UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Book Attractions in Advance
Skip the lines at Belize's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, ruins, and experiences across Belize.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
Dive into the second-largest coral reef system, home to diverse marine life and protected mangroves.
UNESCO-listed since 1996, ideal for snorkeling and eco-tours with vibrant underwater ecosystems.
Caracol Archaeological Reserve
Explore ancient Mayan pyramids in the Chiquibul Forest, including the towering Caana structure.
One of Belize's largest Mayan sites, offering guided tours through jungle-covered ruins.
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
Climb El Castillo pyramid for panoramic views over the Mopan River valley.
Well-preserved site with stelae and ball courts, accessible via a hand-cranked ferry.
Lamanai Archaeological Reserve
Discover towering temples amid rainforest, reachable by boat on the New River Lagoon.
Features unique mask carvings and howler monkey habitats for an immersive experience.
Altun Ha Mayan Site
Visit the site of the famous jade head artifact, with restored temples and plazas.
Compact ruins near Belize City, perfect for half-day trips with historical insights.
Half Moon Caye Natural Monument
Protected island within the Barrier Reef, sanctuary for red-footed boobies and corals.
UNESCO component with lighthouse views and exceptional birdwatching opportunities.
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures
Great Blue Hole
Scuba dive into this iconic sinkhole off Lighthouse Reef, a UNESCO natural marvel.
Features dramatic underwater caves and stalactites, best for advanced divers.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Hike trails in the world's first jaguar preserve, with waterfalls and rainforest biodiversity.
Ideal for wildlife spotting including tapirs and exotic birds in a protected reserve.
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Explore granite peaks, pine forests, and hidden pools like Rio On Pools.
Adventure hub for hiking, rappelling, and cooling off in natural rock slides.
Caves Branch River Cave System
Tube or kayak through limestone caves with crystal formations and ancient Mayan artifacts.
Thrilling spelunking experiences amid underground rivers and bioluminescent glows.
Placencia Lagoon
Spot manatees and dolphins on eco-boat tours in this serene coastal wetland.
Relaxed kayaking and fishing opportunities with stunning mangrove ecosystems.
Rio Bravo Conservation Area
Trek through vast rainforests teeming with scarlet macaws and ocelots.
Conservation-focused site for birdwatching and sustainable eco-lodging stays.
Belize by Region
🏛️ Cayo District (Inland)
- Best For: Mayan ruins and jungle adventures with rugged terrain and cultural immersion.
- Key Destinations: San Ignacio, Xunantunich, Caracol, and Barton Creek Cave for historical and natural sites.
- Activities: Ruins tours, cave tubing, zip-lining, and chocolate-making workshops in rural villages.
- Best Time: Dry season (December-April) for hiking, with temperatures 20-30°C and minimal rain.
- Getting There: Rent a car from Belize City for flexible access to remote ruins and trails.
🏙️ Belize District (Central)
- Best For: Urban gateway and northern Mayan sites, blending city vibes with coastal access.
- Key Destinations: Belize City, Altun Ha, Lamanai, and Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Activities: River boat safaris, market visits, street food tastings, and birdwatching excursions.
- Best Time: Year-round, but February-May for drier weather and peak wildlife viewing at 25-32°C.
- Getting There: Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.
🏝️ Cayes & Islands (East)
- Best For: Beach relaxation and marine adventures on the Barrier Reef and cayes.
- Key Destinations: Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Tobacco Caye, and the Great Blue Hole.
- Activities: Snorkeling, diving, sailing, and island-hopping with fresh seafood dining.
- Best Time: Dry season (February-April) for calm seas and sunny days at 25-30°C.
- Getting There: Water taxis from Belize City or private transfers via GetTransfer for island shuttles.
🌴 Southern Belize (Stann Creek & Toledo)
- Best For: Pristine beaches, Garifuna culture, and southern rainforests.
- Key Destinations: Placencia, Hopkins, Dangriga, and Cockscomb Basin for coastal and inland gems.
- Activities: Manatee spotting, cultural drumming sessions, hiking, and beach yoga retreats.
- Best Time: December-April for beach weather, with warm 24-31°C and low humidity.
- Getting There: Buses from Belize City or car rentals for exploring southern villages and lagoons.
Sample Belize Itineraries
🚀 7-Day Belize Highlights
Arrive in Belize City, explore Altun Ha ruins, visit the Image Factory art gallery, and take a river tour to spot wildlife.
Head to San Ignacio for Xunantunich pyramid climbs and cave tubing at Barton Creek, with a night in a jungle lodge.
Ferry to the island for snorkeling on the Barrier Reef, beach relaxation, and sunset golf cart tours in San Pedro.
Morning manatee spotting near Gales Point, final shopping for souvenirs, and departure from the airport.
🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer
Belize City orientation with Lamanai boat tour, Crooked Tree birdwatching, and local Creole cuisine tastings.
Xunantunich and Cahal Pech ruins exploration, zip-lining in the rainforest, and horseback riding to viewpoints.
Full-day Caracol tour with Mayan history, then hike Rio On Pools and visit Big Rock Falls in the reserve.
Placencia for beach time, Cockscomb jaguar sanctuary hikes, and Garifuna cultural experiences in Hopkins.
Snorkel at Tobacco Caye, relax on Caye Caulker, then ferry back to Belize City for departure.
🏙️ 14-Day Complete Belize
Belize City museums, Altun Ha and Lamanai ruins, plus tubing in caves and wildlife sanctuaries.
San Ignacio base for Xunantunich, Caracol deep tour, ATM Cave expedition, and chocolate farm visits.
Placencia beaches, Cockscomb hikes, Mayan Mountains exploration, and Toledo chocolate trails.
Ambergris Caye diving, Caye Caulker relaxation, and a day trip to the Great Blue Hole.
Rio Bravo conservation tour, final beach time in Placencia, and return to Belize City for departure.
Top Activities & Experiences
Barrier Reef Snorkeling & Diving
Explore colorful corals and sea turtles on guided tours from Ambergris Caye or Placencia.
Options for all levels, including night dives to see bioluminescent plankton.
Mayan Ruins Exploration
Tour ancient sites like Caracol and Xunantunich with expert guides sharing historical lore.
Combine with jungle hikes for a full immersion in Belize's pre-Columbian heritage.
Jungle Wildlife Tours
Spot jaguars, monkeys, and birds in Cockscomb Basin or Rio Bravo on guided night walks.
Eco-friendly safaris emphasizing conservation and sustainable tourism practices.
Cave Tubing Adventures
Float through Caves Branch caves on inner tubes, discovering stalactites and Mayan pottery.
Adrenaline-pumping with headlamp explorations and riverside picnics included.
Island Hopping & Sailing
Sail between cayes like Caye Caulker and Glover's Reef for secluded beaches and marine life.
Multi-day charters with fishing, swimming, and stargazing under clear Caribbean skies.
Birdwatching Expeditions
Observe over 500 species in Crooked Tree or Half Moon Caye with binoculars and guides.
Seasonal migrations make it prime for toucans, parrots, and rare jabiru storks.