Things to do in Belize
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Raggamuffin Tours
All-day trips to Turneffe Atoll cost BZ$150. Three-day sailing and camping trips to Placencia depart every Tuesday and Friday. Raggamuffin's has a reputation as a party boat.
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Caye Caulker Marine Reserve
Declared a marine reserve in 1998, the 61-sq-mile Caye Caulker Marine Reserve includes the portion of the barrier reef that runs parallel to the island, as well as the turtle-grass lagoon adjacent to the Caye Caulker Forest Reserve. Although the reef is regenerating after patchy hurricane damage, it is rich with sea life, including colorful sponges, blue-and-yellow queen angel fish, Christmas tree worms, star coral, redband parrotfish, yellow gorgonians and more. Between April and September, snorkelers and divers might even spot a turtle or a manatee. All local snorkel and dive operators lead tours to the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve.
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Lamanai
Perhaps the most fascinating Maya site in northern Belize, Lamanai lies 24 miles south of Orange Walk Town up the New River (or 36 miles by unpaved road). The ruins are known both for their impressive architecture and marvelous setting, surrounded by dense jungle overlooking the New River Lagoon. Most visitors approach Lamanai by guided river trip from Orange Walk not just to avoid the long and bumpy road, but to take advantage of the river trip itself, which goes deep into the home of the countless colorful and unusual birds that live in the area. Most guides who do the 1½-hour river trip are experts in both archaeology and the area’s wildlife, making it an especially…
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Habaneros
Caulker's 'hottest' restaurant, named for the habanero chili, is located in a brightly painted clapboard house in the center of town. Here chefs prepare gourmet international food, combining fresh seafood, meat and vegetables with insanely delicious sauces and flavors. Wash it down with a fine wine or a jug of sangria. Sit in the funky bar and sip a fruity cocktail or enjoy the buzz and eat by candlelight at the tables on the verandah. Reservations are recommended.
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Amor Y Café
There's no contest about the most popular breakfast spot on the island – this place is always busy, but you won't have to wait long for a table on the shaded porch overlooking Front St. Take your pick from fresh-squeezed juices, scrambled eggs or homemade yogurt topped with fruit, and don't miss out on the fresh-brewed coffee. If you have to pack a lunch, sandwiches are available to go.
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Altun Ha
Altun Ha, the ruins that have inspired Belikin beer labels and Belizean banknotes, stands 34 miles north of central Belize City, off the Old Northern Hwy.
During its peak in the Classic Period (AD 250–1000), Altun Ha was a rich and important Maya trading and agricultural town with a population of 8000 to 10,000. The entire site covered some 1500 acres, but what visitors today see is the central ceremonial precinct of two plazas surrounded by temples, excavated in the 1960s and now looking squeaky clean following a stabilization and conservation program from 2000 to 2004.
Altun Ha existed by at least 200 BC, perhaps even several centuries earlier, and flourished until the…
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Belize Zoo
The story of the Belize Zoo began with filmmaker Richard Foster, who shot a wildlife documentary entitled Path of the Raingods in Belize in the early 1980s. Sharon Matola – a Baltimore-born biologist, former circus performer and former US Air Force survival instructor – was hired to take care of the animals. By the time filming was complete, the animals had become partly tame and Matola was left wondering what to do with her 17 charges. So she founded the Belize Zoo, which displays native Belizean wildlife in natural surroundings on 29-acre grounds. From these beginnings, the zoo has grown to provide homes for animals endemic to the region that have been injured, orphaned…
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Cahal Pech
High atop a hill on the southern outskirts of San Ignacio, Cahal Pech is the oldest-known Maya site in the Belize River valley, having been first settled between 1500 and 1000 BC. Less impressive than Xunantunich and Caracol, it's still a fascinating example of Preclassic Maya architecture. It was a significant Maya settlement for 2000 years or more.
