The 14 most beautiful places to visit in Belize

Want to spend a holiday in paradise? Go and visit Belize and its most beautiful places that will surely amaze you!

Bordered by the Caribbean Sea, Belize is a country located in Central America and spreading over a little over 22,900 km2. Rich in history and culture, it is a magical place where many ethnic groups are intermingled, and the Mayan remains are numerous and more than impressive.

It is also a natural paradise that will appeal to nature lovers, and you will find both wild forests, jungles, mountains and beaches to lose sight, offering a unique landscape in the world. In addition, there are numerous terrestrial and marine reserves that contain many species, such as dolphins, parrots, jaguars and ocelots.

If you want to know that seeing and visiting in Belize, we have prepared a list of the 14 most beautiful places to see absolutely in this beautiful country of Central America!

1. Xunantunich

The Xunantunich, located near Cahal Pech, near the border between Belize and Guatemala, is a major Mayan site in the region. Discovered in the 19th century, it was largely restored during the 20th century and is now accessible to the public through guided tours.

You can admire the remains of one of the oldest civilizations thanks to the masks, frescoes and sculptures located in the site. When you find yourself at the top of the highest pyramids, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire valley extending over several kilometers in the round. A must when you are staying and visiting Belize!

2. Lamanai

Nestled in the archaeological reserve of New River Lagoon, in the middle of the jungle, Lamanai is one of the most impressive Mayan sites in all of Belize. This site, explored in its entirety in 1970, is available as a boat trip from nearby cities such as Orange Walk Town.

You can admire the imposing and not less magnificent structure of Mayan architecture, but also visit the local museum of discoveries made on the site.

3. Actun Tunichil Muknal

Actun Tunichil Muknal is an ancient Mayan cave, once used as a place of residence. This is the most impressive testimony left by this civilization, but also an incredible place to visit in Belize during your holidays.

Start by enjoying the show offered by the surrounding vegetation and landscape. Then discover vestiges dating more than 1000 years, such as ceramics and paintings, which content the history of the place. Some skeletons probably belonged to people sacrificed for Mayan gods also live in the cave. A real journey in time!

4. The Great Blue Trou

One of the sights to visit at sea near Belize is the Great Blue Trou. Located 80 kilometers from the mainland, near the reef Lighthouse, this circular hole of 300 meters in diameter and more than 124 meters deep is a mystery that attracts many tourists!

Originally, during the last glacial period, it was a completely emerrated limestone cave extending over a few hundred meters at least. However, at the melting of the ice, the entire underground cavities were flooded, causing the cave to collapse.

Today, it is one of the main diving sites in the region, but also the world, and it is possible to get there by boat from one of the ports of Belize.

5. Mountain Pine Ridge Nature Reserve

Mountain Pine Ridge is one of the country’s most important natural reserves, but also one of the places to prefer when you are visiting Belize. With more than 430 km2 of area, the reserve extends over several types of reliefs, although mainly mountainous, and it houses many mammals, such as ocelots or cougars, as well as birds and reptiles of all kinds.

6. The Cockscomb Basin

The Cockscomb Basin is a natural reserve of 350 km2 nestled in the southern part of the country. If it is full of many species of fish, mammals, birds and various plants, it still holds many treasures. Among them, the Maya Mountains and the Tiger Fern Double Waterfall, a beautiful waterfall that makes it dream more than one.

7. South Water Caye Marine Reserve

Known for its very natural environment, it is not surprising to see many marine reserves when you want to visit Belize. Moreover, South Water Caye is a little special: it is a marine reserve of just over 47 hectares, making it the largest of Stann Creek.

Many aquatic species have found refuge there. Explore this marine world during a diving session. Who knows, maybe you'll cross a sea turtle?

8. Belize City

A former capital of the country, Belize City illustrates the historical part of the country. Colonized in the past, it now displays an English style revisited by the traditional Caribbean architecture.

Walk through the streets with British colonial houses and on-board houses. For a cultural break, visit the museums retracing the history of the country or Saint John’s Cathedral. Finally, enjoy a fierce session on the beaches, on the programme: fine sand and fierce!

9. La Réserve du Rio Bravo

If you want to visit Belize in good shape, you can absolutely not miss the nature reserve of Rio Bravo! Because of this, it is the largest natural reserve in the country with more than 390 species of birds, 70 species of mammals and 230 varieties of trees!

Beginning in Belize City, several organizations suggest you explore the reserve.

10. Placencia

Considered one of the most popular places in Belize, Placencia is a peninsula south of Stann Creek. On site, its 30 kilometers of beach seduce visitors. Again, place at the fierce session! On the programme: nest in the shade of coconut trees, refreshing bath and feet in the hot sand... Want some entertainment? Opt for a kayak session at sea, learn surfing or try waterskiing!

11. Belize Coral Barrier

Inscribed to Unesco World Heritage in 1996, the Belize Coral Barrier is the largest in the world after the Australian coral barrier and is highly appreciated by tourists travelling to Central America to visit Belize.

Long over 300 kilometers long and well preserved despite the many coastal buildings nearby, it enjoys a very varied ecosystem. A total of 106 species of coral and 500 varieties of fish, just over 25% of the world's marine biodiversity is waiting for you!

12. Hopkins

Hopkins is a small coastal village located near the Cockscomb basin. Reculated from the rest of the country and pretending to be left out of time, this village is mainly composed of fishermen and farmers. This is a place to visit if you go to the region! Enjoy a small stay to immerse yourself in local life and meet the inhabitants for a rich and memorable experience.

13. The Maya Mountains

At the border of Belize and Guatemala are the not less well known Mont Maya, famous mountain range famous all over the world. A privileged place for hiking, it has two well-known summits in Belize: the Doyle’s Delight at 1124 meters above sea level, and the peak Victoria at 1120 meters above sea level.

You can admire the surrounding flora and fauna, enjoy a breathtaking view of the mountain range and the valley, but also visit several Mayan archaeological sites in the region.

14. Jaguar Paw Cave

Known for tourists coming to visit Belize, the Jaguar Paw Cave is a magnificent place where are organized many special visits through the cave pipes, but you can also, if you want to get your adrenaline up for a few additional moments, make zipline, this one just outside the cave.

And if you’re not a fan of strong sensations or don’t want to enter the depths of the cave, then you can also enjoy the extent of water outside the cave to swim.