Location: 17.5046° N, 88.1962° W
Population: 57,169 (2010)
Notable for: Being Belize’s historical capital
How to get there: Fly in to Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport
What to see: Beautiful colonial houses, Swing Bridge, Haulover Creek
Go there for: Cultural attractions
The largest city in Belize was once its capital, but the capital was relocated to the planned city of Belmopan in the 1970s following flooding and other damage caused by a hurricane. The cultural center of the nation is well worth a visit.
Location: 16.8535° N, 88.2814° W
Population: 1,000
Notable for: Being the cultural center of the Garifuna people
How to get there: By bus from Belize City, via Dangriga
What to see: The drum shows on Garifuna Day
Go there for: The beaches
Lying south of the town of Dangriga, Hopkins is best-known as being the cultural center of the Garifuna people, which are the descendants of African, Island Carib and Arawak people. It’s a great place to learn about the unique Garifuna culture.
Location: 16.7162° N, 88.6608° W
Population: Wildlife reserve
Notable for: Being one of the world’s premier conservation sites for jaguars
How to get there: Hire a motorbike or car in Hopkins
What to see: The waterfalls and wildlife
Climate: Monsoon (wet season runs from May to January, dry season from February to April)
Go there for: Plant-spotting, bird-watching, and hiking
This nature reserve is one of the biggest of its kind in Belize, and is home to 60 of the nation’s 700-strong jaguar population. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll see one on a visit, but the beautiful scenery and outstanding wildlife definitely won’t leave you disappointed.
Location: 16.8983° N, 88.0617° W
Population: 20
Notable for: Being completely rebuilt after 1998’s Hurricane Mitch.
How to get there: Take a 30-minute boat ride from Dangriga
What to see: The locals going about their business, beautiful sunrises and sunsets
Go there for: Swimming, snorkeling, and catching some rays
Some 10 miles of the coast of Dangriga, Tobacco Caye is a small island that is a favorite with shore divers. You can choose from six different modest lodges to stay on the island as you watch the small population of locals go about their day.
Location: 17.1523° N, 89.0800° W
Population: 17,878 (2010)
Notable for: An abundance of Mayan ruins to explore
How to get there: Fly in to Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport and get an airport transfer
What to see: Actun Tunichil Muknal (an ancient Mayan sacrificial burial site), and Barton Creek Cave
Go there for: A taste of Ancient Mayan civilization
San Ignacio is located some 22 miles from the Belizean capital, and is particularly notable for its friendly, relaxed atmosphere, pleasant climate and proximity to numerous ancient Mayan ruins.
Location: 18.0016° N, 87.9433° W
Population: 15,000-20,000
Notable for: Being Belize’s largest island
How to get there: Fly in via Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport on local airlines Maya Island Air or Tropic Air
What to see: The stunning marine life
Go there for: Swimming, snorkeling, and Wahoo’s Lounge
This dreamy, tropical place has sandy, white beaches for you to enjoy, together with world-class accommodation and amazing dining experiences. The primary method of transportation is by golf cart, and be sure to have a flowery shirt and a pair of flip-flops handy for the ultimate Caribbean experience.
Location: 16.5212° N, 88.3713° W
Population: 1,500
Notable for: Being a superb place for outdoor activities.
How to get there: Fly in via Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport on local airlines Maya Island Air or Tropic Air
What to see: All the stunning cayes surrounding the village
Go there for: Jungle tours, kayaking, snorkeling, and fly fishing
If you’re an outdoorsy type, you’ll love Placencia. Some of the activities you can enjoy there include kayaking or canoeing in the wetlands and wildlife spotting – it’s a great place to see manatees, dolphins, crocodiles and birds. Also head to Placencia village to take a look around The Sidewalk, a pedestrian path lined with shops, bars and restaurants.
Location: 16.7631° N, 89.1178° W
Population: Archeological site
Notable for: Being the largest Ancient Mayan ruin in Belize
How to get there: Take a Mayawalk tour from San Ignacio. It costs about $80
What to see: Ruins that are some 3,000 years old
Go there for: Insight into Ancient Mayan culture
High above the Vaca Plateau at some 1,650 feet above sea level, Caracol is the largest Mayan site in all of Belize. In its heyday, it was one of the most important cities in the Mayan world, with a population of more than 150,000. Its golden age took place between the 5th and 10th Centuries, when over 40 of its greatest monuments were built.
Location: 17.7612° N, 88.0277° W
Population: 2,000
Notable for: Coconut farming and fishing
How to get there: Fly into Caye Caulker Airport from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport on local airlines Maya Island Air or Tropic Air. You might have to stop in San Pedro, depending on who’s on the plane with you
What to see: The Forest Reserve, and Caye Caulker Marine Reserve
Go there for: Snorkeling, diving, and kayaking
Caye Caulker is a perfect rest and relaxation spot, especially if you happen to be on a tour of Central America. The little island has an abundance of bars and restaurants, as well as cheap accommodation options. It’s not a major sightseeing center, so come here with the intention of taking it easy.
Location: 17.1856° N, 87.324° W
Population: None
Notable for: Charles Darwin called it the most remarkable reef in the West Indies
How to get there: By boat from Dangriga
What to see: Over 500 species of fish, as well as spectacular coral formations
Go there for: A view of pristine marine life
The Belize Barrier Reef is the world’s second-largest coral reef, after the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. A large portion of it is protected, including seven marine reserves, 450 cayes and three atolls. The world-famous Great Blue Hole is also within easy reach.
Content source: Touropia
Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The rest (including cover) by Deposit Photos.
