Belize may be a small country, but it’s packed with gorgeous natural wonders! After coming back from 11 days in Belize, I couldn’t believe how much fits into this tiny but beautiful place.
Lush jungles, blue waters, Mayan ruins, and sandy beaches. I really think Belize has it all! Here are the 7 best places to see in Belize, and trust me—you won’t want to miss a single one.
1. The Great Blue Hole
If you’ve ever seen a photo of Belize, it was probably of the Great Blue Hole. The Great Blue Hole is a massive 300-meter-wide, 124-meter-deep marine sinkhole off the Belize coast surrounded by coral reefs. It’s one of the most famous diving and snorkeling sites in the world and an incredible sight to behold!
Even if you’re not diving certified, I highly recommend doing a scenic flight over the Great Blue Hole! It’s actually mind-blowing in person. We did a flight with Tropic Air, one of the few companies that operates tour guide-certified flights over the Great Blue Hole, and my jaw was on the floor the whole time.
🛩️ Read more: The Great Blue Hole: Diving, Snorkeling, and Flyover Tours
2. Caracol Ruins
Caracol is Belize’s largest and most impressive Maya site, deep in the Chiquibul Forest. It was once one of the most powerful cities in the entire Maya world, even defeating Tikal—its famous Guatemalan rival—in a major battle in 562 AD. At its peak, Caracol is believed to have housed up to 150,000 people, more than double the population of modern-day Belize City!
The drive to Caracol takes about 2 hours from San Ignacio (through Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve), but I highly recommend having a 4×4 if you’re going to try it. Though the government has been paving the road to Caracol, it’s not completely finished, and there are a lot of rough sections.
3. Tiger Fern Trail, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Known as the world’s first jaguar reserve, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit for nature lovers. The Tiger Fern Trail is the most famous trail in Cockscomb Basin and often called the best trail in Belize!
It’s a moderately difficult 4-mile round-trip hike and a guide is now required to go. It costs about $70 for two people and takes about 3-4 hours round trip. At the end, you’ll reach not just one but two gorgeous waterfalls perfect for diving and swimming! You can hire a guide at the Maya Center located at the entrance to the sanctuary.
🗺️ I cover all these gorgeous sights and more in my ultimate 11-day Belize itinerary and travel guide!
4. Hol Chan Marine Reserve
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is one of Belize’s most prized jewels. It is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef system in the entire world. “Hol Chan” means “little channel” in Maya, referring to the natural channel in the reef.
Because the area is protected—no touching, fishing, or hunting allowed—the crystal-clear waters are just teeming with marine life like coral, sea turtles, eels, nurse sharks, sting rays, and all kinds of multicolored fish. We visited as part of an excursion during our stay at Cayo Espanto and had a wonderful private tour experience.
🤿 Read more: The Aqua Beauty of Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley
5. Bocawina Rainforest
If you’re an adrenaline seeker, Bocawina Rainforest is the place to be. This lush jungle playground offers ziplining, hiking, and waterfall rappelling, with ziplining being the most popular option. The course features the longest zipline in Belize with exhilarating views of the rainforest canopy. It’s great fun!
If you’re up for a challenge, you can also attempt the hike to Antelope Falls: a steep but rewarding 1.5-hour trek leading to a stunning waterfall and panoramic views of the jungle and Caribbean Sea. The hike is demanding, but if you love adventure, it’s absolutely worth it!
6. ATM Cave
The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is one of Belize’s most incredible and sacred archaeological sites. This massive cave system was once used by the ancient Maya for ceremonies and sacrifices. Today, you can explore its winding tunnels and underground rivers, see ancient artifacts, and even spot the famous “Crystal Maiden,” the skeletal remains of a human sacrifice covered in crystals.
No phones, videos, or cameras are allowed inside since a hapless tourist dropped a camera on an ancient skull (thanks, man). Plus, you need to go with a guided tour due to both the cultural significance and physical difficulty of the hike there. Tours do sell out, so book yours well in advance!
7. Big Rock Falls
The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is one of the most gorgeous regions of Belize, filled with pine forests, waterfalls, and breathtaking hikes. One of the most famous sights in Mountain Pine Ridge is Big Rock Falls, which is aptly named!
Big Rocks Falls is a huge and dramatic 150-foot waterfall! The short but steep hike down is totally worth it. The natural swimming hole at the bottom is pretty cold, but perfect for swimming. If you’re feeling brave, you can also try cliff jumping!
Conclusion
Were you wowed by the gorgeous sights of Belize? So was I when we spent over a week exploring everything this country has to offer. The diversity and landscapes are mind-bogglingly beautiful!
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