Belize

Get inspired by our tours across Belize

Belize is located between Guatemala and Mexico and is approximately half the size of the Netherlands. A tour of Belize means a journey through a country full of diversity. Enjoy the idyllic islands and the azure blue sea on the Caribbean coast. Discover the enchanting underwater world and the famous Great Blue Hole. Inland, discover the pristine rainforests and the fascinating secrets of the Maya. In short, the country is a tropical gem with a combination of culture and nature.

Why visit Belize?

Idyllic islands
Maya ruins & archeological sites
Colorful coral reefs
Pristine rainforests
Laid back Caribbean atmosphere
Small country with short travel distances

Photo impression of Belize

What makes travelling through Belize unique?

Diving paradise: The Great Blue Hole
Second largest barrier reef in the world
Only English-speaking country in Latin America
Ancient Mayan cities undiscovered by the masses

Areas in our tours through Belize

Belize is in terms of surface area about half the size of the Netherlands. The country is divided into six districts. For each district, an explanation follows regarding the most important places, nature reserves, and sights.

Districts of Belize

1. Belize District
2. Corozal District
3. Orange Walk District
4. Cayo District
5. Stann Creek District
6. Toledo District

1. Belize District

Your trip through Belize usually starts in the Belize District, located in the east of the country. The capital of this district is Belize City, which is also the largest city of the country. This district also includes the islands off the coast, such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. In this district you will also find the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, the Belize Zoo, and the Mayan ruins of Altun Ha.

Belize City and surroundings

You will arrive at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport on an international flight. The airport is located about a twenty-minute drive from Belize City. Belize City is generally not a safe city to stay in. Unico Travel recommends travelling on immediately upon arrival to Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. Another option is to stay overnight in a small-scale bed and breakfast in a safe neighborhood, or in a hotel by the rivier near the airport.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary covers over 36,000 hectares and consists of wetlands, savannas, lagoons, and creeks. It is home to various migratory and local bird species. Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary features shallow waters, which are important for wetland birds, including the Jabiru Stork, the largest flying bird in the Americas. More than 330 different bird species live in the area. Additionally, you can see iguanas, crocodiles, howler monkeys, and turtles there.

Ambergris Caye

You can easily travel to Ambergris Caye by water taxi or by domestic flight. Ambergris Caye is the largest island off the coast of Belize and has a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere. San Pedro is the only place on the island with so many restaurants, bars, and shops. Did you know that Madonna’s La Isla Bonita is about San Pedro? Bicycles and golf carts are available for rent to explore on the island. Additionally, from Ambergris Caye, you can explore the underwater world of the Great Blue Hole, and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. You also have the opportunity to snorkel with nurse sharks at Shark Ray Alley.

Tip! Fly over the Great Blue Hole by private charter for stunning views.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast of Belize and can be reached by water taxi from Belize City or Ambergris Caye. The island is known for its laid-back atmosphere. The island’s motto is ‘Go Slow’. Discover the island full of swaying palm trees by a crystal-clear sea. Stroll past colorful houses, restaurants and bars. Explore the underwater world of Shark Ray Alley, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and the world-famous Great Blue Hole. Unico Travel recommends starting your trip in a relaxed way on one of the islands.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Hol Chan Marine Reserve is Belize’s oldest marine reserve. The reserve is home to more than 160 species of fish, 40 species of coral, 5 species of sponges, 8 species of algae, 2 species of seagrasses, 3 marine mammals, and 3 species of sea turtles.

– Fish: include groupers, snappers, barracudas, bull sharks, nurse sharks, butterfly fish, stingrays, sea horses, eagle rays and black tip sharks.
– Turtles: loggerhead turtles, green turtles, and loggerhead turtles
– Marine mammals: dolphins and manatees

The reserve covers approximately eight square kilometres and is divided into four zones:

1. Zone A: Reef
2. Zone B: Seagrass beds
3. Zone C: Mangroves
4. Zone D: Shark Ray Alley

The first zone, Zone A, is located just a fifteen-minute boat ride from San Pedro, and a thirty-minute boat ride from Caye Caulker. Watch out for jumping rays and flying fish during the boat trip. Shark Ray Alley is a major site and is frequently visited by tours. Here you have the opportunity to swim with nurse sharks and stingrays.

