Belize: Places to Go

Eco-Tourism

The Belize Zoo:

It was founded initially to house elderly animals, today it is a rehab center for abandoned pets and abused and injured wildlife. Animals are natured and cared for until they are able to fend for themselves, at which time they are released into the wild or are cared for in as natural an environment as possible.

• Information: Opened daily from 9:30 am - 4:00pm
• Cost $5.00 per person

Five Blues Lake National Park:

This national park is situated in the foothills of the Maya Mountains; it is a 4,000-acre tropical forest that is filled with spectacular wildlife and a magnificent lake. Unlike its name this park has only one lake that is approximately 10 acres and the water runs to over 200 feet deep. This beautiful system of was formed from a fallen cave system, which is called a blue hole.

Other tours:

• Mountain Pine Ridge
• Rio Bravo Mangrove Area
• Blue Hole National Park

Treasures of the Sea Tours: The Blue Hole

• Halfmoon Cave National Monument
• Shark Ray Alley
• Laughing Bud Cave National Park

The Maya Mystique

Altun Ha:

The fascinating heritage of the Maya Temples and culture is well known on the island. From 1500 B.C the Mayans occupied Belize and left and indelible impact on the islands history and culture. The ruins of this site are situated in the Belize district. This is by far the most excavated of all the sites on the island; it has two plazas and over thirteen temple and structures.

Lamanai:

This is considered to be the largest ceremonial center. It is believed that it is holds the longest occupied period of all the ruins. Within the structure there is a museum of 16th century Spanish Churches and a Sugar Mill that was constructed some time during 1860.

Lubaantun:

Located near San Pedro in the Toledo district it is situated over a watercourse. There is no public transport available to this site, therefore arrangements must be made in advance to tour this site. There is a magnificent history to this ruin as it was built without mortar. The stones were cut and measured to fit each corresponding stone that made it a tight fit.

Other Tours

Northern Belize:

This covers the Orange Walk and Corozal districts and is cities bounded by the Lamanai temples. It consists of Lagoons, rivers and rainforests; it is home to numerous plant and animal life.

Ambergris Caye:

A well known beach and considered the largest of all the cays. It is a fantastic tour for water sport enthusiasts.

Cayo:  Numerous Mayan sites, this 1500 square mile district that encircles the Maya Mountain.

Stann Creek: This trip passes through Dangriga, the home of the Garifuna people. This is a historically rich Mayan community.

Other Destination Sites:

• Southern Belize
• Placencia
• Caye Caulker