasses 30 square miles of high canopy tropical rain forest, which is populated by various species of birds, cats and howler monkeys. Caracol, meaning "the supremacy of lord water," was re-found in 1938. The largest pyramid in Caracol, "Canaa" meaning Sky Place, is 143 feet high, making it the tallest man-made structure in Belize. Also included are several pyramids, three plazas, an astronomical observatory and many smaller buildings. Excavation and reconstruction is ongoing and there is a new visitor's center with photographs and diagrams of the site, as well as artifacts and a ceremonial altar. Caracol is located in the Chiquibul Rain Forest and is surrounded by rich flora and fauna. The ruins of Caracol are located in the Vaca Plateau of the Cayo District. Next to the ruins is Caracol Camp, located at about Mile 46 of the Chiquibul Road.
Although it was discovered in 1938, excavation efforts at Caracol only began in earnest in 1985. Archaeologists now believe it to be a larger site than Tikal. There are more than 4,000 structures spread across 55 square miles. More than 55 tombs have been discovered, including two belonging to a king and his royal family. A stele (inscription in stone) records Caracol's victory in a war with Tikal. Caracol is located in the Chiquibul Forest south of San Ignacio.
CAHAL PECH This Mayan ceremonial site sits on a hill overlooking the town of San Ignacio. On two acres there are 34 structures with temples and two separate ball courts. The site was populated until 800 AD and means "Place of the Ticks" because it was used as a cow pasture in the 1950's. Cahal Pech is open daily from 9AM to 4:30PM with a caretaker to answer questions and give tours. A tour takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes. There is also a visitor's center with artifacts and a model of the site, which is open from Monday through Saturday. From San Ignacio, it is about a 20 minute walk to the site, which is just off Buena Vista Road.
Cahal Pech, located in the Cayo District along the west bank of the Macal River, consists of 34 structures in an area covering about two acres. Cahal Pech was first developed during the preclassic period (1000 B.C. to 200 A.D.) and abandoned around 800 A.D. The site offers visitors a panoramic view of San Ignacio and the Belize River Valley.
EL PILAR A Mayan ruin site with several buildings 50 to 70 feet high, with a central plaza having temples, palaces, housing, water reservoirs and ball courts. Many buildings are in the beginning of excavation. The site has five trails which display its architecture, three archaeological trails and two natural trails. El Pilar is located seven miles past the Bullet Tree Falls. To visit the site from San Ignacio, take the Bullet Tree Road, cross the Mopan River bridge in Bullet Tree, an you will then see signs for the picturesque El Pilar Road.
LUBAANTUN This is the largest Maya site in southern Belize, dating to 700-900 A.D., well known for its unusual style of construction. All structures were made of limestone blocks with no visible mortar binding them together. Lubaantun is situated on a tall ridge above a valley cut by the Columbia River, about 1 1/2 miles from San Pedro Columbia, the largest Kekchi Maya village in Belize. Nim Li Punit and Uxbenka are among other Mayan sites that can be found in southern Belize.
TIKAL Located just across the Guatemalan border, Tikal is regarded as one of the most important archeological discoveries of the 20th Century. It is estimated that 1 million people worked over 1,000 years to build this city. At least 3,000 palaces dating back 6,000 years have been discovered here.
For a list of all National Parks in Belize, check out our Parks Listing page.