2. Corozal District

The Corozal District is located in the far north of Belize. The capital of the district is Corozal. Corozal forms the border between Mexico and Belize and was formerly an important place on the Maya trade route.

Shipstern Nature Reserve

Shipstern Nature Reserve is a conservation area in the Corozal District. The reserve consists of mangrove forests, tropical dry forests, and a coral reef just off the coast. It is a biodiversity hotspot due to the many animal and plant species. Over 300 species of birds live there, and you can see monkeys, iguanas, and crocodiles. Additionally, it is also the habitat of the jaguar, manatee, and the endangered Central American tapir. Did you know that Burgers’ Zoo protects this reserve?

3. Orange Walk District

The Orange Walk District is located in the northwest of Belize, on the border with Mexico and Guatemala. The capital of the district is the city of Orange Walk, which it is named after. the district is primarily known for the Mayan city of Lamanai.

Mayan city Lamanai

Lamanai was formerly inhabited by the Maya. To this day, not everything about this remarkable city has been discovered. The ruins are scattered throughout the tropical rainforest, where colorful birds fly by and monkeys swing through the trees. Lamanai is quite difficult to reach, which means it remains very pristine and there are often few other tourists.

Boat safari to Lamanai

Discover the ancient Maya city of Lamanai during your tour of Belize. The way to get there alone is a very unique experience. You will travel by boat for about an hour and a half along the New River, a beautiful journey. You will sail through swamp plains with the jungle in the background. From the boat you can spot crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, turtles, and tropical birds. Along the way you will also see a Mennonite community.

4. Cayo District

The Cayo District is located in western Belize and borders Guatemala. Two rivers flow through the district: the Macal and Mopan rivers. The capital of the district is San Ignacio. The capital city Belmopan, the Mennonite village of Spanish Lookout, and the border village of Benque Viejo del Carmen are also located in this district. The Cayo District is known for its pristine nature, ancient Mayan cities, and adventurous activities. Therefore, overnight stays in this district should not be missed when travelling to Belize.

San Ignacio

San Ignacio is the most famous town in the Cayo District. Discover the local market in San Ignacio. Here, local artisans and farmers from nearby Mennonite villages sell their products. Food items, clothing, spices, and souvenirs are among the items sold.

Also, come face-to-face with endangered green iguanas at San Ignacio Resort Hotel. Here, iguanas are rescued and cared for with the goal of releasing the majority back into the wild.

Adventurous activities

The Cayo District is known for its various adventurous activities. Adventurers can go ziplining, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, tubing, and caving. A unique tour is the ATM (Actun Tunichil Muknal) tour, where you can crawl and swim through the cave with a guide and see Mayan remains and offerings.

Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve

An unpaved road leads through the reserve to the Mayan city of Caracol. This is the largest and most impressive Mayan ruin in Belize. The further you drive, the more the tropical rainforest gives way to vast pine forests, high mountain cliffs, and expansive valleys. Discover the cascading waterfalls and mysterious caves together with an experienced guide. Spot unique bird species and unique animals such as pumas, tapirs, jaguars, and kinkajous.

Also visit the viewpoint of the 488-meter high Thousand Foot Falls, the highest waterfall in Central America. Unico Travel recommends going to Big Rock Falls, for example, if you wish to swim at a waterfall.

Maya cities

The Maya cities are often primarily known from Guatemala and Mexico, but Belize was also once an important country for the Maya. You will find countless Maya cities and ruins in the country, including in the Cayo District. Caracol is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve and is the most remote and most impressive Maya city. You reach the ruins via an unpaved road. Furthermore, discover the Maya city of Cahal Pech, located just a few minutes from the center of San Ignacio.

