Belize Guide
Things not to miss
1 Ambergris Caye • On Belize's largest and most popular island, take a well-deserved break from the hectic day- and night-time activities in and around San Pedro.
2 The Mountain Pine Ridge • Hike the hills, peaks and gorges of this vast forest reserve, taking in the majesty of the tallest waterfall in Central America and perhaps staying in a luxurious riverside lodge.
3 Caracol • The greatest of Belize's ancient Maya cities is gradually revealing its history and becoming more accessible every year.
4 Turtles • The Half Moon Caye Natural Monument allows you to observe these ancient wanderers of the sea, as they return to the beaches to lay their eggs in the sand.
5 The Belize Barrier Reef • For spellbinding natural beauty it's hard to beat a snorkelling or diving trip to the Belize Barrier Reef, the longest in the western hemisphere.
6 Lamanai • More than two thousand years ago Lamanai was the largest city anywhere in the Maya world; today, climbing its massive temples is a daunting, though rewarding, experience.
7 Garifuna drumming • Listen to the rhythms of Africa pulsing through the Caribbean as the drumbeats of the Garifuna proclaim their unique cultural heritage.
8 The Blue Hole • On Lighthouse Reef, dive the inky depths of the coral-encrusted Blue Hole, an enormous circular cavern 300m across – or fly over it in a light plane or helicopter.
9 The Museum of Belize • This museum boasts excellent collections of painted Maya ceramics and jade jewellery, and a visit here is one of Belize City's highlights.
10 Water sports off Caye Caulker • A supremely relaxing way to spend the day is to take one of many sailing trips available from this laid-back island; for an adrenaline-charged alternative, try windsurfing.
11 Caves • Belize boasts countless spectacular caves, among them those at Barton Creek and Río Frio. Many are partly filled with water and hold Maya artifacts that haven't seen daylight for centuries.
12 The Belize Zoo • Enjoy very close encounters with the animals and birds of Central America at this charming and well-run little zoo.
13 San Ignacio • San Ignacio, the adventure centre of western Belize, also has the best market in the country.
14 Placencia • This relaxed, southern fishing village, home to the narrowest street in the world, is renowned for the unmatched beauty of its beaches.
15 Lobster-Fest • Placencia and Caye Caulker celebrate the opening of the lobster season in June and July, respectively, with a weekend-long festival featuring music and dancing – and of course sampling the catch.