Belize

Nestled among forests and rivers, San Ignacio was once a stronghold of Mayan resistance against Spanish rule. In 1641, Mayan priests famously mocked the Catholic Mass to provoke missionaries. Later, the city welcomed British loggers who defied Spanish authority. Today, San Ignacio retains its independent spirit and laidback charm.

Float through sacred Mayan caves on an inner tube, admiring stunning rock formations and ancient artifacts as you drift along underground rivers. Then, soar through the rainforest canopy on bridges and cables surrounded by vibrant wildlife. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply.

Explore six plazas and more than 26 temples and palaces in this ancient Mayan city. Stand at the steps of El Castillo, the largest pyramid and second tallest structure in Belize, and see if you can spot the legendary “stone woman” with fiery red eyes who is said to haunt the site. Climb to the top of the village for a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, you can even see the border between Belize and Guatemala.

Journey to Big Rock Falls, hidden in the heart of Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Hike scenic forest trails surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic terrain. At the end of the trail, a stunning waterfall plunges into a clear pool, perfect for swimming, relaxing, and taking in Belize’s natural beauty.

Explore this 29-acre zoo for a chance to see native Belizean animals such as jaguars, ocelots, iguanas, and more. Learn about the zoo’s mission to raise awareness and share knowledge about Belize’s wildlife as you visit each animal in its natural habitat.

Belize’s dazzling coral reef, the largest in the Western Hemisphere, stretches along the coastline, creating calm, protected waters around the country’s cayes, or small coastal islands. The largest of these islands, Ambergris Caye, is also the most beautiful, known for its laidback Caribbean vibe and stunning sandy beaches.

The Reserve cuts through the coral reef and extends to the mangrove forest along the shore, offering a unique cross-section of three ocean habitats. The mangroves act as nurseries for young fish, the seagrass between the trees and the ocean provides food, and the coral reef is home to a wide variety of sea creatures. In Shark Alley, friendly rays and nurse sharks glide through the clear water.

Visit one of the most stunning private beaches in Belize and enjoy some relaxing free time. This beach is regularly cleaned and located on the west coast of Ambergris Caye, an area not affected by sargassum seaweed.

This coral patch lies between the reef and the shores of Ambergris Caye, offering a vibrant snorkeling experience. The area is known for its impressive boulder formations of Brain Coral, Elkhorn Coral, and Great Star Coral, which provide shelter for tropical fish and other marine life. You may spot spiny lobsters, yellowtail snappers, stingrays, and even a cave-like path filled with hundreds of baby snappers watching as you glide overhead.