Why Belize? ~ Districts and Regions

Belize’s tourism destinations include Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize district, Cayo, Stann Creek, Placencia, Toledo, Ambergris Caye and many outer cayes and atolls, each with its unique flavor and attractions.

Northern Belize

Covering the two districts of Orange Walk and Corozal, the north is a Belizean bonanza of natural wealth and archaeological wonder. Spectacular ancient cities, highlighted by the temples at Lamanai, Cuello, Santa Rita, Cerros and La Milpa are evidence of the ancient Maya's affinity for the area. With jungles, rainforests, coastal lagoons, and rivers, the region is home to an amazing array of animal and plant life that includes the jaguar and the manatee. Culturally the north is primarily Mayan and Spanish with the Mennonite farmers adding an old world flavor to the mix.

Belize District

The district offers a host of attractions including several wildlife sanctuaries, the incredible Maya site at Altun Ha and the world class Belize Zoo.  In Belize City, the country’s largest city and its commercial center, learn about Belize’s colonial past with a city tour, visit to the Belize museum and historic government buildings, churches.  On the coast, Belize City is the gateway to the offshore islands for snorkeling, diving, dolphin encounters and more.

Ambergris Caye

The largest of all Belize’s cayes, Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest tourism destination. From here you can indulge any wet adventure you can dream up; Sport fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling and manatee watching are among the most popular. San Pedro Town, the Caye’s hub, offers a variety of accommodations, restaurants, bars and nightlife. For a change of pace and scenery, the bay side of the caye is a great place to get acquainted with Belizean bird life.

Caye Caulker

Just south of Ambergris Caye is the relaxed and slower paced Caye Caulker where you can indulge your island fantasies on a quiet beach and get to know the Mestizo and Creole culture, customs and traditions. Offering budget accommodations and for ocean kayaking, snorkeling, diving, manatee-watching and more. Caulker’s friendly, easygoing inhabitants who make it difficult for you to leave this sunny, sleepy little island.

Cayo

Located in the western interior of Belize, Cayo is a 1500 square mile district that encompasses a good portion of the Maya Mountains and has more than its fair share of ancient Maya sites to visit and explore including Belize’s largest site, Caracol and Belize’s highest man made structure at Xunantunich. To the east is Belize’s capital city of Belmopan and on the west, the twin towns of Santa Elena/San Ignacio and the border town of Benque Viejo.  Scattered amongst the forests the lush tropical watersheds of the Cayo district are a variety of jungle and river lodges to suit any style, budget and adventure.

Stann Creek

The Hummingbird Highway, with breathtaking vistas of the rainforest and the Maya Mountains connects the Stann Creek District to western and northern Belize. The Garifuna communities of Dangriga Town and Hopkins Village are the largest communities in the district and offer numerous opportunities to learn about the Garifuna way of life. Off the coast lies the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s first jaguar reserve with lush tropical broadleaf forest that are home to hundreds of species of birds, plants and tropical animals. Offshore lies the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Belize’s largest marine protected area.

Placencia

White sand beaches, aquamarine water and a hundred ways to enjoy the coastal treasures of Belize await you on the Placencia peninsula – Belize’s fastest growing tourism destination.    From the upscale resorts leading into the former fishing village of Placencia, spend your days diving, fishing, snorkeling or relaxing on the beach, and your nights at the many interesting restaurants and watering holes that feature local food, culture and live music.

Toledo

Nearly 1700 square miles of prime opportunity for the adventure minded is the Toledo district of Belize. A cultural lean towards the Mopan and Kekchi Maya is evident and homestays will give you an inside look at how the Maya have balanced tradition with the demands of a modern world. The ancient Maya settlements of Lim Ni Punit and Lubaantun; intricate cave systems and Belize’s only example of primary rainforests headline a long list of attractions accessible from the coastal town Punta Gorda and the many picturesque villages in this part of the country.