THE BEST OF BELIZE!
Belize proves the cliche' that big things come in small packages. This tiny Central American country has the longest continuous barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere; the largest known Classic Mayan city, Caracol; and the highest concentration per square mile of the largest new-world cat, the jaguar. It also has one of the most extensive and easily accessible cave system from amateur and experienced spelunkers alike, as well as a nearly endless supply of some of the world's best snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose to stay in an intimate and luxurious hotel, an isolated nature lodge in the heart of the Mundo Maya, or a tent on your own desert island. Or you can sample all three. The best part about all these world-class places and experiences is that Belize's compact size makes it easy to sample a wide range of them in a short period of time. The lists below should help you zero in on a few personal bests of your own.
#1 - The Best Purely Belizean Experiences
Drinking a Cool Seaweed Shake
Made from dried natural seaweed, orated milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and some ice, this drink is surprisingly refreshing and tasty. You can get these drinks at several beach destinations around Belize, but Placencia seems to be the home of the seaweed shake. Staying with a Maya Family It certainly isn't going to be like a night at the Four Seasons, but if you're looking for a real cultural exchange experience, you should consider actually staying with a traditional Maya family. Spending the Night in a Maya Ceremonial City An intimate and rather luxurious nature lodge, built right on the site of a minor Mayan ceremonial city. The hills just outside your private cabin are un-excavated residence and pyramids. Ruins and basic excavations dot the grounds, and the surrounding rain forests are rich in bird and animal life. #2 - The Best of Natural Belize
The Cayes & Barrier Reef
Running the entire length of the country's coastline, the Belize Barrier Reef is the second longest continuous barrier reef in the world. Here you will find some of the best snorkeling opportunities and scuba-diving sites in the world. Moreover, the barrier reef is lined with hundreds and hundreds of small islands, or cayes. Most are uninhabited. These cayes range in size from tiny patches of sand or mangrove smaller than a football field to the larger and more developed vacation destination islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Whether you want the hustle and bustle of the latter, the deserted isle feel of a smaller or even private caye, or something in between, your choices are many and uniformly inviting. The Atolls Belize's three mid0ocean atolls are arguably more spectacular than the barrier reef and its many cayes. Unique formation of small islands and reef surrounding, a mid-ocean saltwater lagoon, atolls are an isolated and stunning phenomena. Belize has three of them: Turneffe Island, Lighthouse Reef and Glover's Reef. These atolls are very sparsely developed, and any visit here will be imbued with a sense of adventure, isolation, and romance. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Cockscomb Basin Forest Reserve This is a huge protected area comprised of rugged, forested mountains. The sanctuary was designed to protect and help researchers study the largest new world cat, the jaguar. The park is also home to Belize's other four wildcats species, as well as Baird's tapirs, coati-mundis, tayra, kinkojous, deer, peccaries, anteaters, and armadillos, as well as some 300 species of birds. Inside the park you'll also find Victoria Peak, the country's highest mountain. Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary This preserve is a swampy lowland that is home to over 250 resident species of birds and serves as a resting spot for scores of migratory species. It is also the principal nesting site of the endangered jabiru stork, the largest bird in the Americas. The sanctuary is an excellent place to spot other wildlife as well, including crocodiles, iguanas, coati-mundi and howler monkeys. The best way to explore Crooked Tree is by paddling around the network of lagoons in a dugout canoe. Rio Bravo Conservation Area This massive mixed tract of virgin forest, sustainable-yield managed forest, and recovering reforestation area is home to nearly 400 bird species and over 200 species of tropical trees. It also supports a healthy population of most of the new world cat species, and is one of the best areas in the Americas to try your luck in spotting a jaguar. The Rio Bravo Conservation Area is also home to La Milpa, a ongoing excavation of a major Mayan ceremonial city. Caves Belize has an extensive network of vaces, which were considered by the ancient Maya to be a mystical portal between the world of the living and the world of the spirits and the dead. They called this mystical realm Xibalba. In almost every explored cave in Belize, some evidence of use by the Mayans has been uncovered. Fire pits, campsites, burial mounds, and ritual altars have all been found. Numerous pieces of pottery and abundant skeletons, bones, and artifacts have also been encountered. These caves are relatively easily accessible and you should not leave Belize without at least one foray into Xibalba. Rio on Pools This series of flowing falls and pools is somewhat reminiscent of Ocho Rios in Jamacia. While the views and swimming are fine at the base of the falls, it's worth the hike upstream to even better views and numerous pools flowing between big rocks, which are perfect for sunbathing. This place can get crowded on weekends, when locals come for family picnics and getaways. #3 - The Best Diving & Snorkeling
Belize is rightly considered one of the top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations on the planet. The Belize Barrier Reef, second only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef, runs the length of its coastline, and the country has three open-ocean atolls. Diving and snorkeling are superb all along the barrier reef; the following are just a few of the truly standout sites and dives.