Other activities

At the Belize Botanic Gardens, you will learn all about the country’s flowers, plants, and trees. Also, discover Belize’s countless butterfly species at a local butterfly farm. Take an evening stroll and look for the animals that come out in the dark!

Staying the night in the Cayo District

There are various accommodation options. You can choose to stay in San Ignacio, but it is more fun to stay in the nearby jungle along the Macal River. Here you will find various eco-lodges where you can enjoy many activities, such as hiking, tubing, and kayaking.

5. Stann Creek District

The Stann Creek District is located in eastern Belize on the Caribbean Sea. The capital of the district is Dangriga. Along the coast lie various small towns and fishing villages, each with its own character, such as Hopkins and Placencia. These places often serve as a starting point for exploring the stunning cayes in the barrier reef. Further inland, discover pristine nature with waterfalls, mountains, and rainforests. A visit to this area is one of the highlights when travelling to Belize.

Hopkins

Hopkins is a small and authentic village consisting of just one dirt road running parallel to the beach. It has a cozy, laid-back atmosphere and is not yet touristic at all. The village is considered the cultural center for Garifuna culture. Take a drum lesson, rent a SUP board, or go kayaking and fishing. There are also various diving and snorkeling tours available, and hiking in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is highly recommended.

Placencia

The Placencia peninsula is located in the southeast of Belize. It is a lovely place to unwind at the end of your journey and enjoy the sandy beaches. Stroll along the colorful Caribbean path past the shops, stalls, restaurants, and bars. Placencia is the ideal place to discover the underwater world of Belize. Explore stunning spots such as South Water Caye and Silk Cayes. Furthermore, from Placencia, you can take a day trip to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary or the Monkey River. In Placencia, you will stay in a luxurious villa or a beach house.

Mayflower Bocawina National Park

Mayflower Bocawina National Park is located in the south of the Stann Creek district. In the park, you can take beautiful walks past various Maya sites and waterfalls. You can also go ziplining and abseiling down a waterfall.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the only official jaguar reserve in the world. Take a walk through the jungle past colorful flowers such as orchids and bromeliads. Also discover the waterfalls, and go tubing. Along the way, you have the chance to see tropical birds and howler monkeys, and with luck, even a tapir. The chances of actually spotting a jaguar is quite small, as these animals are mainly active at night. However, you can go looking for tracks of these impressive animals together with a guide.

6. Toledo District

The Toledo District is located in the south of Belize, on the Caribbean Sea, and the border with Guatemala. It is one of the least visited districts in Belize. You will find pristine rainforests and rivers there. The capital is Punta Gorda.

Culture

Unique to the area is the richness of culture. It is the home of the Garifuna culture. In addition, you will also find Maya culture here. Visit a cacoa farm and learn how chocolate is made. Cocoa is important within Maya culture. Also visit a Kek’chi Maya family where you can see how the Maya lived in the past and how they live to this day. Furthermore, discover the Maya settlements of Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit.

Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda is a relaxed Caribbean fishing village. Visit the local market and see the fishermen with their freshly caught fish. Punta Gorda is the ideal base for exploring the nearby nature.

Rio Blanco National Park

Rio Blanco National Park is a protected nature reserve with abundant flora and fauna. The park consists of mountainous rainforests. In the park, you will also find the Rio Blanco Falls, which are thirty meters wide and six meters high.

Caves

In the Toledo district, there are various caves that you can walk through with a guide. Discover, for example, the Hokeb Ha Cave, the Tiger Cave, and the Laguna Cave.

Monkey River

It is highly recommended to take a boat trip to the Monkey River from Punta Gorda or Placencia. Along the way, it is possible to spot tropical birds, butterflies, crocodiles, iguanas, howler monkeys, and with luck, even manatees! A fun experience during your trip through Belize!

Transportation during your trip through Belize

Transportation in Belize is incredibly diverse. During your trip, you will therefore often travel using various transportation methods.

Public transport

The cheapest way to travel in Belize is by bus. There are different types of buses. There are American school buses, and more luxurious buses. Unico Travel advises against travelling by bus. It is much more comfortable, safer, and faster, to travel by private transfer or by rental car.

