The 9 most breathtaking destinations in Belize

If you’re seeking natural marvels from treetops to coastlines, rich culture, and a warm reception, Belize should be at the top of your travel list.

Experience delicious cuisine, stunning nature and wildlife, and lively villages, each with its unique charm.

Thanks to the country’s compact size and ease of navigation, you don’t have to choose between beaches and rainforests, reefs or caves, or festivities and tranquility. In Belize, you can enjoy it all. Here are nine must-see places to explore during your visit.

1. Ambergris Caye

Unmissable destination in Belize

Ambergris Caye is the premier destination for travelers to Belize, with the lively town of San Pedro serving as the vibrant heart of this unique island. This colorful caye offers accommodations ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious, along with classic Caribbean activities such as snorkeling and sailing. Here, you’ll find many of Belize’s finest restaurants, as well as exciting nightlife and shopping options.

Ambergris Caye attracts a diverse array of travelers and serves as an excellent base for experiencing Belize’s water activities.

While day trips to Maya ruins and jungles are possible, it’s recommended to switch to an inland location for those excursions, as travel time can be lengthy otherwise.

Don’t miss out on driving a golf cart to Secret Beach, enjoying fry jacks for breakfast at The Fry Jack House, and sipping rum at Havana Cigars.

When it comes to activities, snorkeling at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is one of the country’s top attractions, but venturing north to Mexico Rocks offers a similarly abundant fish experience with fewer visitors.

Tip for planning: Ambergris Caye features a small airport just a 15-minute flight from Belize’s international airport, and renting a golf cart—the island's iconic mode of transport—is easy from there.

2. San Ignacio

Ultimate hub for outdoor adventures

Adventure awaits in San Ignacio, a bustling town along Belize’s western border that showcases the country's Central American charm, offering waterfalls in place of beaches and cave exploration instead of snorkeling. This area is rich in jungles and terrestrial wildlife.

Nearby, you’ll find several Maya ruins, including Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, along with the renowned ATM cave. San Ignacio serves as a fantastic base for excursions to other coastal destinations.

The local bar and restaurant scene is flourishing, providing plenty of options for enjoyment. Visit Guava Limb Cafe for delicious wood-fired pizza, and be sure to try the breakfast fry jacks at Pop’s Restaurant.

The atmosphere in the town feels authentically local, with tourists primarily noticeable in hotels, making the bars lively spots for anyone looking to connect with Belizeans.

Visit Soul Project beneath Old House Hostel on Wednesday and Friday evenings to enjoy live performances by local musicians and artists.

For those seeking a deep jungle experience, consider a stay at Chaa Creek for a taste of luxury in nature, or venture further into the wild at Black Rock Lodge, a paradise for birdwatchers.

Tip for planning: San Ignacio is the ideal launchpad for travelers aiming to cross into Guatemala to explore Tikal or continue their journey through Central America.

3. Punta Gorda

Top destination for adventures away from the tourist hustle

Punta Gorda is the largest village near Belize’s southern border, a destination that remains largely off the beaten path. It boasts the country’s most dense jungles and a vibrant Maya community.

This area attracts adventure seekers, those who have explored other parts of Belize, and visitors who wish to escape the crowds. Although it’s located by the water, it’s not overly beachy, so you can fill your time with excursions to nearby cayes or exploring local Maya ruins.

Punta Gorda offers a handful of restaurants and bars, along with accommodations. Copal Tree Lodge is a popular choice for those seeking a touch of luxury, featuring spacious hillside rooms and an open-air restaurant that frequently welcomes howler monkeys in the mornings.

Additionally, there’s a rum distillery on-site—be sure to check out how Copalli Rum is crafted.

4. Placencia

Top spot in Belize for beach lovers

The coastline of Southern Belize evokes the charm of Ambergris Caye before it became a tourist hotspot, but today Placencia proudly claims its place as one of the country’s top beach getaways.

Once a quaint fishing village, it has evolved into a luxurious escape featuring beach bars, fine dining, and upscale resorts.

Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn is among the most sought-after places to stay, featuring a design and decor inspired by the filmmaker's vision, along with a curated wine selection. For a more budget-friendly option, Three Iguanas offers comfortable accommodations right in the heart of town.

Popular activities include a boat trip to the Silk Cayes or an inland adventure with DTOURZ to discover the nearby Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, which even provides overnight excursions to enhance your chances of spotting the elusive nocturnal jaguar.

