
Rediscovering a Lost Civilization
Long before Europeans came ashore, tall pyramids and magnificent temples adorned with intricate carvings dominated the landscapes of Belize. But this stronghold of Mayan culture waned, its people returning to a simpler way of life as the jungle reclaimed the land. It would be hundreds of years before evidence of this once-greet civilization would be revealed by the careful digging of archaeologists, Now, thanks to ongoing excavations and restoration efforts, visitors to this historic land can perch on stone daisies once occupied by Mayan lords, and ascent pyramids where masked priests invoked favors of the gods of sun and rain.
Highlights
- Best for: Everyone, from relaxing and beach travelers, to soft and rugged adventurers
- Best season to visit: Year round, drier from January to June
- Weather: Belize enjoys a sub-tropical climate moderated by Caribbean sea breezes. Winter temperatures occasionally dip below 70 during northerlies, while summers may reach into the 90s, with increased humidity and rain showers after June
Things to Do
- Animal Interactions
- Biking
- Board Sports
- Diving
- Hiking
- Mind and Spirit
- Offroading
- Paddle Sports
- Snorkeling
- Spa and Wellness
- Ziplining
Belize Information
Cultural Activities in Belize Overview
There are hundreds of significant archaeological sites covering the entire country of Belize. Many of these sites were not discovered until the mid to late 20th century, and excavation and restoration is an ongoing process. Many sites are located on private land and can only be visited if prior permission is obtained, but the largest and most significant sites are now recognized as official archaeological reserves. These are open to the public and often include supporting facilities.
Best Places for Cultural Activities in Belize
Deep in the heart of the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, the underground chambers of Actun Tunichil Muknal cave holds pre-Columbian artifacts and tombs of the ancients. The lost Mayan city of Lamanai was once the region's most important center of commerce and ceremony. A short drive across the Guatemalan border leads to the sprawling archaeological site of Tikal, where more than 3,000 stone temples, pyramids and homes have been reclaimed from the jungle.
What to Pack for Cultural Activities in Belize
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as there is often a bit of climbing and clambering when visiting archaeological sites. There is little or no shade around pyramids and temples, so include a hat and wear clothing that mitigates the rays of the tropical sun, Don't forget to bring—and drink—plenty of water.
Specials

Belize
Blackbird Caye Dive Resort
Rates from $2,337 per person, double diver –Valid now through 9/3/22. Book by 6/30/22.
Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
From $2,337 per person double diver
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Belize
Ramons Village Resort
Additional room category upgrades for Jungle, Seaside, Beachfront, Suites and more are available on the next screen.
Travel 5/1/22-12/18/22 from $1059 per person/double diver..
From $1059 per person/double diver
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Belize
Turneffe Flats
Diving Inclusions: Six (6) full dive days (2 am dives and a 3rd pm in the afternoon) at more than 60 sites around Turneffe Atoll. 1-day trip to the Lighthouse Reef (weather permitting) to dive the famous Blue Hole, Half Moon Wall and a 3rd site - $40 per per park fee not included.
Atoll Adventure Package for non-divers including world-class snorkeling combined with eco-tours such as manatee/dolphin adventures, birding, night walks and many activities such as boat tours to see manatee and porpoise.
Call Caradonna Adventures 800.328.2288 with any additional questions and book your tailor-made package.
From $3,217 per person double diver
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Belize
SunBreeze Hotel
Rate from $954 double diver valid through 4/30/22.
Rate from $874 double diver valid 5/1/22 - 12/18/22.
Caradonna Diving Adventures offers multiple dive package combinations-Call for additional information 1-800-330-6611.
From $874 per person/double diver
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Belize
SunBreeze Hotel
Valid through 12/18/22.
From $984 per person double diver
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Belize
SunBreeze Suites
Rates valid through 12/18/22.
From $984 per person double diver
Book NowPackages