Water Taxis

It is nice to start your trip of Belize at Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. These islands can be reached from Belize City by water taxi. It takes about 45 minutes to sail to Caye Caulker and an hour and a half to Ambergris Caye. The water taxi’s are covered with a roof.

Private transfers

Unico Travel frequently organizes private transfers for many travellers. The advantage of private transfers is that you receive plenty of information from the driver along the way. The driver also often knows nice restaurants and when to make stops for incredible sights during the journey. They know the roads like no other.

Domestic flights

Domestic flights are widely used in Belize. It is an easy and fast way to travel to a new area. Unico Travel often chooses to fly directly from the south of Belize to the international airport. This saves a lot of time, and it is also a fun way to see Belize. There are also flights to the islands, flying over the azure blue sea and various cayes.

The international airports of Belize are: Belize City Philip SW Goldson International Airport and Belize City Municipal Airport. Local airports can be found in Belize City, Caye Caulker, San Pedro, Corozal, Dangriga, Placencia and Punta Gorda.

Bicycles, golf carts and taxi’s

In many places in Belize it is recommended to explore the area with a golf cart, such as on the islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. You can also often rent bicycles on site, and of course, take taxi’s.

Driving in Belize

Renting a car offers significant added value during your trip to Belize. With your rental car, you can reach places that are inaccessible by public transport. You also save a lot of money by travelling with your own rental car instead of joining an organized tour.

Roads in Belize

Driving itself is quite easy. There are a number of paved main roads that lead you to the north, west, and south. In addition to these paved roads, there are also unpaved roads. You will find these roads mostly inland, in nature, around villages, and at lodges. Therefore, you will need a 4×4 rental car for the unpaved roads.

Eating and Drinking in Belize

Eating in Belize

The food in Belize is a combination of Latin American and Caribbean dishes. Beans and rice are often the main ingredients of a meal. In addition, the various fresh fish dishes are certainly worth trying. Lobster is very popular in Belize (and cheap).

It is also nice to enjoy a barbecue on the beach or on one of the many islands after a day of snorkeling or diving.

Examples of dishes in Belize

• Rice & Beans (rice and beans)
• Stew Chicken (spiced chicken with rice, beans and potatoes)
• Ceviche (fish and seafood marinated in lime juice)
• Tamales (corn dough stuffed with spiced meat in banana leaves)

Drinks in Belize

Fresh fruit juices are widely consumed in Belize. Furthermore, Belikin beer is very popular. This is beer brewed in Belize. Additionally, there are locally brewed rum brands such as One Barrel and Travellers rum.

If you book your journey to Belize with Unico Travel, you will receive restaurant tips for each location. We will also tell you where you should definitely make a stop along the way.

Luxury & exclusive destination

First and foremost, Belize is one of the most luxurious destinations in Latin America. Following a unique itinerary, you will stay on idyllic islands, in pristine rainforests, near Mayan ruins, and on tropical beaches. Stay in comfortable villas, atmospheric eco-lodges, and luxurious beach houses.

Furthermore, Belize is still relatively unknown as a holiday destination, even though the country offers countless possibilities. It is, after all, a fairly small country with short travel distances. This means you do not have to travel every day and can enjoy your journey through Belize without any worries. From Mayan ruins and pristine rainforests to pearly white beaches and a stunning underwater world.

Unique experiences in Belize

• Overnight stay on a private island
• Sailing tour along islands and coral reefs
• Helicopter flight over the Great Blue Hole

Tour Belize with children

Belize is the ideal destination for families. First of all, travel distances are quite short due to the country’s small size. Additonally, the regions are very diverse. For example, you can start on a tropical island and then explore the inland, or vice versa. Finally, conclude the trip on the beach along the Caribbean coast. There are countless activities to enjoy in Belize, such as ziplining, jeep safaris, horseback riding, tubing, and snorkeling.

Unico Travel always selects accommodations suitable for families, such as eco-lodges with a swimming pool and family bungalows. Transportation in Belize is also always diverse, as you can travel to the destinations by boat, water taxi, rental car, or private transfer.

