Choose from 23 Fun Things to Do in Belize
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San Jose Succotz
San Jose Succotz is one of Belize’s small villages in the Cayo District, near the Guatemalan border. This peaceful village lies along the banks of the Mopan River and is best known as the home of the Xunantunich Maya site. El Castillo is the signature temple of Xunantunich, the second tallest structure in Belize. Most travelers visit San Jose Succotz to explore the ancient Maya site, but there is more to this rural Maya village than many people realize.
Belizeans are quick to point out that Succotz is also the home of its championship San Jose Succotz Marching Band. The village also hosts the popular annual Succotz Fair that showcases traditional Maya and Mestizo culture. San Jose Succotz is also home to a number of important medicinal plants utilized in the Maya culture. At least 64 species utilized in over 100 remedies have been identified in the area.
Travelers looking to say in the San Jose Succotz area will find several rustic lodging options, including a hostel with dorms and private rooms. Located within a short distance from San Jose Succotz is Chaa Creek, which has a Natural History Center and Butterfly Farm worth exploring.
Other popular sights further out from Succotz include Cahal Pech, San Ignacio and Santa Elena House of Culture, and San Ignacio Hotel’s Green Iguana Exhibit. The Cayo District is considered Belize’s cultural center, and there are countless natural and historical recreational activities easily accessible.
Practical Info
San Ignacio is the main town in the Cayo District, with San Jose Succotz being a more remote village area. You are away from downtown and a majority of the frequented restaurants and shops, so it is important to factor transportation into your travel budget if you choose to stay in San Jose Succotz itself. When visiting sites like Xunantunich, it is advisable to bring bug spray, sunblock, water, and lightweight clothes that will cover both your arms and legs. You can hike El Castillo at Xunantunich so wear appropriate shoes.
Address: San Jose Succotz, Belize
From $ 60
Lamanai
Meaning "submerged crocodile" in Yucatan Mayan, Lamanai is perhaps the most mysterious Maya site in Belize, because it is not yet completely uncovered. See history in the making as you visit the excavation site, where some temples still remain buried underground. Exposed structures that rise from the jungle floor offer plenty to explore.
The Basics
Lamanai consists of ceremonial pyramids, open-air plazas, a ball court, and other remnants of an ancient Maya civilization. Most tours of the archaeological complex start at the on-site museum to learn about the history of the Maya civilization before heading to the Jaguar Temple, part of which is carved into the shape of the jungle cat. Squint hard enough and you might be able to spot it.
Next is the High Temple, which rises above the treetops and offers panoramic views from its summit. Finally, visit the Mask Temple, which is adorned with a 13-foot (4-meter) limestone mask of an ancient Maya king. Much of Lamanai still remains concealed under dense jungle growth, with the restoration and evacuation of the site focused on these three large structures.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Nature lovers will enjoy spotting exotic birds and howler monkeys at the archaeological site.
- The High Temple features a wooden staircase that winds around the back of the pyramid, making it easier to climb to the top.
- Many tours combine a trip to the ruins with a riverboat ride along New River, providing more opportunities to spot local wildlife.
How to Get There
From Belize City, you can hop a bus from the local station to Orange Walk. From there, you’ll need to grab a taxi because Lamanai is located about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from the town of Orange Walk. An easier option: Tours from Belize City offer transportation directly to the site or to the New River in Orange Walk, where you’ll take an hourlong boat ride up to Lamanai.
When to Get There
Lamanai is open from 8am to 5pm daily. When cruise ships dock in Belize City, Lamanai can get crowded, so check the schedule and plan accordingly if your dates are flexible. Keep in mind that the rainy season (typically from June to November) may interfere with the riverboat ride. Late November to mid-April is dry season in Belize, and that’s when you’ll experience the most pleasant weather.
Altun Ha
Another Maya archaeological site in Belize, Altun Ha is located a little more than two hours away from Lamanai and is divided into Plaza A and Plaza B. In Plaza B, the Temple of Masonry Altar is believed to have been the main religious center of the civilization. It’s also home to a giant piece of jade carved into the shape of the head of the Maya sun god Kinich Ahau.
Address: Belize
From $ 100
Altun Ha
Altun Ha, site of the ruins of an ancient Mayan city, covers about 3 square miles (8 square kilometers) of Belizean countryside. The central area has more than 500 historic structures, mostly built during the Maya Classic era (AD 200 to 900). Join a private or group tour to learn how the city’s 10,000 inhabitants lived.