Cahal Pech (kah-hahl pech) is Mopan and Yucatec Mayan for 'Place of Ticks,' a nickname earned in the 1950s when the site was surrounded by pastures grazed by tick-infested cattle. Today it's a pleasantly shady site with plenty of trees and few tourists. Its core area of seven interconnected plazas has been excavated and…
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Mayan Encounter
17 days (Playa del Carmen)
by Intrepid
Travel south through legendary Central America, Enjoy sand, sun and fun in Playa del Carmen, Learn the history of ancient Guatemalan ruins, Experience…Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,170 -
Mayan Explorer
9 days (Antigua)
by Intrepid
Look for toucans and macaws in the lush canopy around Tikal, Learn about the Spanish-colonial past of Antigua, Kick-back beside the warm Caribbean waters in…Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,030 Advertisement
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I&I Reggae Bar
I&I is the island's most hip, happening spot after dark, when its healthy sound system belts out a reggae beat. Its three levels each offer a different scene, with a dance floor on one and swings hanging from the rafters on another. The top floor is the 'chill-out zone,' complete with hammocks and panoramic views. Great place for a sunset drink.
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Hanna’s Restaurant
Hanna’s is the most popular spot in town, any time of day. Go for fresh-squeezed juices, hearty omelettes and homemade yogurt at breakfast; rice and beans or filling sandwiches for lunch; or Hanna’s delectable spicy ginger rum shrimp for an unbeatable dinner. Indian dishes and other meatless options cater to vegetarians.
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Eva’s Restaurant
Eva’s is a San Ignacio institution, now under new ownership. It’s better for information than for eating, although it’s a fun place to hang out in the late afternoon as groups return from their outings. Offers all of the standard tours, including hiking, biking, birding and trips to Caracol.
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Bamboo Grill
Arguably the best location on the island, this casually cool bar and grill sits right on the beach, with swings hanging from the rafters and tables set up in the sand. Besides the Cajun specialties, you can feast on a huge seafood burrito or a delectable grilled fish sandwich, washed down with a fruit smoothie.
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Sumathi Indian Restaurant
Belize City’s best Indian restaurant provides a huge range of flavorsome curries, tandooris and biryanis (spicy rice and meat-or-vegetable dishes), with plenty of vegetarian options, all in generous quantities. Bollywood films on the TV intensify the mood. It does meals to go if you prefer.
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The Split
A narrow channel splits Caye Caulker into two distinct islands, and it's at the Split where you'll find a small public beach and the best swimming. It might look a bit postapocalyptic, with beach-goers lounging on bits of a broken wall, but its a popular and fun place to get to know the locals.
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Caladium Restaurant
Just across the street from the bus station, the Caladium is one of Belmopan's longest-standing family businesses. It offers a dependable menu of Belizean favorites, such as fried fish and coconut rice, conch soup and barbecue chicken.
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Stonegrill Restaurant
At this thatched poolside restaurant at the Radisson you get to grill your own meal – steak, fajitas, shrimp, chicken satay and the like – on super-hot volcanic stones. It's fun, tasty and free of added fat.
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Frenchie's Diving
Offers full-day trips (three dives) to Blue Hole and Turneffe and half-day trips (two dives) to Hol Chan, Caye Chapel or Spanish Bay. Night dives at Caye Caulker Marine Reserve cost BZ$112.50. It promises groups of 10 divers or fewer.
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Wish Willy's Bar & Grill
This funky place is named for a scaly tailed iguana. Located on the back side of the island, it's a great place to watch the sunset, whether you're sipping a Belikin beer or feasting on the day's BBQ special.
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Back to My Roots
Offers cool handmade jewelry, including silver, amber and other semiprecious stones. The name of the place refers to the drums and other Rasta gear for sale.
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Healing Touch Day Spa
Ms Eva McFarlane can take care of all your beauty and body needs, including manicures and pedicures, Reiki, reflexology and aromatherapy.
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Seahawk Sailing
Fondly known as 'Aqua Man,' captain Steve Wright is a Caye Caulker native who invites tourists onto his 30ft sailboat.
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Bull Frog Inn
This popular and breezy hotel-restaurant serves up good steaks and seafood. The adjoining bar is a popular watering hole, livened up by karaoke and live mariachi music.
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Purple Toucan
With a pool table, dartboard and small backyard beer garden, this is one of the more respectable bars in town. Still a dive bar, but a respectable dive bar.
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