Ancient Mayan Cities

Many travellers only know Mayan cities in Mexico and Guatemala, but Belize also has a rich Mayan history. Spend the night close to the Mayan ruins of Lamanai or at Chan Chich Lodge. Unique to Chan Chich Lodge is its location in the middle of a Mayan ruin. All the hills surrounding the lodge are ancient temples. In addition, you will find a number of important ruins in Belize such as Caracol, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech.

Tropical paradise

People often think of the Maldives and the Caribbean when considering idyllic beaches, paradise islands, and an azure blue sea, but Belize should not be forgotten! The country boasts countless cayes with swaying palm trees, pearly white sandy beaches, and a turquoise sea. Belize is the ideal destination to unwind and enjoy the beach or the pool.

Barrier reef

Belize has the largest barrier reef in the world, after Australia. Consequently, the barrier reef is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Discover the many cayes and the enchanting underwater world. Swim among the colorful coral and countless tropical fish. Spot whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, stingrays, seahorses, sea turtles and manatees. Belize is one of the most beautiful diving destinations in the world.

Culture

Belize has a rich culture. First of all, you will find the Creole culture (descendants of the African slaves). Creoles make up about thirty percent of the population. In addition, there are also several Maya groups who live here. The Maya are split into Yucatec, Mopan and Kekchi descendants and are the original inhabitants of Belize.

Mennonites also live in Belize. It is possible to visit this community. Contact us for more information.

Heidy and Malaika travelled to Belize with Unico Travel and visited this community. “We were picked up by horse and carriage, after which we went to have lunch with a family and were given a tour of the village. It was like going back in time.”

The Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is located off the coast of Belize and near the Lighthouse Reef. This underwater cave has a diameter of about 300 meters and a depth of 124 meters. It looks impressive from the air. The underwater cave has azure blue water on the edge and dark blue water in the middle. Millions of years ago this underwater cave was a limestone cave with tunnels, but the ceiling collapsed around the ice age. Subsequently, the sea level rose and this cave was formed. It is a unique natural phenomenon and is therefore included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Wildlife

Belize is the ideal destination for spotting wildlife. The country is home to countless species of birds, mammals, and fish. Discover the enchanting underwater world with rays, sharks, sea turtles, seahorses, manatees, dolphins, and countless tropical fish. Additionally, spot many bird species, such as toucans, aracaris, hummingbirds, and harpy eagles. In the rainforest, you will see howler monkeys swinging past and iguanas perched high in the trees. Spot crocodiles along the banks during a boat tour.

Combine your trip through Belize with Guatemala

Discover two destinations in one trip! A trip through Belize can be perfectly combined with Guatemala. First, discover the nature and culture of Guatemala. For example, start in Antigua, then travel to Lake Atitlán and fly to Flores to discover the Mayan city of Tikal. Then cross the border and spend the night in the jungle of Belize.

Combine your trip of Belize with Mexico and Guatemala

Discover three destinations in one trip! Discover the ancient history of the Mayans and Zapotecs in Mexico, walk through authentic villages and past meter-high waterfalls. In Guatemala you will discover the impressive Mayan city of Tikal and in Belize you will end your tour at a pearly white sandy beach.

Why travel through Belize with Unico Travel?

Unico Travel thinks along with you while putting together a unique tour through Belize. Every person is different and therefore every journey. Whether you are interested in diving, birding or photography and whether you are travelling with your partner or family, Unico Travel will tailor your trip accordingly. With more than ten years of experience, we know exactly which areas and hotels suit you. In addition to that, we have visited each country ourselves and we know the most unique places. Unico Travel will put together a personalized trip. You will find various sample trips on our website for inspiration, but no trip we organize is the same.

• Personal contact
• More than ten years of experience
• Unique and special places
• Small-scale lodges and boutique hotels

Did you know that?