In town, guests can shop along the boardwalk, unwind on the sandy beach, and enjoy a refreshing scoop of gelato from the Italian-owned Tutti Frutti.

5. Ray Caye

Ultimate private island getaway

With countless islands dotting Belize’s coastline, Ray Caye stands out as one of the finest. The Ray Caye resort features modern, immaculate accommodations and an exceptional restaurant.

Guests can opt for an overnight stay or a day visit; however, overnight visitors enjoy access to the entire island, while day visitors are limited to specific areas.

Spending a few days at Ray Caye is a great choice for those wanting to experience the essence of Caribbean island living, offering proximity to the reef that you wouldn’t get by staying on the mainland.

The atmosphere here is incredibly laid-back, allowing you to spend your day lounging in the warm waters. For those seeking adventure, a variety of excursions and activities await, including sailing trips and snorkeling along the island's vibrant reef.

Planning tip: Keep an eye out for yoga weekend retreats, where local instructor Brice Dial hosts a group at Ray Caye for a few days focused on relaxation and mindfulness.

6. Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

Ideal haven for nature enthusiasts

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is located in Cayo, close to San Ignacio, and offers numerous opportunities for those looking to connect with nature.

While it may not boast the towering trees of a rainforest, this distinct ecosystem supports a diverse array of wildlife, including cougars, jaguars, acorn woodpeckers, eastern bluebirds, and various small creatures.

One of the finest accommodations in the area is the luxurious Blancaneaux Lodge, another gem from Francis Ford Coppola. Nestled above a river, the lodge also features a delightful pool for refreshing dips.

Inside the reserve, guests can enjoy a dip at Río on Pools, refresh at Big Rock Falls, or arrange birdwatching and horseback riding excursions. If you venture to the border's edge, you’ll encounter Caracol, a Maya ruin that is still the tallest man-made structure in Belize.

Planning tip: While the main road has been paved for better access, the unpredictable weather typical of tropical regions makes renting a 4WD vehicle the best option for reaching this destination.

7. Hummingbird Highway

Best route for road trippers

The most picturesque road in Belize is the Hummingbird Highway, linking the capital city of Belmopan to the southern villages. This drive winds through lush mountainous forests, past orchards and Mennonite farms, with opportunities to stop for stunning cenotes and some of the finest tamales you'll ever taste along the way.

Be sure to visit St Herman’s Blue Hole National Park for a refreshing swim, and don't miss Ms. Bertha’s Tamales for lunch – her iconic red-and-white stand is conveniently located along the highway in Middlesex.

You can’t overlook it, and every local will point you in its direction – the steady stream of cars around it is a clear sign of its fame.

Since the Hummingbird Highway is ideally positioned between several of Belize’s key attractions, it serves as a perfect base for your adventures – and the accommodations are fantastic.

The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant offers an immersive experience in the rainforest, complete with breathtaking views of the canopy and beyond. Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch Jungle Lodge is a family-friendly choice that played a significant role in establishing Belize as an eco-adventure hotspot, remaining one of the top hotels for arranging unforgettable excursions.

Planning tip: You don’t have to stay directly on the Hummingbird Highway to enjoy its beauty – just remember to drive slowly and attentively to appreciate all the sights as you travel through. This area is a distinctive part of the country that makes any road trip rewarding.

8. Hopkins

Best village for Garifuna culture

Belize is celebrated for its cultural diversity, and one of the most fascinating groups is the Garifuna people, who primarily inhabit Hopkins, Dangriga, Placencia, and the surrounding areas.

Hopkins is a vibrant little village featuring a long sandy beach. While it may lack some modern conveniences, it offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Garifuna culture.

A popular way to experience this culture is by joining a drumming lesson, which often turns into a lively dance party. The Lodge at Jaguar Reef provides excellent accommodations in Hopkins, along with budget-friendly alternatives.

9. Caye Caulker

Best destination for laid-back travelers

Caye Caulker is an island situated near Ambergris Caye, but it has a distinctly relaxed vibe. This destination is perfect for backpackers, younger adventurers, and anyone who prefers a slower pace.

A must-visit location on the island is The Split, a channel formed by a hurricane at the northern tip. It's an ideal spot to sip a drink, take a dip, and soak up Caye Caulker's laid-back party vibe.

Planning tip: Don't miss Pasta per Caso, an Italian-owned eatery known for its homemade pasta dishes, for a delightful dining experience.