Shark Ray Alley & Hol Chan Marine Reserve These two very popular snorkeling sites are threatened with overcrowding but still live up to their billing. Shark Ray Alley guarantees a very close encounter with schools of large stingrays and nurse sharks. The experience provides a substantial adrenaline rush for all but the most nonchalant and veteran divers. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is an excellent snorkeling destination comprised of a narrow channel cutting through a rich and well-maintained shallow coral reef. Caye Caulker If you're looking for a relaxed vacation spot to serve as a base for some good snorkeling, you can't do much better than Caye Caulker, which has some excellent and easily accessible snorkeling sites. It's also much less developed and less crowded than its more popular neighbor, Ambergris Caye. Many of the dive sites are a very short boar ride from shore. Turneffe Island & Lighthouse Reef Atolls For many divers coming to Belize, these spots are the holy grail, and justifiably so. Both of these mid-ocean atoll formations feature nearly endless opportunities for world-class wall, drift, and coral garden diving. As a cherry to top this cake, this is also where you'll find the Blue Hole. A host of dive operators all across Belize offer day trips to dive these sites, although these usually involve a 90 minute to 3 hour ride each way. Alternatively, you can stay at one of the very few lodges out here, or take a vacation on a live-aboard dive boat. Glover's Reef Atoll Glover's Reef Atoll is the third of Belize's mid-ocean atolls. The diving here is spectacular and under exploited. Unlike the Turneffe Island and Lighthouse Reef atolls, far fewer day-trippers visit the dive sites around Glover's Reef Atoll. The best way to really take advantage of the diving and snorkeling is to stay out here, and for this, Glover's Atoll Resort is your best option. Gladden Spit More or less due east of Placencia, Gladden Spit is a world-renowned spot for diving with massive whale sharks. This mid ocean site is the natural spawning ground for a variety of marine species. Whale sharks come regularly to feed on the energetically rich and very plentiful reproductive effluence. Whale shark sightings are fairly common here from late March through June, and to a lesser extent from August to October and in December and January. Since the sharks tend to feed and cruise close to the surface, snorkelers and divers alike can enjoy the spectacle. |
BEST SECRET SAUCE
BEST HOT
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#4 - The Best Non-Diving Adventures
Chartering a Sailboat for Some Isolated Island Exploration
The protected waters, steady gentle trade winds, and hundreds of isolated islands and anchorages make Belize an ideal place for bare-boat charters. Given the shallow draft, increased interior space, and reduced drag,a multi-hull is your best bet. Fly-Fishing for Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon - on the Outer Atoll Flats Belize is a world-class fishing destination, and while offshore fishing for bigger game is possible, the real draw here is fly-fishing for feisty and world record size bonefish, permit and tarpon. Turneffe Flats is an excellent fishing operation located on Turneffe Island Atoll. Kayaking & Camping Around Glover's Reef Atoll The relatively calm protected waters of the atoll and manageable distances between islands make this a perfect place to explore under your own power, paddling a one or two person sea kayak. Slickrock Adventures run various adventurous multi-day kayak tours to small camps and lodges on the private isolated cayes of Glover's Reef Atoll. Riding an Inner Tube through the Cave Branch River Cave System This is certainly the most popular and probably the easiest way to explore Belize's vast network of caves. You strap on a battery powered headlamp, climb into the center of an inflated car inner tube, and gently float through a series of limestone caves, your headlamp illuminating the stalactites and the occasional bat. The entire sensation is eerie and slightly claustrophobic, but fun none-the-less, especially if you go with a small group on a day when the caves are not crowded. Canoeing, Kayaking or Inner Tubing on the Macal or Mopan Rivers These two rivers converge around the city of San Ignacio, in the Cayo District. upstream from town on either river are ample opportunities for paddling or floating. Depending on the water level and the section you choose, this can range from a lazy canoe or inner-tube paddle to a Class III kayak trip over rushing rapids. Horseback Riding through the Cayo District The Cayo District is a perfect area to explore on horseback. Rides can be combined with visits to jungle waterfalls and swimming holes, as well as nearby Mayan ruins. Mountain Equestrian Trails has one of the better stables and horse-riding operations in the Cayo District. |
BEST COFFEE
SIMPLY THE BEST
CHAN CHICH COFFEE 2 oz. Brandy 2 oz. Baily's Irish Cream 1-1/2 c. Gallon Jug coffee, fresh 2 Tbsp. whipped cream Add brandy, Baily's to cup. Pour hot coffee on top. Top with whipped cream for garnish. Serve in 2 tall glass cappuccino cups. Serves 2. BEST RUM CAKE
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#5 - The Best Day Hikes & Nature Walks
Cockscomb Basin Forest Reserve
This large forest reserve has an excellent network of well maintained trails. The Cockscomb Basin Forest Reserve - in addition to being the only dedicated reserve designated to protect the endangered jaguar - is also home to an amazing array of tropical flora and fauna. Truly adventurous hikers can arrange to climb Belize's tallest mountain, Victoria Peak, which is found inside this reserve. Guanacaste National Park This small national park is located right on the side of the Western Highway, about 2 miles north of Belmopan. The gentle trails and easy accessibility here make this an excellent choice for an introduction to tropical forests. There are nearly 2 miles of well marked and well maintained trails in the park, with several benches for sitting and observing wildlife. The park boarders on the west by Roaring Creek and on the north by the Belize River. Blue Hole National Park This hike combines a pleasant 1.5 mile hike through dense primary and secondary tropical forest and a refreshing dip in the park's beautiful namesake swimming hole, or cenote. If you hire a guide, you can actually hie, for several miles more inside the stunning Crystalline Cave. Tikal National Park In addition to being one of the best excavated and preserved ancient Mayan cities, Tikal offers an extensive trail network running through dense tropical rain forest. Howler and spider monkeys clamor overhead, and parrots squawk through the canopy. You can see a wealth of tropical fauna here, as you slowly wander from plaza to plaza and pyramid to pyramid. |
#6 - The Best Bird Watching
Belize is home to some 618 species of resident and migratory birds. With varied ecosystems ranging from coastal mangroves and swamps; to isolated barrier-reef cayes; to dense tropical rain forests and clear, open savannahs, Belize is a wonderful destination for avid bird watchers and amateurs alike.
