Belize is a warm and welcoming destination where travelers can relax beside the Caribbean Sea, explore the Belize Barrier Reef, visit ancient Maya sites, and experience the country’s culture and natural beauty.

Tucked away along the Western Highway in the heart of Belize lies one of Central America's most extraordinary wildlife experiences. The Belize Zoo isn't your typical zoo, it's a rescue and rehabilitation center that offers visitors an intimate glimpse into the country's incredible native wildlife. If you're planning a trip to Belize, this 29-acre sanctuary deserves a top spot on your itinerary.

When travelers discover Belize, they find something rare: a destination where world-class diving meets ancient Maya temples, where jungle adventures and Caribbean relaxation exist just hours apart. From Ambergris Caye's sandy shores to mainland rainforests echoing with howler monkey calls, this Central American gem delivers experiences that satisfy every type of adventurer. The diversity of Belize attractions means a single trip can include both swimming with nurse sharks and climbing ancient Maya temples.

Have you ever wondered what connects the magnificent ancient Maya Temples scattered throughout Belize to the vibrant culture that thrives here today? Let's explore the fascinating world of the Maya civilization and discover how their legacy continues to shape modern Belize.

From the tiniest of hummingbirds to the prehistoric-looking Jabiru stork, the flying beak that is the Keel-billed Toucan and the awkwardly graceful Brown Pelican, birds are everywhere in Belize. The tiny country has nearly 600 species of birds on record. The sheer number and diversity of birds present in Belize is reason enough to pause and observe what you can see.

Are you a thrill-seeker? Craving an adrenaline rush, even on vacation? The Black Hole Drop is an adventurous tour in Belize that will leave your heart racing. Located deep in the jungle in the Chiquibul National Park, this tour is not for the faint of heart. Take one part jungle hike, one part rappel, one part rock climb and you end up with this UnBelizeable adventure.

With much of its land still forested and under protected status, Belize has countless hiking opportunities. On the mainland, you can hike in the jungle, scale the tallest peaks in the Maya Mountains, rappel into a sinkhole and walk through howler monkey habitat. There is something for all abilities and interests. The many national parks, cultural monuments, and forest reserves ensure that these natural wonders stay pristine and preserved for future generations. The most popular hikes are highlighted below, with some insider tips to ensure that your hike is the best that it can be.

Step back in time as you explore the Belize Maya ruins on your vacation. The well-preserved sites are open to visitors year-round. The ancient Maya people lived throughout Mexico and Central America, and all over Belize. Modern-day Maya still lives here and are an important part of Belizean culture. In Belize, there are three Maya groups- the Yucatec, Mopan, and Kekchi. The culture and population were at its peak from 600-900A.D., and numerous ruins and important historical sites are still easy to visit today. While the full reason for the decline of the ancient Maya is still being parsed out by archaeologists, evidence points to a combination of overpopulation, deforestation, warfare, drought, and the arrival of Europeans as contributing factors. The Maya civilization was quite advanced and included a detailed and accurate calendar. In addition to the many temples and ceremonial centers to be found at the archaeological sites in Belize, the Maya people placed high ceremonial importance on the cave systems found throughout the country. Pottery, stone tools, and other ritual objects have been found deep within the karst cave formations.

Travelers flock to Belize to enjoy the tropical sun, local cultures and, of course, world-class snorkeling. The Belize Barrier Reef is part of the greater Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which is the largest in this hemisphere. Snorkeling in Ambergris Caye needs no prior experience and is a great place to try it out for the first time. Knowledgeable guides, shallow water, and a bountiful reef make for a great experience no matter your ability level.

Belize vacations are gaining in popularity and making “Travel destinations to see in 2019” lists and it’s easy to see why. Tropical island oases, the largest barrier reef in this hemisphere and large tracts of in-tact jungle offer something for everyone. While the pull of the Caribbean Sea is hard to resist, it’s worth adding a foray onto the mainland for a Belize jungle tour to your bucket list. The best part is, you don’t need to give up that coveted beach vacation to enjoy the many mainland tours that are available. Read our blog post on how to Enjoy Mainland Belize Tours for more on how to navigate the logistics and view the highlighted tours offered while staying on Ambergris Caye. To get a better feel for the types of experiences waiting for you in the jungles of Belize, read on!