Droplets of water gather on the ice-cold Belikin beer on the table in front of you as you unwind after an adrenaline-pumping adventure through the jungles of Belize. It’s hard to believe that less than 24 hours ago you were in an airport lounge, while today you explored underwater cave systems, trekked to a hidden Maya city in the rainforest, or encountered the wild creatures that inhabit this captivating country.
Belize, on the northeastern coast of Central America, shares its borders with Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the west and south. It’s home to an abundance of wildlife reserves, diverse flora and fauna, and the most extensive cave system in Central America. On this trip, we’re steering clear of sunbathing and instead chasing seven budget- and eco-friendly escapades that’ll make your palms sweat.
1. Explore a 10,000-year-old collapsed cave system under the sea
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We’d be remiss not to begin with Belize’s most famous tourist draw, the Great Blue Hole. And while renowned underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau dubbed it one of the world’s best dive sites in 1971, there are now myriad ways to explore this unique place. The super picturesque sinkhole is part of an underwater cave system that collapsed some 10,000 years ago and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Yes, the Great Blue Hole is a favorite among divers, but imagine sitting in a tiny six-seater plane flying over the formation and snapping the ultimate selfie. The 1.5-hour trip isn’t suitable for nervous fliers — the aircraft will drop to around 300 feet above the hole, where you almost feel you could skim your fingertips across the deep blue water. You might even spot a hammerhead shark lurking just below the surface.
2. Climb one of the tallest mountains in Belize
Photo: Vladislav T. Jirousek/Shutterstock
Immerse yourself in Belize’s diverse landscapes and unfiltered beauty as you bid farewell to the tourists on the islands and coast and head to the mountainous rainforest of the interior. Visit the country during the dry season, you’ll be able to experience the most challenging hike in Belize and scale one of its tallest mountains: a two-day, thigh-burning climb up Victoria Peak.
Start your hike from the world’s first jaguar preserve, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, before taking on the challenging mountainous terrain to be rewarded with astounding views from above the clouds. Round off the hike with a detour through Mayflower Bocawina National Park, and, if your legs aren’t already exhausted, tackle on the 1.1-mile hike to Antelope Falls. Continue the climb alongside the fall’s multiple tiers until you make it to the deep green swimming hole, where the views across the jungle are absolutely worth the effort to get there.
3. Go spelunking through captivating caverns
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Many of Belize’s cave systems remain unexplored, so spelunking here carries an extra bit of excitement. Thrill-seekers will love squeezing through the tightest crevices and scrambling through caverns filled with crystalline stalactites.
One of the most popular sites for cave exploration in Belize is the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, located in Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. In addition to incredible underground scenery, you might even stumble on Maya skeletons and pottery left behind by the region’s storied civilization. Just remember, this is a sacred place — go with a guide, don’t touch any artifacts you happen to come across, and there’s a strict no-camera policy.
4. Journey to historic Maya sites
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At its height a millennium or more ago, the city of Xunantunich was home to around 200,000 people. The first historic Maya site opened to the public, it sits about half a mile from the border with Guatemala and makes for an excellent destination for a trek on horseback. Choose your four-legged friend and follow the banks of the Mopan River, through the jungles of San Jose Succotz, to the preserved ruins of the city. There are more than 25 Maya temples and palaces hidden deep in this forest. When you reach El Castillo, hike to the top of the 130-foot pyramid, and make sure to look for the carved friezes on the east and west sides.
The journeys to Caracol and Lamanai, two of Belize’s largest Maya sites, are just as adventurous. A few hours south from Xunantunich in the Cayo District — specifically, deep in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve — what remains of Caracol’s ancient infrastructure is nothing short of astounding. To get to Lamanai farther north, hop a boat in the town of Orange Walk and cruise up the New River. Once there, you’ll find evidence of a community that existed for more than three millennia — longer than any other settlement in Belize — including a collection of impressive temples.
For a perfect day trip from Belize City, make sure Altun Ha is on your radar. There’s a lot to appreciate at this onetime trading center and Maya ceremonial hub, but its crowning attraction is the Jade Head — a jade carving of the sun god, Kinich Ahau, that stands half a foot tall and weighs nearly 10 pounds.
5. Rappel down a jungle waterfall
Photo: Belize Tourism Board
Belize is home to some pretty spectacular waterfalls, and if you’re looking for a certain kind of rush, nothing beats waterfall rappelling. The aforementioned Antelope Falls in Bocawina National Park is also a popular spot for this adventure. With just a harness holding you steady in the gushing cascade, you’ll descend 250 feet — a truly unique way to experience Belize’s wild side.
6. Float the underworld
Photo: Belize Tourism Board
You’ve explored Belize’s caverns on foot, now take to the water. Some of the country’s caves have rivers flowing through them, and tours allow you to strap on a helmet and headlamp, hop on an inflatable tube, and traverse the dark and mysterious subterranean waterways. In Nohoch Che’en, for example, your guide will fill you in on the cave’s formation and history as you admire the one-of-a-kind natural scenery. Once you’re out the other side, a swim in the refreshing river waters caps this unique adventure.
7. Zipline through the rainforest canopy
Photo: Belize Tourism Board
Imagine soaring through the air on a zipline high above a valley in the beautiful Maya Mountain foothills. With multiple operators to choose from, you’re sure to find a zipline adventure that’s right for you. And if you visit between January and March, you might catch a glimpse of rare scarlet macaws flying at the same height as the ziplines. Just like the other six adventure travel activities on this list, it’s an exhilarating Belize experience you won’t want to miss. 