The Basics
Located about 31 miles (50 kilometers) north of Belize City, Altun Ha is divided into two main clusters, Plaza A and Plaza B, each with its own special attractions. Plaza A features the mysterious Temple of the Green Tomb, where jade, jewelry, flints, and other artifacts were found.
Plaza B is home to the biggest structure on the site, the Temple of Masonry Altar, which rises more than 60 feet (18 meters) above the plaza. Thought to be the main religious center of the civilization, the temple houses the famous head of Kinich Ahau: a 10-pound (5-kilogram) jade stone carved into the head of the Mayan sun god; this national treasure is depicted on the local currency. Guided tours are available from Belize City, and many combine a trip to the ruins with other nearby attractions and activities.
Things to Know Before You Go
- No one is allowed to climb the steps of the actual ruins, but there is a walkway to reach the top.
- Remember to bring insect repellent and water.
- Restrooms, souvenirs, and food and drink are available on-site.
How to Get There
Located near Rockstone Pond Village, Altun Ha is very difficult to reach without a car, as the area is not served by public transportation. The easiest way to get there is by joining a tour in Belize City, Crooked Tree, or another nearby city. Visitors can also walk 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the village of Lucky Strike.
When to Get There
Altun Ha does not usually attract large crowds, but it can get very hot, especially in the summer months. To beat the heat, plan to arrive early in the day, or schedule your trip for some time between late November and mid-April; this is Belize’s dry season and its peak season, which means better weather and more tourists. Altun Ha is open from 8am to 5pm daily.
Cave Tubing
After visiting Altun Ha, many guided tours make a stop to go cave tubing in Caves Branch River in Blue Hole National Park. Designed for almost any age and fitness level, the tubing adventure takes you along the river, floating through an underground world filled with enormous chambers and cathedral-sized rooms decorated with crystal formations and stalactites.
Address: Altun Ha, Belize
From $ 94
Shark Ray Alley
Part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley is a zone where an impressive multitude of magnificent stingrays with four-foot wingspans and six-foot nurse sharks congregate every day. As fishermen came to this area of the reef to clean out their catch over the years, nurse sharks and stingrays eventually began to gather regularly in search of the boats and their daily treats. The thrill is to swim in waters surrounded by these beautiful creatures. Shark Ray Alley is often best combined in a snorkel tour of Hol Chan and the Coral Gardens.
Address: Ambergris Caye, Belize
From $ 60
Barton Creek Cave
A unique site among all the Mayan caves in Belize is Barton Creek, a tall river cave that was once used for sacrificial purposes and can be explored only by canoe. The striking features of this site and the adrenaline of touring it are the low stalactite, so low you will have to occasionally bend back into the canoe to avoid getting struck. Over seven miles long, the ride to the very end is well worth it, if seldom done by tour guides, with sightings early on of Mayan ceramics high up on ledges, including human bones and a child’s skull.
Address: San Ignacio, Belize
From $ 125
Belize Zoo
In 1983 Richard Foster came to Belize to film a wildlife documentary. Over a dozen animals used in filming became partly tame by the time shooting wrapped, so Sharon Matola, the American biologist in charge of their care, decided to found the Belize Zoo to give them somewhere to call home.
Today, the Belize Zoo covers 29 acres (11.7 hectares) and is home to more than 150 animals representing 45 species native to the country. Many of the zoo’s residents are rescue animals who have been injured, orphaned or donated from other zoos, and the spacious enclosures make it feel more like a wildlife refuge than a typical zoo.
Among the Belize Zoo’s star tenants are the five species of wild cats native to Belize: jaguar, puma, margay, ocelot and jaguarundi. Other animals in residence include spider monkeys, manatees, scarlet macaws, toucans, tree frogs and boa constrictors. If a half-day visit to the zoo isn’t enough, wildlife-loving visitors can stay the night in the neighboring Belize Zoo Lodge, which has its own nature trails and birdwatching deck.
Practical Info
The entire Belize Zoo is accessible by wheelchair.
