A journey to the main town of Punta Gorda is an adventure with numerous tempting stops along the way! Attractions include: ancient Maya sites, spectacular river views, the magnificent Maya Mountain Massif, and the highest concentration of preserve terrain throughout Belize! With the predominance of the Maya culture, these little communities rely on farming, including that of the cacao (the gold of the ancient Maya).
Punta Gorda is the gateway to everything from off-shore fishing, to river trips, as well as caving, birding and Maya archaeological sites. Not to mention, some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Here, Maya, Garifuna and East Indian Belizeans live harmoniously while maintaining their individual cultures.
Situated along the Caribbean Sea near the bay of Honduras with the dominant Maya Mountains in the background, Punta Gorda - locally known as "PG" - is the smallest and southernmost town in Belize.
Visit the famous street market and shop for exotic local produce, souvenirs, or drive just in time to buy the day's fresh catch from returning fishermen.
Hopkins is one of those rare destinations, where nature and culture takes precedence and explorations are endless...
Hopkins is known as the cultural center of the Garifuna community. Practice the traditional drumming and dancing while meeting the locals. Book a visit with the Lebeha Boys for a truly traditional dancing and drumming demonstration, inches away from the Caribbean Sea. Here, you can meet some of the nicest people in the world, dance to the rhythms of the Garifuna's drumming, while indulging in tasty cultural foods.
After that, check out the over 100,000 acres of preserved jungles, and rivers within the famous Maya Mountains, or head to Hopkins Beach for a relaxing day.
Known locally as “Barefoot Perfect,” Placencia Peninsula is 16 miles of golden sand, the only golden-sand beaches on mainland Belize. After hanging out on the beach, snorkeling and scuba diving, head into town and get a feel for what a traditional Kriol (Creole) fishing village is like. There are also village restaurants, bars and art galleries. About the only thing Placencia doesn’t offer is stress. It’s just not allowed here.
San Ignacio is a quaint town west of Belize City. With plenty of accommodations catered to adventurers, it’s a great base for exploring Maya ruins and cave systems in the Western part of the country. After a long day of caving, horseback riding, kayaking or hiking, rest up in this hub full of friendly people and great food.
Stop at cafes and get a first hand look at the everyday life of northern Belizeans. Then head to the Banquitas House of Culture to get a feel for the district’s history, culture and industry. They regularly host special traveling art, cultural and archeological exhibits.
When you’re done taking in the town, check out Honey Camp Lagoon, where the locals go. With its golden sandy beaches and coconut trees you’re sure to fall in love.
Be sure to see the New River, a waterway for the ancient Maya and check out the wildlife and scenery on your way to the Maya Temples.
The Belize Barrier Reef sits just miles off the coast of Belize and is part of the larger Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Home to hundreds of species of coral and fish, it is a hot spot for divers, snorkelers and biologists from all over the world. For 185 miles, explore all that the reef has to offer, including swimming with whale sharks near the Placencia coast, diving deep into the Great Blue Hole and snorkeling off more than 400 white sandy islands that surround the reef.
Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest island at approximately 36 miles. Located next to the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. It’s safe to say that Ambergris Caye has some big attractions, but if that’s not your thing, there are plenty of smaller things to do.
From cobblestone streets of bustling San Pedro outward to the northern and southern ends of the island, there is a wide assortment of accommodations, restaurants, bars, shops and tour operators to suit all budgets. Take little naps on the beach or make small talk with the locals. In Ambergris Caye, going big or small is up to you.