Altun Ha Archaeological Site
Altun Ha Archaeological Site Belize
Altun Ha Archaeological Site (Rockstone Pond Village – a half-hour drive (31 miles) north of Belize City,) – this is Belize’s second most visited archaeological site, which takes up 44 acres. The most significant structure in this area is the Sun God Temple (a.k.a. Temple of the Masonry Altars). Another major structure within this area is the Temple of the Green Tomb (called that, since nearly 300 jade artifacts were found when archeologists explored its interior).
Along with these Mayan ruins, visitors can marvel at the wildlife within the area (ranging from bats, to king vultures, olive-throated parakeets, red-legged honey creepers, tapirs, foxes, and armadillos). Visitors must beware of the large crocodiles that inhabit the Mayan water reservoir Admission: $10. For another $10, local guides are available for groups.
Punta Gorda Town
Punta Gorda Town Belize
Punta Gorda Town: Awaiting you at the end of the paved Southern Highway, coastal Punta Gorda is the treasure of Toledo. Streets are peppered with colorful markets selling local produce and vendors marketing household goods. Blending local culture with frequent passers-by on their way to Honduras and Guatemala is said to give Punta Gorda its unique charm.
Toledo District
Toledo District Belize
Toledo District: With nearly 1,700 square miles, this Belize destination speeds the adrenaline rush for veteran eco-tourists. Those who appreciate cultural diversity will embrace this District for its traditional Mopan, Maya and Ketchi farmers, along with a large East Indian population.
This area appeals to travelers seeking an “off-the-beaten-path” adventure. History buffs will marvel at the Maya sites of Lubaatun, Nim li Punit, as well as the caves at Hokeb Ha and Yok Balum and the waterfalls at Rio Blanco. Find the right guide and you can prowl in Tiger Cave, an excellent beginner experience that gives a little taste of the jungle while engaging all your senses.
A well-timed vacation puts you in Toledo for the Deer Dance Festival and might offer a stay with a traditional Maya family. Participate in village hunting rituals, make fresh ground corn tortillas and sample authentic Maya chocolate – the Food of the Gods. There are many exquisite things to do in Belize and Toledo provides many authentic examples.
Placencia
Placencia Belize
Placencia: visitors enjoy Placencia Peninsula for its sun-kissed sand and laidback vibe. All beach vacations here are politely governed by one unwritten rule: “stress” is not allowed.
Placencia gives visitors an opportunity to become one with the only golden-sand beaches and unspoiled beauty on mainland Belize. Along this coast, travelers embrace the charm of a traditional Creole fishing village, coupled with village restaurants, bars and art galleries.
Those going north along the peninsula will find full-service, up-market hotels, resorts, private homes and condominiums with a range of services including spas, and exquisite fine dining. Adventure travelers can quickly connect for excursions of all kinds, including diving and snorkeling excursions, fishing trips, archaeological and rainforest expeditions.
Hopkins
Hopkins Belize
Hopkins: at this laidback, sleepy town, there are distinctive accommodations such as tree houses and grass-roofed villas throughout the area. This destination is also ideal for day adventure honeymoons and family activities like kayaking, windsurfing, diving, snorkeling, sailing or biking. Others are simply content relaxing beside freshwater pools or along the unspoiled beach that lines the town .
Stann Creek
Stann Creek Belize
Stann Creek: Explore Stann Creek’s rich blend of culture and unique adventure. Awe-inspiring views of the majestic Maya Mountains and golden sand beaches mark this district – a perfect blend for you, whether you are an adventure traveler, a family tourist, a honeymoon couple or a beach vacationer. For animal & nature lovers, there’s the world’s only jaguar sanctuaries and venturing along the citrus-grove-adjacent Hummingbird Highway. Many Facebook-worthy photo opportunities can be found here.
Find Stann Creek on a Belize map and you will see it is defined by prominent examples of reef and rainforest. The district offers a gamut of accommodation types from luxury condos to intimate small vintage hotels – and even rainforest campsites for authentic adventure seekers in the family.
Then there’s the laid-back charm of Dangriga, a Garifuna seaside community near Hopkins. Become one with the white-sand beaches of Placencia Village. Soak up the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, among other unspoiled attractions that add natural radiance for your extraordinary beach vacation.
The District’s rich inland environments are perfect destinations for adventure travel with exciting locations like Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Mayflower Bocawina site and Blue Hole National Park. Whether you are on your own, with your family or on an adventure honeymoon, keep your eyes open to experience incredible bird watching. Keep your senses keen to be one with the unspoiled rainforest and scenic waterfalls. Maybe you will spot a jaguar or two.
Southern Belize
Southern Belize
Southern Belize – with its golden sand beaches, the country’s most prominent rainforest and the country’s largest marine reserve destination, Southern Belize is still home to Garifuna, Mopan and Ketchi Maya natives. You can see one of the world’s only jaguar reserves, hear the Garifuna drums and sample tasty handmade Mayan chocolate.
Cayo
Cayo Belize
Cayo: this place is full of winding rivers, majestic waterfalls, mysterious caves and breath-taking mountains that engulf a tiny national capital and grand Maya cities. With surroundings so intimate, you can be one with all these genuine experiences.
Explore the largest district in Belize (home of the capital city of Belmopan), and you will come across numerous eco-tourism adventures. With a massive 880,000 acres of protected land (consisting of nature reserves and national parks), this district is an adventure traveler’s dream. Here, one can explore temples by day and visit nearby beaches of adjoining districts by sunset.
This area’s accommodations range from VIP-level jungle lodges to small resorts and intimate campsites. The lively twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena and the quiet border town of Benque Viejo del Carmen provide glimpses into the lives of the friendly residents. From these towns, one can explore pine forests, clear rivers, rocky plateaus, ceremonial caves, towering mountains, cascading waterfalls and ancient Maya temples.
Western Belize
Western Belize
Western Belize – this part of the country has the twin towns of Santa Elena and San Ignacio, which are part of the Cayo District. This region’s population is a mix of Mestizos and Mennonites of German origins. There are lush forests, unexplored caves and majestic waterfalls. The nation’s capital, Belmopan, along with several ancient Maya cities, can be found here. Since they are relatively close to one another, you can often visit more than one Maya site in a day.
Belize City
Belize City
Belize City: Belize City is melting pot of ethnicities and acts as the country’s cultural and business center, as well as being a gateway for cruise passengers to the country’s endless offering of unique adventures. A tourist destination in itself, Belize City, a port city, offers a combination of cultural and historical centers, colonial architecture and great excursions. Tourists can find eclectic shopping and dining, along with archaeological tours and jungle river adventures in the rainforest.
The largest hotels are found here with conference facilities and professional services, as well as restaurants, bars, nightlife, Belize’s only cruise passenger terminal, the Museum of Belize and numerous historical sites. The country’s offshore islands create day tours for snorkeling, diving and relaxing.