Address: Mile 29 Western Highway, Belize City, Belize
Hours: Daily 8:30am-5pm
From $ 125
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Located four miles south from the shores of Ambergris Caye, Hol Chan Marine Reserve is the most visited snorkeling and diving area in Belize. Part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the reserve covers approximately three square miles and is divided into various zones according to marine habitat. The most popular zone is called Hol Chan or “small channel” in Maya -- a 30-foot deep “cut” in the reef where all sorts of marine life have now gathered in one area, making it one giant aquarium. The channel has beautiful live corals and an abundant variety of fish that includes angelfish, turtles, nurse sharks, hog fish, snappers and many other species.
The second most popular zone of the reserve is Shark Ray Alley, a shallower area where nurse sharks and stingrays are plentiful. Grass beds and mangrove areas make up the other zones of the reserve and require a more personalized expert guide -- and while less visited, these areas provide for unique spotting opportunities, including manatees. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is constantly patrolled and visitors are obligated by law to observe its rules, such as no touching or standing on corals. The reserve has an informative and worthwhile Visitors’ Center in town with clear displays of the various marine habitats in Belize.
The second most popular zone of the reserve is Shark Ray Alley, a shallower area where nurse sharks and stingrays are plentiful. Grass beds and mangrove areas make up the other zones of the reserve and require a more personalized expert guide -- and while less visited, these areas provide for unique spotting opportunities, including manatees. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is constantly patrolled and visitors are obligated by law to observe its rules, such as no touching or standing on corals. The reserve has an informative and worthwhile Visitors’ Center in town with clear displays of the various marine habitats in Belize.
Address: Ambergris Caye, Belize
Admission: BZ$20 or US$10
From $ 60
Lighthouse Reef
Lighthouse Reef is an incredible atoll, a coral island encircling a lagoon, in the Caribbean Sea, and was made famous by legendary sea explorer Jacques Cousteau, who rightfully declared it one of the top ten diving locations in the world.
Follow in Cousteau's footsteps by diving in the Great Blue Hole, the underwater sinkhole in the center of the lagoon. Interact with the fauna of the coral reef, including amazing Caribbean reef sharks, Blacktip sharks, barracudas, stingrays, turtles, and hundreds of different fish on a guided or independent dive.
Follow in Cousteau's footsteps by diving in the Great Blue Hole, the underwater sinkhole in the center of the lagoon. Interact with the fauna of the coral reef, including amazing Caribbean reef sharks, Blacktip sharks, barracudas, stingrays, turtles, and hundreds of different fish on a guided or independent dive.
Visit Long Caye, where you can snorkel in the protected lagoons and see the bountiful wildlife, including rare birds, iguanas, and other tropical species. The experience will only be matched by visiting Half Moon Caye, the idyllic island that includes a national park and a bird sanctuary.
You can reach Lighthouse Reef by dive boat or water taxi from Belize City, as well as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Many snorkeling or diving tours have daily excursions to Lighthouse Reef, highlighting the Great Blue Hole.
If you will be snorkeling or diving, be sure to invest in some high quality water shoes, as walking on the coral reefs can be tricky and potentially painful.
For extended visits, look into resorts on Big Northern Caye and other surrounding areas.
Address: Lighthouse Reef, Belize
From $ 420
Community Baboon Sanctuary
The Community Baboon Sanctuary is dedicated to protecting and preserving Belize's black howler monkey population. The 18-square-mile (29-square-kilometer) reserve in the jungle contains about 1,500 monkeys, as well as anteaters, armadillos, iguanas, turtles, deer, and more than 200 different species of birds.
The Basics
Sanctuary visitors, including tour groups and independent travelers, are given tours where guides identify the wildlife and vegetation, and explain the local culture. The on-site visitors' center and natural history museum also provide information about the environment, conservation efforts, and the monkeys themselves. Visitors can follow trails through the forest or take canoe rides on the river to spot black howler monkeys (locally called baboons) and other animals.
Things to Know Before You Go
The entrance fee includes a guided nature walk; most third-party tours cover the fee.
The sanctuary recommends bringing water, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Several tour options are offered, including a night hike, bird tour, and a river canoe tour.
How to Get There
The Community Baboon Sanctuary is located off Boom-Hattieville Road, about 17 miles (27 kilometers) from the village of Hattieville. There are two major buses serving the Belize River Valley area: the McFadzean and Sons Bus leaves from Amara Avenue in Belize City, and the Russells Bus leaves from Euphrates Avenue. Many ours from Belize City include round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
The sanctuary is open Monday to Sunday, from 8am to 5pm. The best time to visit Belize is between late November and mid-April, during the country’s dry season. This is also peak season, so expect to encounter more tourists while enjoying the most pleasant weather.
