10 Experiences You Can Only Have in Belize

April 1, 2023
by Belize Hub +

Belize is a fascinating country with a wide variety of interesting destinations for every kind of traveler. Located just a few short hours’ flying time from the United States, Belize is a truly exotic wonderland.

Here are 10 experiences you can only have in Belize:

1 – Search for a Jaguar at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in southeastern Belize, the enormous Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a richly diverse landscape teeming with wildlife, including some of the last indigenous big cats in Central America. Cockscomb Basin is also home to the world’s only dedicate jaguar sanctuary, giving visitors a chance to glimpse this majestic hunter in its native habitat.

2 – Discover ATM, National Geographic’s #1 Sacred Cave in the World

Actun Tunichil Muknal, known as ATM Cave for short, is an enormous underground labyrinth where ancient Maya priests conducted human sacrifices. Undisturbed for millennia, ATM gives visitors an uncensored look into the sacred heart of the ancient Maya civilization.

3 – Experience Local Garifuna Culture

The Garifuna are a unique people, a blend of enslaved Africans and indigenous islanders who have successfully maintained their ancient traditions of language, food, music, and dance. In Belize, visitors have the rare privilege of experiencing this unique culture honored by the United Nations as a masterpiece of the intangible and oral heritage of humanity.

4 – Snorkel and Scuba Dive the Second-largest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere

Close to 25% of all marine species in the ocean’s waters can be found in the Belize Barrier Reef. Stretching for hundreds of miles, the Belize Barrier Reef is a collection of tropical islands and coral atolls teeming with dolphins, sharks, fish, anemones, and sea turtles, making it the ideal place for world-class snorkeling and scuba diving.

5 – Kayak or SUP Around a Belize Atoll

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) are two great ways to experience the beauty of an offshore atoll on your own. Making your way through patch reefs and turquoise lagoons is the perfect method for exploring the Caribbean wonderland of an offshore atoll.

6 – Experience Local Maya Culture

The ancient Maya who built the soaring pyramids and majestic temples across Belize are long gone, but their descendents continue to preserve their ancient heritage, including a deep knowledge of medicinal plants in the jungle, dance, religion, music, and song.

7 – Taste a Variety of Meals From a Plethora of Ethnic Groups

Few countries can compare to Belize’s success as a true melting pot society. Diverse groups such as Lebanese, Chinese, East Indians, European Mennonites, American expats, British, Creole, Garifuna, and Maya have all contributed their unique gastronomic influences to the delicious varieties of food available throughout Belize.

8 – Go Cave Tubing

Combining the relaxation of floating down a river on an innertube with a trip through miles of underground labyrinths replete with stalactites and stalagmites, cave tubing is a truly unique experience that you can only enjoy in Belize.

9 – Stroll and Explore Ancient Maya Cities

Modern-day Belize was once the heartland of the vast Maya Empire that stretched from Mexico to El Salvador. Visitors can now explore enormous cities with gigantic temples like Altun Ha, Xunantunich, and Caracol, some of which remain the biggest and tallest man-made structures in the country.

10 – Immerse Yourself in True and Authentic Ecology and Marine Biology

Scientists have been actively studying the rich diversity of marine life in Belize for many years but continue to discover new species all the time. Just this month, American scientists reported the discovery of a brand-new species of shark that has never been seen before. Belize is the perfect place to immerse yourself in an amazing cornucopia of flying, swimming, crawling, and jumping creatures of every description.

Whether you’re looking for fun in the sun on an offshore island or want to experience the quiet thrill of spotting a jaguar in the wild, there truly is something for everyone in Belize.

Save

Advertisment