• More than 600 bird species live in Belize.
• In Belize one pays with the Belizean dollar.
• Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world after Australia.
• The capital of Belize is Belmopan while Belize City is the largest city.
• The barrier reef of Belize is one of the seven underwater wonders of the world.
• The tallest building in Belize is a ruin of about 40 meters high in the Mayan city of Caracol.
• Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize is the only wildlife sanctuary for jaguars in the world.
• More than a quarter of Belize is a protected area. As a result, nature is still untouched in many places.
• In Belize, English is the official language. In addition to English, a part of the population also speaks Spanish and Creole.

11 reasons to make a trip through Belize

1. Paradise islands

Belize is certainly not inferior to the Maldives or the Caribbean. Off the coast of Belize are numerous islands, which are also known as ‘cayes’. The islands of swaying palm trees are surrounded by a turquoise sea and extensive coral reefs. Unico Travel recommends staying overnight on a tropical island at the beginning and end of your Belize tour.

2. Mayan culture and Caribbean atmospheres

When people think of Maya, people often think of Mexico or Guatemala, but what people often don’t know is that Belize was also inhabited by Maya in the past. There used to be more than a million Mayans in Belize. Discover the towns and ruins of Xunantunich, Lamanai, Cahal Pech and Caracol. Unique to Belize is also the Caribbean laidback atmosphere. It reminds me a bit of Jamaica. Everything goes smoothly, no one is in a hurry. On the island of Caye Caulker, the motto is Go Slow. In the villages such as San Pedro and Placencia you will find cosy restaurants, shops and bars.

3. The Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is a diver’s paradise. This impressive natural phenomenon is located just off the coast of Belize. It is an underwater cave with a depth of more than 100 meters and a diameter of more than 300 meters. It is one of the most special diving spots in the world.

4.Wildlife

Belize is home to countless animal species. Underwater in the barrier reef you can see rays, sharks, sea turtles, manatees, dolphins and colorful fish. In the pristine rainforest you can see howler monkeys swing by and iguanas perched high in the trees. The possibilities are endless. Unico Travel is happy to advise you where and when you can spot certain animals.

5. Swimming with whale

sharks With a length of 8 to 15 meters, the whale shark is the largest fish in the world. These impressive animals often swim with their mouths open because of their special gills. They use this to sift the plankton out of the water. In the months of March to June it is possible to dive or snorkel with whale sharks.

6.Snorkelling and Diving

Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world after Australia. The barrier reef is therefore on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Discover the many cayes and the enchanting underwater world. Swim among the colorful coral and countless tropical fish. Spot whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, rays, seahorses, sea turtles and manatees. Belize is one of the most beautiful diving destinations in the world.

7. Untouched nature

Nature in Belize is still completely untouched. Stay overnight in the middle of the tropical rainforest and spot howler monkeys, toucans and iguanas. On a boat safari, see crocodiles along the banks and manatees swimming in the water. Be awakened in the morning by the howler monkeys and the sound of countless tropical birds. Belize also has vast mountains, mangroves and paradise islands.

8. Combine Belize with a trip through Guatemala

Just an hour and a half drive from the border with Belize is the Mayan city of Tikal in Guatemala. Discover this ancient Mayan city with a local guide and experience its history. Tikal is located in the middle of the pristine rainforest, which is also home to countless toucans, howler monkeys, spider monkeys and coatis. Take a day tour to this special Mayan city or spend the night close to the ruins.

 9. Tropical climate

In Belize the temperature is around 27-31 degrees all year round. The amount of rain varies from year to year. Belize actually has two seasons, a rainy and a dry season. The rainy season runs from mid-May to mid-November. The dry season runs from mid-November to mid-May.

10. English as the official Language

Belize is the only country in Latin America where English is the official language. In addition to English, half of the population also speaks Spanish. A part of the population also speaks Creole.

11. Short distances

Belize is about half the size of the Netherlands. It is therefore a fairly small country with short travel distances. This means you don’t have to travel every day and you can enjoy the country carefree. You really experience the holiday feeling in Belize and do not have to pack your suitcase every other day to travel to another area. You often stay several nights in an area.

Extra information and tips about our round trips through Belize