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Things to Do in Belize

Choose from 23 Fun Things to Do in Belize

Xunantunich

Overlooking the beautiful Mopan River from a stunning hilltop, the ruins at Xunantunich are some of the most visited Mayan sites in the world. Located in the Cayo region, Xunantunich, which means "stone woman" in Mayan, dates back to the Classic Era, about 200-900 AD.

The complex is made up of 6 groups and about 25 different temples and palaces, and is dominated by the astonishing El Castillo, which stands 40m (130ft) tall, and from the top, provides an amazing view of the jungle canopy, the other ruins, and even past the Guatemalan border.

Learn about the incredible history of the Mayan inhabitants, the excavations, and the environment on the site, and stop into the visitors' center for more information.

Getting to Xunantunich can take a little bit of effort, and as the park closes at 4pm, you'll want to get a nice early start on your journey. The easiest way to get there is by bus going toward Benque Viejo del Carmen, letting the driver know where you're wanting to go. The bus will only make the stop upon request, so be sure to inform your driver. When you are dropped off, take a free ride on the hand-cranked ferry to cross the Mopan River, with a quick 1mi (1.6km) walk to the site.

If you're coming from San Ignacio, you can usually find a bus going to the ruins as well. Of course, most of the main cities have organized tours that provide transportation daily.

Belize

From $ 125

St. John's Cathedral

St. John’s Cathedral dates back to the early 1800s and is the oldest Anglican church in Central America. The cathedral, located in Belize City, is not only a place where the congregation still celebrates their faith, but it also has a big historical influence due to its colonial past. When the colonial empires fought over control of what was back then known as British Honduras, the cathedral was built by slave labor over eight years. Painstakingly, with bricks brought on ships all the way from Europe. The façade looks humble, but it just so happens that this little Anglican church is the only place outside of England, where real kings were crowned.

Four kings of the Indian Miskito tribe, which inhabited the Mosquito coast, were coronated with full British ceremonial pomp that rivaled the kingly ceremonies back in London. Of course, the Mosquito Kings were an effort by the British to keep the tribe on their good side and protect power, land and wealth from the rivaling Spanish invaders. The attempt was short-lived, but today you can still delve into some unique royal history and admire the beautiful stained glass windows, the mahogany pews and the antique organ.

Practical Info

St. John’s Cathedral can be found at the intersection of Regent Street and Albert Street, right across the street from the House of Culture. The church can be visited daily from 6am to 6pm.

Intersection of Regent Street and Albert Street, Belize City, Belize

From $ 94

Turneffe Atoll

The largest of three atolls in Belize and the Caribbean as a whole, Turneffe is known for offering some of the best diving in the country, thanks to deep walls filled with marine life. The most famous dive site is The Elbow, a steep drop off inhabited by beautiful eagle rays, snappers and other creatures. The atoll is also a top Caribbean fly-fishing destination, where anglers try to achieve the “Grand Slam”--catching bonefish, tarpon and permit in one day.

While most visitors day-trip to Turneffe, there are options to stay overnight at the couple of resorts on the atoll, including Blackbird Caye Resort and Turneffe Island Lodge or at a research facility on Calabash Caye, known to have a beautiful stretch of beach.

Caye Caulker, Belizze, Belize

From $ 1,650