The top Belize attractions

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to pack both hiking boots and a history book, Belize is calling. Tucked between the Caribbean Sea and the jungles of Central America, this small country delivers big on outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Where else can you snorkel the world’s second-largest barrier reef in the morning and climb an ancient Mayan pyramid by afternoon?

With vibrant coral reefs, limestone caves and centuries-old ruins, Belize blends natural wonder with rich heritage at every turn.

What you’ll learn:

• Belize offers everything from jungle hikes and reef dives to ancient ruins and hidden caves.

• The country is home to many ancient Mayan sites. At Caracol and Xunantunich, among others, you can climb the temples for stunning views. 

• Capital One’s Venture X and Venture travel rewards credit cards are built for travel, with benefits that can elevate your next adventure.

In Belize, natural wonders aren’t just for admiring from a distance: They’re meant for climbing on, swimming in and paddling around. 

From jungle hikes and reef dives to quiet kayak routes, Belize packs more action per square mile than most countries twice its size. These seven must-see spots show just how wild and wonderful Belize’s great outdoors can be.

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in western Belize spans 300,000 acres of pine forests, cascading waterfalls and scenic trails. Hike or mountain bike your way through this lush highland paradise, with diverse wildlife and breathtaking vistas and highlights like Big Rock Falls and the serene Rio Frio.

Located near San Ignacio, Cayo District, the ATM Cave is equal parts jungle trek and underground expedition. One of Belize’s most thrilling hikes, it involves wading through rivers and scrambling over limestone before descending into a cavern filled with ancient Mayan artifacts and crystallized skeletal remains. 

The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a diver’s paradise, stretching 170 miles along the coast. At Hol Chan, you can slip beneath the surface to explore vibrant coral gardens, colorful fish and gentle nurse sharks. Tours depart daily from San Pedro and Caye Caulker, with easy booking through certified local operators. To protect the reef, use reef-safe sunscreen and follow all dive briefings.

Belize’s Great Blue Hole is one of the largest marine sinkholes in the world and an iconic dive site. Roughly 1,000 feet across and more than 400 feet deep, it’s known for its eerie stalactites, ancient limestone formations and crystal clear waters.

It’s a bucket-list dive for experienced scuba divers, but you don’t have to go underwater to take it in. Many visitors opt for a scenic flyover from Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker or Belize City. Others join full-day boat tours to snorkel the reef systems nearby, enjoying marine life and vivid coral without descending into the depths.

Punta Placencia (or Pleasant Point) in southern Belize developed from an unassuming fishing village into a popular travel destination. With its calm waters, mangrove forests and nearby cays, it’s a prime spot for snorkeling or sunning. Visit between April and June during whale shark season, and you might find yourself swimming alongside these gentle giants.

South Water Caye is part of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve. It’s one of Belize’s largest protected marine areas and a prime destination for snorkeling, diving and exploring vibrant reef ecosystems. It’s about 10 miles off the mainland and is less crowded than Ambergris Caye, so it offers a quieter, more intimate experience of the reef’s beauty.

South Water Caye also boasts long stretches of sandy beach, perfect for lounging, swimming or starting up a casual game of beach volleyball with locals and other travelers. You’ll also find plenty of beachside spots serving fresh local cuisine.

Belize was once a major Mayan center. Today, the Mayan legacy still lives on in a rich cultural heritage and a landscape marked by the ancient ruins of temples, pyramids and cities. Many are worth a visit, including:

• Xunantunich: Hop on a hand-cranked ferry to reach this impressive hilltop site near San Ignacio. Climb the El Castillo pyramid for panoramic views stretching into Guatemala, and explore plazas once bustling with Mayan life.

• Caracol: Located deep in the Chiquibul Forest, Caracol is Belize’s largest and most powerful ancient Mayan city. Scale Caana, one of the tallest artificial structures in Belize, and wander through the sprawling complex of plazas and temples.

• Altun Ha: Altun Ha is a popular stop for cruise tourists coming from Belize City. The 10-pound, 6-inch jade sculpture of the Mayan sun god’s head from the main temple is now pictured on every Belizean banknote.

• Lamanai: Set on a jungle river, Lamanai has three pyramids and several plazas and temples. Climb High Temple for a panoramic view of the surrounding jungle.

There’s really no bad time to visit Belize. With warm weather year-round and plenty of sunshine, it’s always adventure season. But depending on what you want to do and how you feel about crowds, some times of the year might work better for you than others.

• Dry season (December to May): This is Belize’s sweet spot. Expect sunny skies, cooler breezes and ideal diving, snorkeling and hiking conditions. It’s also the most popular time to visit. Booking early might be your best bet if you’re eyeing beach resorts or guided tours.

• Wet season (June to November): Rain showers are more common. The landscape turns lush and green, and the crowds thin out. Summer brings the chance to swim alongside whale sharks off Placencia.

If you’re planning a trip to Belize, you might want to consider taking a travel rewards credit card. 

Capital One travel cards are built for travel. They offer fee-free spending, smart tools and unlimited rewards, including:

• $0 foreign transaction fees. View important rates and disclosures.

• Elevated rewards when booking through Capital One Travel.

• Flexible rewards redemption options.

• Travel protections and security features.

Belize packs big adventure into a small footprint, with natural wonders and cultural gems around every corner. 

Capital One offers travel rewards credit cards with exclusive benefits and elevated rewards that can help make your travel experience even more enjoyable. 

• Explore travel rewards cards and earn unlimited miles you can actually use. 

• Earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus and receive an additional 10,000 bonus miles every year, starting on your first anniversary, with the Venture X card.

• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day, and earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus with the Venture card. 

• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day, with the VentureOne card.