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.

The tiny country of Belize proves that great things come in small packages. Boasting over 180 miles of pristine coral reef, the snorkeling to be found here is world-class. The Belize Barrier Reef stretches the length of the country and is part of the larger Meso American Barrier Reef System that covers the Easter coast of Mexico, Belize, and Honduras. The Belize Barrier Reef is a dynamic and important ecosystem. Read now to know more about snorkeling in Ambergris Caye, here. Five of the best Belize snorkel sites are highlighted below, to make choosing your next snorkel destination even easier.

When travelling, seeking out experiences to engage all 5 senses really helps to soak up all that a destination has to offer.