Belize
Blackbird Caye Dive Resort
From $2749 per person double diver
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Belize
SunBreeze Suites
From $1,275 per person double diver
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Belize
SunBreeze Suites
From $1,261 per person double diver
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Belize
Hidden Valley Inn and Reserve
From $1,375 per person double occupancy
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Belize
Turneffe Flats
Diving Inclusions: Six (6) full dive days (2 am dives and a 3rd pm in the afternoon) at more than 60 sites around Turneffe Atoll. 1-day trip to the Lighthouse Reef (weather permitting) to dive the famous Blue Hole, Half Moon Wall and a 3rd site - $40 per per park fee not included.
Atoll Adventure Package for non-divers including world-class snorkeling combined with eco-tours such as manatee/dolphin adventures, birding, night walks and many activities such as boat tours to see manatee and porpoise.
Call Caradonna Adventures 800.328.2288 with any additional questions and book your tailor-made package.
From $3,217 per person double diver
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Belize
The Lodge at Chaa Creek
5-night Expedition also includes your choice of two full day tours, a half day tour on non-transfer days.
Not Included: Optional tips to drivers and guides, Visa/border crossing fees, bar beverages, and park entrance & park guide fees.
From $2,079 per person double occupancy
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Belize
SunBreeze Hotel
Caradonna Diving Adventures offers multiple dive package combinations-Call us for additional information 1-800-330-6611.
From $1,208 per person double diver
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Belize
SunBreeze Hotel
Caradonna Diving Adventures offers multiple dive package combinations-Call us for additional information 1-800-330-6611.
From $1,224 per person double diver
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Belize
Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort
Guests may choose 5 of the following adventures: Barrier reef diving (certified divers only), barrier reef snorkeling, Mayflower jungle & waterfall hike, Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve, cave and jungle adventure, tropical birding, jungle river canoeing or the magical Mayan history tour.
From $2,313 per person double occupancy
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Belize
Ramons Village Resort
Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected including Island Tours, Mayan Ruin Tours, Snorkel Tours, Off-roading Tours, Paddle Adventures and Zip-lining Excursions.
Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
From $570 per person double occupancy
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Belize
Ramons Village Resort
Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected including Island Tours, Mayan Ruin Tours, Snorkel Tours, Off-roading Tours, Paddle Adventures and Zip-lining Excursions.
Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
From $1,059 per person double diver
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Belize
Turneffe Island Resort
For non-divers we can offer snorkeling, fishing, and/or combo packages. Call Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for your tailor-made luxury travel package.
From $3,932 per person double diver
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Belize
Turneffe Island Resort
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily including basic beverages plus daily hors d’ oeuvres (excluding alcohol). Complimentary activities include kayaks, shore snorkeling, pool, hobie kat, paddle boards, horseshoes, and volleyball. Complimentary airport transfers on Saturdays.
From $3,257 per person double diver
Book NowResorts

Belize
Blackbird Caye Dive Resort
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Belize
Kaana Resort
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Belize
SunBreeze Hotel
Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.
Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Belize
SunBreeze Suites
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Belize
Windy Hill Resort
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Belize
Hidden Valley Inn and Reserve
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Belize
Turneffe Flats
Call Caradonna Adventures 800.328.2288 with any additional questions and book your tailor-made package.
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Belize
The Lodge at Chaa Creek
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Belize
Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort
From $2,313 per person double occupancy
See Packages & Learn More
Belize
Ramons Village Resort
Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.
Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
See Packages & Learn More

Belize
Turneffe Island Resort
Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.
Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
See Packages & Learn More
Passport and/or Visa Requirements
A current passport, valid through your departure date, is required for entry into Belize. Your passport needs to have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Proof of onward or return flights may be required at entry as well. No visa is required for stays less than 30 days. Upon departure from Belize, there is a departure tax of approximately $40.00 U.S. which should be included on your international ticket.
Check the entry/exit requirements here.
Immunizations
There are no required immunizations for entry into Belize, although you should check with your doctor and reference the Centers for Disease Control on recommended vaccinations.
Culture and Customs
Belize is a true melting pot of cultures, stretching back to the stone cities of the ancient Maya, and the Arawak roots of the Garfunkel dialect that are still heard through the country. British settlers arrived in the 1600s, and English remains the nation's official language. But Spanish influences are equally prevalent, and Mennonite, Creole, Lebanese, Chinese, and East Indian immigrants have all left their mark on the collective consciousness. Today, they are all just Belizeans, and everyone gets along in a society that places a high value on civility and inclusion. This is a country that doesn't need an excuse to dance and throw a party. Weekends are reason enough for celebration, and dozens of festivals, carnivals and concerts are staged throughout the year. Head up to the country into the rainforest and wooded mountains of the interior and you are in the land of Indiana Jones where thatch-roofed eco lodges serve as base camps for jungle hikes and inner tube drifts through river caves. Head offshore and island times takes over when you land on the offshore cayes. On Ambergris Caye a flipflop and tank top vibe permeates the beach town of San Pedro, where beach bikes are the preferred mode of transportation, and packed-sand streets are fronted by colorfully painted wooden shops and taverns.
Electricity, Phone and Internet Access
Belize electricity is 110 Volt/60 cycles and uses the same plug types as the U.S., so no converters are required.
Belize has a standardized seven-digit phone numbering system and a country code of 501.
Many hotels offer WiFi. Be sure to check with your mobile provider to see if International plans are available for phone and data usage while in Belize.
Water Quality
Bottled water is recommended in Belize and readily available for purchase and also supplied by some resorts.
Language & Currency
English is the official language, but Spanish is widely spoken. Other languages spoken are Maya, Garifuna, and Creole.
The BelizeDdollar (BZD) is pegged to the US dollar at 2:1 - always verify whether you are paying U.S. or Belize Dollars. It's easy to change U.S. dollars just about anywhere.
ATMs are available in many cities and accept major cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, although cash will be dispensed in Belize Dollars.
Most businesses will accept U.S. cash without question. They usually give change in Belizean Dollars, though they may return U.S. change if you ask.
Time
Belize is on Central Standard Time, 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-6 GMT). Belize does not observe daylight saving time.
Location, Size and Population
Belize is located on the Eastern coast of Central America, along the Caribbean Coast. Its capital city is Belmopan.
Belize is bounded on the North by Mexico, South, and West by Guatemala, and the beautiful Caribbean Sea washes its 174-mile coastline to the East.
Belize has an area of 8,866 sq. miles including 266 sq. miles of islands.
The population of Belize is 367,177 (2016), while the island of Ambergris caye has an estimated 22,000, the area of Placencia approximately 1,500 and the area of Dangriga close to 10,000.