The word “treasures” usually refers to riches, precious metals and in some cases, your kids, but if you’re a frequent visitor to Belize, you know that the land is filled with natural treasures that have no equal. Belize is home to unspoiled rainforests, endangered species, ancient Mayan cities and lush beaches, so if these criteria don’t describe a nation rich in treasures, nothing will! We recommend the following 15 to begin your journey.
Silk Cayes
Silk Cayes: Just off the coast of Placencia Village, divers and snorkelers discover underwater jewels clinging to the Belize Barrier Reef in the vicinity of the Silk Cayes. Known for excellent water quality and modest waves, dive year round in this marine paradise.
Laughing Bird Caye
Laughing Bird Caye: Get away from crowds in nearby Placencia Village to kayak, snorkel, dive, scuba and picnic. When you’ve had your fill of ocean depths, spot another of the nation’s treasures: exotic birds that make this island their home.
Placencia Village
Placencia Village: Why is this colorful epicenter of fun and good times a treasure? Because it has everything a vacationer seeks in close proximity—water sports, Mayan ruins, nightlife and luxurious resorts like Chabil Mar.
Monkey River Village
Monkey River Village: This must-see trip balances howler monkeys with cool birds, butterflies and assorted lizards that inhabit this region. The gem-like colors of birds and butterflies will amaze you–and you’ll fall in love with those monkeys.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: The world’s first jaguar preserve isn’t the only reason you’ll find this location a treasure: it’s home to Belize’s highest point, Victoria Peak, and so many colorful insects, mammals, birds and reptiles, you won’t want to put your camera away.
Chabil Mar Resort
Chabil Mar Resort: There’s a reason travelers pick Chabil Mar over other Placencia Village lodgings when they visit: Hosts tuck guests into sea-facing villas offering the ultimate in privacy. Tropical gardens, infinity pools and al fresco dining are steps away, so you couldn’t avoid relaxing if you tried!
Blue Hole
Blue Hole: The famous Great Blue Hole is a one-of-a-kind diving destination that challenges even veteran divers thanks to its unique configuration of collapsed caves at the ocean floor. Celebrity Jacques-Yves Cousteau couldn’t stop talking about the geological wonders at this spot in the Caribbean. You’ll agree.
Belize Barrier Reef
Belize Barrier Reef: Charles Darwin called it remarkable and deep sea divers from around the planet find no fault with his assessment! Add this section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System to your list of not-to-be-missed jewels or your Belize itinerary won’t be complete.
Placencia Lagoon
Placencia Lagoon: This rich, bio-diverse wonderland remains so pristine, Jabiru Storks, Morelet’s crocodiles and some dolphin species swim amid mangrove swamps within this verdant, protected lagoon. Pair a visit here with one to neighboring Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve.
Half Moon Caye
Half Moon Caye: If you’ve never experienced “a wall dive,” it’s time to jump in. Once you settle into the tight space and discover a world filled with turtles, rays, eels, barracuda and other marine wildlife through crystal waters, you’ll be glad you took the risk.
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave: Plunging into the depths of this karstic limestone cave could take your breath away. Included among the Mayan treasures found at this rare site are stelae, pottery and even skeletal remains of former inhabitants.
Belize Whale Sharks
Belize Whale Sharks: The largest fish in the world uses the Gladden Spit off Belize’s Placencia coast as a playground at certain times of the year. Your best chance of spotting one is to visit during full moons in the months of April and May!
Xunantunich Maya Ruins
Xunantunich Maya Ruins: Ascend to the ridge above the Mopan River in the San Jose Succotz vicinity to find a Mayan ceremonial center unlike any other. The largest pyramid in Belize (El Castillo) is found here, so that alone is worth your journey.
Caracol Maya Ruins
Caracol Maya Ruins: Caracol is a classic example of what archaeologists have unearthed in the Cayo District. Allow plenty of time to explore this huge compound, the former home of about 120,000 people!
Barton Creek Cave
Barton Creek Cave: No list of Belize treasures would be complete without this impressive site, continuously inhabited by Mayans between 200 and 900 AD. Ten ledges near the mouth of the cave display artifacts that run the gamut from pottery shards to skeletons.
Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.
