Things to see and do in Belize

The archaeological site of Caracol is one of Belize’s remarkably well-preserved Mayan sites. This one is noteworthy because of transport there: due to its proximity to the Guatemalan border, it is strongly advised to travel there in police convoy, flying over the bumpy terrain, for tourist safety.

Wander through the exquisitely carved Xunantunich ruins, considered some of the most beautiful and intricate in the Mayan world. The ruins date from AD200 to 900 and are found close to the Guatemalan border.

If you want to see some incredible wildlife, in particular birds, here is where to head. Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is most notable for its jaribu stork population and is also home to howler monkeys, crocodiles, coatimundis, turtles and iguanas. Alternatively, go and visit the rare red-footed booby at the Half Moon Caye Bird Sanctuary. These birds live here for 10 months of the year; go between March and August to see the young. The sanctuary takes up a whole island and is a full day trip from either Belize City or San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.

The cayes off the coast are the reason most people visit Belize, and Caye Caulker is the quiet, laid-back one. Windsurfing or kite-surfing here is magic: the water is so clear beneath, it may be possible to spot fish, stingrays and even dolphins. The best wind conditions usually occur from February to June.

Learn about the flora of Belize at the San Ignacio Botanical Gardens. Discover the healing herbs of Belize at the Chaa Creek Medicine Trail nearby or, while you’re in the area, visit the ancient agricultural settlements of the Maya at the archaeological ruins of El Pilar.

A full day trek for the active: hike along the Macal River in Cayo district to the Hidden Valley Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Central America. See hundreds of different bird species and mammals along the way.

Go caving and spelunking. Belize's interior hides thousands of caves. The most accessible is Rio Frio Cave in the Mountain Pine Ridge area. Others which are easy to visit include Che Chem Ha Cave in Cayo district and Blue Creek Cave in Toledo.

Visit Altun Ha, a major Mayan ceremonial centre and trading centre in the Classic period (AD 250-900); an extraordinary head of the sun god, ornately carved in jade, was found here and is now a national symbol of Belize.

Belize’s tiny, beautiful coastal town is the most relaxed place on earth to spend a few days. Sailing is an option here: the beautiful bay has gentle winds which will push you along the azure waters. Remember this is the Caribbean coast: everything, including the sea, is peaceful – except the parties!

Belize has the longest barrier reef in the Western hemisphere and covers 296km (185 miles), including a nearly continuous wall of coral stretching almost 224km (140 miles) from Mexico to the Sapodilla Cayes. Arrange dive trips from the cayes off Belize City.