Things to do in Belize City

Mayflower Bocawina National Park photo

Mayflower Bocawina National Park

Mayflower Bocawina is a small, beautiful park near the village of Hopkins, a great base from which to explore. The jungle and mountains reveal walking trails, swimming holes and so…

Mayflower Bocawina National Park

Mayflower Bocawina is a small, beautiful park near the village of Hopkins, a great base from which to explore. The jungle and mountains reveal walking trails, swimming holes and some interesting Mayan sites such as the pyramids of Mayflower Maya, and the unexcavated Maintzunun temple mound. There are some spectacular hiking trails, far less busy than the more popular Cockscomb National Park. Visitors can see plenty of bird life, troops of black howler monkeys, and enjoy stunning views from the top of Antelope Falls.

Mayan Ruins photo

Mayan Ruins

Travellers to the central lowlands of Belize can visit the fascinating ruins of ancient Mayan cities, which date back more than 2,000 years. The region's lush, steamy tropical jung…

Mayan Ruins

Travellers to the central lowlands of Belize can visit the fascinating ruins of ancient Mayan cities, which date back more than 2,000 years. The region's lush, steamy tropical jungle is an other-worldly setting in which to view the Ruins, which themselves offer astonishing insights into one of the most revered of all ancient cultures. Modern-day Belize contains (among others) the sites of Caracol, Cerros, and Cahal Pech. The ruins at Altun Ha are popular due to their easy distance from Belize City. Lamanai, located in Northern Belize, is the site of some especially picturesque and interesting pyramids, as well as an ancient ball court and other structures. Other popular sites include Tikal, El Pilar, and Xunantunich.

Glover's Reef Atoll photo

Glover's Reef Atoll

Glover's Reef Atoll is one of only four atolls (ring-shaped reefs made of coral) in the western hemisphere, and a truly mesmerising place to visit. The partially submerged coral is…

Glover's Reef Atoll

Glover's Reef Atoll is one of only four atolls (ring-shaped reefs made of coral) in the western hemisphere, and a truly mesmerising place to visit. The partially submerged coral island, which is also a marine reserve, is 20 miles (about 32km) long, and is home to the richest variety of sea life in the Caribbean. The atoll is ringed with white sand beaches, dotted with coconut trees, and its interior lagoon boasts more than 800 coral patches, with pinnacles rising above the water's surface. While Middle Caye and North Caye are uninhabited, there are luxury resorts along Southwest, Northwest, and Long Cayes. Active types can spend all day diving, swimming, snorkelling, and fishing in the turquoise-blue water.

Website www.glovers.com.bz

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary photo

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

One of Belize's largest protected areas, Cockscomb is home to the world's first jaguar sanctuary, dating back to 1984. The park also has a large diversity of fauna and flora, and h…

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

One of Belize's largest protected areas, Cockscomb is home to the world's first jaguar sanctuary, dating back to 1984. The park also has a large diversity of fauna and flora, and hosts around 50 jaguars. These are famously shy cats, but the visitors' book at the entrance to the park suggests they are occasionally seen. The park is also has pumas, tapirs, anteaters, and armadillos, the jaguar's favourite food. Visitors may see, but will certainly hear, the family of black howler monkeys that live near the visitors centre.

Belize Zoo photo

Belize Zoo

Belize Zoo has an interesting history. It was the scene of a wildlife documentary that was filmed in the 1980s. On finishing the filming it was discovered that the animals were par…

Belize Zoo

Belize Zoo has an interesting history. It was the scene of a wildlife documentary that was filmed in the 1980s. On finishing the filming it was discovered that the animals were party tame, so the zoo was started on site. The bizarre occupants include tapirs, gibnuts, coatimundi, scarlet macaws, white-lipped peccaries, pumas and many more. Nighttime visits are advised, as many of the animals are nocturnal. Most of the animals are rescue cases and attempts are made to return them to the wild if possible. The zoo is unique in that animals from the surrounding forest can and do visit their friends on the inside.