7 Must-See Sites in Belize

Once a city of the Mayans, Lanamai Archaeological Reserve features ruins spanning three millennia, with occupation dating back to the 16th century B.C.E. The most notable structures here include Mask Temple (pictured), Jaguar Temple and High Temple. Copper artifacts found here point to a complex trade system across the southern Mayan lowlands. Organized day boat trips are available to the public, and the site is also accessible by dirt and gravel roads. © Olga Lutz | Dreamstime.com

Dip into the cenote waters of St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park in Cayo District. The park is home to two cave systems and a jungle pool, about 280 bird species, jaguars, anteaters and deer, as well as endangered species. © Dario Chisari | Dreamstime.com

The largest city in the country, Belize City is considered culturally more Caribbean than Latin American due to its location along the Caribbean Sea. The city features museums like Maritime Museum and Museum of Belize, Baron Bliss Lighthouse, the oldest Anglican church in Central America, restaurants and bars, and more. © Irishka777 | Dreamstime.com

How many places in the world offer cave tubing? This thrilling and unique experience often combines a rainforest hike with a multi-hour tube float through limestone cave systems along the river. Most excursions are offered from Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve. © Yobro10 | Dreamstime.com

You won’t find much fresher tilapia than in Belize. The white fish, known locally as St. Peter’s fish, is central to Belizean cuisine, often fried, blackened or in coconut dishes. The country even hosts a festival, the Crooked Tree Tilapia and Bird Festival (late March or early April), a weekend-long event held in Crooked Tree Village with a cook-off of tilapia dishes. © Aimee Smyre | Dreamstime.com

Four miles from Ambergris Caye is Hol Chan Marine Reserve, renowned for its rich coral formations, nurse sharks and sea turtles. The reserve is accessible only by licensed boat tours, and different zones promise different fun experiences, like snorkeling, shallow diving, and nurse shark and stingray encounters. © Pniesen | Dreamstime.com

Caracol is an ancient Mayan site occupied as far back as 1200 B.C.E. The site was once one of the most important political centers of the region, and ruins include temples, altars and other monuments. Due to its isolated location, the best way to explore the site is by guided tour or renting a 4WD vehicle. © Velvetweb | Dreamstime.com