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
The nearby Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best bird-watching spots in Central America. It’s home to native and migratory birds, as well as the elusive Jabiru stork. The sanctuary’s wetlands are filled with a diverse mix of plants and animals that you can discover by boat or on foot.
Address: Belize
From $ 62
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Established as a reserve in 1944, the over 100,000-acre Mountain Pine Ridge is easily the most breathtaking scenery in all of the Cayo District, if not Belize. The Chiquibul Road will lead you through pine forests, waterfalls, cascading water pools over granite boulders and the Maya Mountains in the distance – it’s a sight to be seen. Touring the area can be done from San Ignacio by car, as there is no public transportation out this way. The road can get fairly difficult in the wet summer season and requires strong knowledge of the area as well as a good dose of patience. There are opportunities for stops showing the varied landscapes of the reserve, including at the Rio on Pools for a fresh water swim or exploring the limestone Rio Frio Cave.
Tours can be either relaxing, with swims and picnics, or bordering on extreme adventure – such as hiking to Thousand Foot Falls, Central America’s largest waterfall. Visits to the Belize’s highest Mayan structure, at the Caracol Archeological Reserve, also require passing through the Mountain Pine Ridge. There are also opportunities to spot the rich wildlife in this area, including tapirs and toucans, though jaguars only come out at night.
Tours can be either relaxing, with swims and picnics, or bordering on extreme adventure – such as hiking to Thousand Foot Falls, Central America’s largest waterfall. Visits to the Belize’s highest Mayan structure, at the Caracol Archeological Reserve, also require passing through the Mountain Pine Ridge. There are also opportunities to spot the rich wildlife in this area, including tapirs and toucans, though jaguars only come out at night.
Address: San Ignacio, Belize
From $ 95
Rio Frio Cave
There’s something ominous and strangely scintillating about approaching the mouth of a cave, where you don’t know exactly what lies within—but for some reason are tempted to explore. At the Rio Frio cave in Belize, the massive, 65 ft. entranceway is as alluring and enticing a cave entrance you’ll find in any jungle. Though the cave is only half a mile long and light filters in from both ends, the mouth of the cave is the largest in Belize and makes for a grandiose entrance. A small river flowing through the cave has created very small beaches, and travelers who visit in drier months can have a picnic or simply relax on a beach inside of a cave. Though the surrounding cliffs are made of limestone, the climbing and rock scrambling surrounding the cave are additional, adventurous draws, as is the network of muddy trails that disappear into the forest. Unlike some of the other caves that are found in western Belize, access is via a three-minute walk from a large, accessible parking lot. This is a popular stop between San Ignacio and the Mayan ruins at Caracol, and a scenic, silent—and somewhat scary—place for stretching your legs.
Practical Info
Rio Frio Cave is in Cayo District in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. It’s a popular stop of many tour companies on the way to the Caracol ruins, and despite the fact it’s an enormous cave, there’s little need to pack a flashlight since sun filters in from both ends. Ideally situated at a halfway point, the cave is located about an hour from San Ignacio and an hour from the Caracol ruins.
Address: Cayo, Belize
From $ 100
Mayflower Bocawina National Park
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the natural landscapes, stunning waterfalls, indigenous wildlife and numerous bird species that make Belize’s Mayflower Bocawina National Park a Central American destination. Visitors to this tropical gem can navigate well-marked trails through dense forests in search of rare and colorful birds or take a dip in one of the swimming holes filled with clear blue waters from rushing falls. Mayflower Bocawina is also home to a handful of ancient Mayan ruins, including Mayflower Plaza and the Maintzunun temple mound, making it a perfect stop for history lovers.
The park offers plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors and travelers will find several well-kept camping areas throughout Mayflower. Those who prefer a touch of luxury over truly roughing it can find accommodation just beyond the park in Placencia, Hopkins and Dangriga.
Practical Info
The park is located in the Stann Creek District of Belize, off a mile six of the Southern Highway. Entrance fee is $10 BZ ($5 US) per person.
