Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (Stann Creek District, Placencia, south-central Belize) — this is Belize’s most famous, and one of its biggest, protected areas – the huge swath of tropical forest became the world’s first jaguar sanctuary in 1984. Today it’s home to an estimated 40 to 50 jaguars and a vast array of wildlife. Visits […]
Caye Caulker (off the Caribbean coast of Belize) — near Ambergris Caye is Caye Caulker, another popular beach spot off Belize’s mainland. Smaller than Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker is even more laid back than its larger neighbor, but it is blessed with the same dream-like, palm-studded beaches.
Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts (Southern Foreshore, Belize City) — Operated by the Institute for Creative Arts, the revamped Bliss Centre has a fine 600-seat theater that stages a variety of events throughout the year. Look for concerts of traditional Belizean music and shows celebrating Belize and its culture. Annual events include the Belize […]
Belize Zoo (Mile 29 on the Western Highway, a.k.a. George Price Hwy., Belize City) – this 29-acre zoo, run by one-time lion tamer Sharon Matola, houses 125 native species (ranging from harpy eagles to tapirs, scarlet macaws, toucans, Jaburi storks, and various large felines, like jaguars, pumas and ocelots). Admission: $10 (adults), $5 (children). For […]
Bacalar Chico National Park & Marine Reserve (Ambergris Caye, Belize) — At the northern tip of Ambergris Caye, Bacalar Chico is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site, declared in 1996. At the time of research, the park was only accessible by a 90-minute tour-boat ride from San Pedro or Sarteneja. […]
Ambergris Caye (San Pedro, off the Caribbean coast of Belize) – along with world-class diving. sports fishing and snorkeling, this is one of Belize’s best beaches.
Tourist Village Flea Market (Fort Street, Belize City) — On the street outside the Tourist Village, local vendors set up tents and tables to sell their wares, which include T-shirts with snappy slogans, original jewelry, woven bags and blankets, and plenty of carved wooden items. Quality varies widely and prices are negotiable. This is one […]
Save-U Supermarket (San Cas Plaza, Northern Hwy. at Central American Blvd., Belize City) – this is a good supermarket for eco-tourists (and budget tourists) who want to stock up on groceries (including snack foods), bottled water, soft drinks, liquor and toiletries before venturing into the wilderness and other far-flung sites (like the Mayan pyramids).
National Handicraft Center (2 South Park Street, Belize City) — as its name suggests, this store carries the best stock of high-quality Belizean arts and crafts at fair prices. Attractive buys include shade-grown coffee and local chocolate, carvings in zericote and other native hardwoods, slate relief carvings of wildlife and Maya deities, and CDs of […]
Fort Street Flea Market (Fort Street, Belize City) – this outdoor flea market attracts tourists interested in buying souvenirs of their time in the country.