Belize City
Almost all visitors to Belize find themselves in the country’s largest city at one point or another, but unfortunately Belize City is not an attractive destination for most. The majority of travelers who come here are merely passing through – Belize City is the transportation hub for all international and domestic flights, as well as ferries leaving to Ambergris and Caye Caulker. But Belize City has some hidden jewels and nearby attractions that make it worth a visit.
Belize City Best Things to Do
Cave tubing and a visit to the Belize Zoo will bring you face-to-face with Belize’s incredible outdoors. First you’ll visit the Belize City Zoo, which is known for its rehabilitation programs for endangered animals. Then you’ll head to the Caves Branch River, where you will ride on an inner tube through the ancient caves of the Maya
8 hrs
From $168Actun Tunichil Muknal cave is the doorway to Xibalba, the Maya underworld. This cave contains ceramics and human skeletons that have fused with the walls of the cave. The most famous of these remains is the Crystal Maiden, a skeleton of a young woman believed to have been a sacrifice. Her bones are now partially covered with the sparkling build-up of cave sediment.
8 hrs
From $177Area Guide
There are two airports in Belize City. The Goldson International Airport is located on the outskirts of town. A twenty minute private shuttle or taxi ride is the only option for transportation from the center of Belize City. There are both international and domestic flights departing from the Goldson airport.
The Municipal Airport is located on the Belize City waterfront and provides frequent flights to various destinations all over the country. Domestic flights from the Municipal Airport tend to be cheaper than those leaving from the International Airport.
Accommodations in Belize City range from inexpensive hostels to more costly major hotel chains, such as the Radisson and the Biltmore, which are right on the ocean. Security and parking are things to consider when choosing a hotel in Belize City. Theft and other types of crime are not uncommon in Belize City, particularly at night, and it is generally not recommended to roam the streets after dark.
The Belize Zoo is approximately 45 minutes to an hour west of Belize City, and is located directly on the Western Highway. It takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to walk the zoo, which is home to a variety of rehabilitated native wildlife.
Altun Ha is a Mayan ruin that is easy to access from Belize City. These ruins are a popular trip for cruise ship passengers, and arriving early or late in the day will ensure that you miss the crowds. It takes approximately one hour to reach the ruins from Belize City, including a stretch on a gravel road.
Visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary for a short, guided hike through a private nature reserve. On your trek, you’ll get to encounter a resident population of black howler monkeys. Located between 45 minutes to an hour from Belize City, this community-managed reserve contributes to the local economy, and your visit helps ensure the continued conservation of this prime wildlife habitat.
To reach any of these attractions from Belize City, rent a car, hire a private taxi, or consider a guided tour with a licensed operator. Day trips to some of the nearby islands are also possible, and trips to Goff’s Caye are the most common.
Feedback From Travelers
we really didn't stay in Belize City (transportation to/from the airport), but the guides were very honest about the city overall
City was a great experience. Walk with caution. Keep valuables out of sight. Business owners or vendors are great people to have conversations with. As well as local police and some locals.
Rodrigo Estrada, our vacation agent, was great, and quite knowledgeable about Belize,he is patient and always try to follow through without any pressure. He is an asset to this company!
- Belize City Things To Do
Belize City Things To Do
- Places Nearby
- Altun Ha10 km.
- Barton Creek Cave76 km.
- Belize Zoo33 km.
- Cahal Pech Ruins92 km.
- Carocol Ruins97 km.
- Community Baboon Sanctuary32 km.
- Lamanai45 km.
- Mountain Pine Forest Reserve75 km.
- Tikal National Park184 km.
- Xunantunich100 km.