Address: Stann Creek, Belize
Admission: $10 BZ ($5 US)
From $ 78
Actun Tunichil Muknal
The Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Stone Sepulchre) is the most well known cave in Cayo and the most popular tour just outside of San Ignacio: the entire experience is an Indiana Jones type of adventure, where youâll wonder if you will make it in and back out. Reaching the best parts of the once sacrificial cave requires hiking through a rainforest for an hour and a half, crossing three rivers on foot, swimming through parts of the cave and even going up a narrow ladder to reach the deeper, darker chambers. Efforts are rewarded with the sight of the âCrystal Maidenâ--the skeleton of a young female, fully preserved from thousands of years ago. Along the hike there are also ancient ceramics to see, and youâll leave with a definite sense that the Maya came before you thousands of years ago.
Address: San Ignacio, Belize
From $ 100
Government House
Government House, also known as the House of Culture, is often called the most beautiful colonial building in Belize City. The stately mansion was built in 1812 for the purpose of housing the colonial government of British Honduras, but was later turned into a residence for the Queen’s representative in independent Belize, the Governor General. Today, it is a creative community center to show off one of the country’s most important historical and political landmarks and provide space for a variety of events. It hosts colorful art exhibitions, music festivals, concerts, galleries, an open air theatre and is often used as a backdrop for weddings and other social functions.
It was here where lavish celebrations for dignitaries and the Mosquito Kings were held and where the Union Jack was lowered and the Belize flag was raised in 1981 upon independence. Of course, the building has since undergone several renovations, but the colonial charm has never been lost. Visitors can still admire polished silverware once used in the banquets, rich mahogany, antique musical instruments and lots of period art and furniture. Outside in the grassy gardens, cannons flank the front doors and Baron Bliss’ tender, the Sea King, shows off the skills of Belizean shipwrights. The surrounding vegetation has also become a favorite for birders and many indigenous species as well as migratory birds can be observed.
Practical Info
Government House is located at the southern end of Regent Street in downtown Belize City and can be visited Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.
Address: Regent Street, Belize City, Belize
From $ 125
Big Rock Falls (Rio on Pools)
Big Rock Falls is a large waterfall located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve that attracts a number of visitors who enjoy swimming and cliff jumping.
Part of the Vaca Plateau, the falls can be reached via a short, but somewhat difficult, 15-minute hike. The trek is pretty much straight down and includes a fairly steep section with a not so sturdy railing and a rope to hold on to and aid in the climb down. Once at the water level, you must walk over slippery, uneven slabs of granite rock. The deep emerald pools are perfect for swimming or cliff jumping, and the water is very deep so there is little risk of hitting the bottom when jumping in.
Getting to Big Rock Falls from San Ignacio can be an adventure in itself. The drive is approximately 13 miles over unpaved roads throughout Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve with scenic views.
Practical Info
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is part of the Cayo District and includes the Privassion River. The trail to reach Big Rock Falls is about 300 yards and the climb down into the gorge is about 130 feet. If you plan to get wet at Big Rock Falls, bring a change of dry clothes, bug spray, and sunblock. You should be in moderate physical shape to hike down to Big Rock Falls. Those uncomfortable with uneven terrain may want to skip Big Rock Falls as well and check out Rio On Pools.
Address: Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Cayo, Belize
From $ 115
Cahal Pech Maya Site & Museum (Cahal Pech)
Located just a mile from the town center, Cahal Pech is a small but significant archeological reserve that can be visited in a couple of hours. The site, settled around 1,000 BC and abandoned in 800 AD, includes plazas, ball courts, an altar and even a royal burial chamber. It is believed that an elite Mayan ruling family once resided here. There is a comprehensive museum before reaching the site, with detailed information on Cahal Pech, Maya history and way of life.
Address: San Ignacio, Belize
Admission: US$5
From $ 85
Caye Caulker
Home of the motto "Go slow," Caye Caulker is a prime Caribbean island with a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful ocean and excellent oceanfront restaurants and bars that make it one of the best places to visit in Belize.
In addition to lounging on the docks, the most popular Caye Caulker activities are snorkeling and diving. Explore the beautiful reefs either independently or with one of the many excellent tour groups. Most tour companies offer both half-day and full-day snorkeling tours, highlighting the Coral Garden, Shark and Ray Alley and the local reef.
Another way to get to know the local sea creatures of Caye Caulker is by visiting the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, an incredible manatee reserve. If you'd rather spend time on the water instead of in the water, look into renting a sea kayak and get incredible views of the coastline as well as the mangrove forest. The forest reserve covers about 100 acres of the island and is perfect for bird-watchers.
Practical Info
The easiest way to get to Caye Caulker is by water taxi out of Belize City. The ride takes about 45 minutes and then continues on to San Pedro. Taxis leave daily very frequently, and round-trip tickets are available. As for getting around Caye Caulker, walking is the way to go. There are only three streets on the island: Front Street, Middle Street and Back Street, Front Street being the main street for restaurants and other businesses. Very few cars are allowed on the island, but you can rent a golf cart or a bicycle to get around.
Address: Caye Caulker, Belize
From $ 110
Crystal Cave (Mountain Cow Cave)
Crystal Cave, also known as Mountain Cow Cave, is located within the Blue Hole National Park near Belmopan, Belize’s capital city. To get to Crystal Cave, you may have to start with a moderately challenging, 50-minute hike through lush rain forest and steep terrain. Depending on your entrance point, you then descend by rope for 15 feet to drop into the mouth of the cave.
Ancient Mayans believed this to be the domain of their gods, earning it the name of Xibalba. Mayans said this is the portal between the tangible human world and the invisible world of the gods. Sacred rituals and important ceremonies were once performed here, and visitors today will see remnants such as ceremonial bowls, pots, and even skeletal remains from sacrificial victims.
Crystal Cave is also full of natural wonders including unique rock formations, massive stalagmites and crystal clusters, a major attraction. The calcite formations cover the floors, walls, and ceiling of Crystal Cave. Some tours include the opportunity to explore Crystal Cave in the water, as you can embark on a refreshing cave tubing journey as you meander along the waters of Xibalba and through an impressive Gothic chamber with hidden pottery dating back to 300 AD.
Practical Info
Visitors to Crystal Cave should be in moderate physical health and able to withstand a lengthy hike over varying inclines. Crystal Cave may not be for travelers who have a fear of dark and tight passages. Bring bug spray, sunblock, and a change of dry clothes, as you may get wet.
Address: Blue Hole National Park, Belmopan 5012, Belize
From $ 110
Caves Branch Outpost
About an hour outside of Belize City, Caves Branch Outpost has become the adventure capital of Belize. Perched on the Caves Branch River, the outpost offers a range of outdoor adventure activities, including cave tubing, kayaking, horseback riding, zip lining, rock climbing and rappelling.
One of the most popular and unique activities, cave tubing, sends visitors floating on inner tubes through ancient caves filled with stalagmites, stalagtites and other crystalline cave formations. This subterranean exploration is best combined with a bird’s-eye view; Caves Branch Outpost’s Zipride experience comprises a zip line course that zigzags above the tropical canopy
The Caves Branch Outpost also houses a cafe, gift shop and security lockers where guests can store their belongings while out on adventures.
Practical Info
Make the most of your time at Caves Branch Outpost by booking a combination tour, which includes two adventure activities and lunch.
Address: Mile 41 1/2 Hummingbird Hwy, Belmopan, Belize
From $ 54
Blue Hole National Park
Belize’s Blue Hole National Park (officially St Herman’s Blue Hole National Park) sits near the capital city of Belmopan and is home to two cave systems (Crystal and St. Herman’s), along with nature trails and the jungle pool that gives rise to the park’s official name.
The caves are the main attractions in the park, with the cave and hole connected by an underground stream. The Blue Hole pool was formed by an underground limestone cave that collapsed, creating the sapphire blue pool at the bottom of the cenote. Visitors also typically visit Crystal Cave, also called Mountain Cow Cave, which can be seen on a guided tours through the Mayan underworld known as Xibalba.
The park has a series of small trails, many of which are good for birding, as the forest canopy is low-lying. Birds spotted in the region include jacamars, blue-crowned motmots, scarlet-rumped tanager, nightingale wren and the long-tailed hermit hummingbird.
Practical Info
St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park is just off Hummingbird Highway, about 12 miles southeast of Belmopan. There are two entrances. If you enter at St. Herman’s Cave, there are trailheads, picnic facilities and a visitor center and gift shop. The other entrance is close to the Blue Hole pool and also has a small picnic area. As you may get wet, it’s recommended to bring a change of dry clothes. Pack sunblock and bug spray as well.
Address: Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan, Belize
From $ 110