Half Moon Caye National Monument
This isolated wildlife and marine reserve is a major nestling site for the red-footed booby. Thousands of these birds can be spotted on the island at any one time, and amazing sight. In addition, you can also spot a wide range of resident and migratory sea birds here.
Man-O-War Caye
This small caye is a government monitored bird sanctuary and major nesting site for the magnificent frigate, or man-o-war. Circling the island ina small boat, you'll see hundreds of these large seabirds roosting on and hovering above the tiny caye. In addition to the frigates, the island also is home to a large community of brown boobies.
Shipstern Nature Reserve
Covering some 8,903 hectares (22,000 acres), including several distinct ecosystems, Shipsern Natre Reserve is home to over 250 bird species. You can explore the area on foot, as well as in little dugout canoes and flat-bottomed boats.
Caracol
Also a major Mayan ruin, Caracol and its surrounding forest are prime bird watching destinations. The area is replete with numerous tropical forest species, including such beauties as the keel-billed motmot, violaceous trogon, ocellated turkey, crested guan, and great curassow. Some visitors have even spotted the harpy eagle here.
Half Moon Caye National Monument
This isolated wildlife and marine reserve is a major nestling site for the red-footed booby. Thousands of these birds can be spotted on the island at any one time, and amazing sight. In addition, you can also spot a wide range of resident and migratory sea birds here.
Man-O-War Caye
This small caye is a government monitored bird sanctuary and major nesting site for the magnificent frigate, or man-o-war. Circling the island ina small boat, you'll see hundreds of these large seabirds roosting on and hovering above the tiny caye. In addition to the frigates, the island also is home to a large community of brown boobies.
Shipstern Nature Reserve
Covering some 8,903 hectares (22,000 acres), including several distinct ecosystems, Shipsern Natre Reserve is home to over 250 bird species. You can explore the area on foot, as well as in little dugout canoes and flat-bottomed boats.
Caracol
Also a major Mayan ruin, Caracol and its surrounding forest are prime bird watching destinations. The area is replete with numerous tropical forest species, including such beauties as the keel-billed motmot, violaceous trogon, ocellated turkey, crested guan, and great curassow. Some visitors have even spotted the harpy eagle here.
#7 - The Best Mayan Ruins
Altun Ha
One of the most easily accessible Mayan ruins from Belize City, Altun Ha is a small yet well preserved site featuring two large central plaxas surrounded by mid-sized pyramids and mounds. Only a few of the most imposing temples, tombs and pyramids have been uncovered and rebuilt; hundreds more lie under the jungle foliage. Many jade, pearl, and obsidian artifacts have been discovered here, including the unique jade-head sculpture of Kinich Ahau (the Mayan sun god), the largest cared jade piece from the Mayan era,
Lamanai
One of the more interesting and picturesque Mayan ruins in Belize, Lamanai features three large pyramids, a couple of residential areas, various restored stelae, and open plazas, as well as a small and unique ball court. Moreover, the ruins of two 16th century Spanish churches are nearby. The site is set on the banks of the New River Lagoon. Since it was still occupied by the Maya when the Spanish arrived, Lamanai is one of the few sites in Belize to retain its traditional name. (The Submerged Crocodile).
Xuantunich
Xunantunich is an impressive, well-excavated, and easily accessible Mayan site, close to San Ignacio. Xunantunich was a thriving Mayan city during the Classic Period, from about a.d. 600 to 900. You'll find carved stelae and one very tall main pyramid here. To reach the ruins, you must cross the Mopan River aboard a tiny hand-cranked car-ferry in the village of San Jose.
El Pilar
El Pilar just may be the most under appreciated major Mayan city in Mesoamerica. The site is huge, with over 25 known plazas, covering some 40 hectares (100 acres) that straddle the Belize and Guatemala border. Excavation and exploration here are in their early stages, and I actually think that, in time, El Pilar will join the ranks of Caracol and Tikal as one of the major Classic Mayan sites of this region.
Caracol
Caacol is the largest known Mayan archaeological site in Belize and one of the great Mayan city states of the Classic era. Located deep within the Chiquibil Forest Reserve, the ruins are not nearly as well excavated as those at Tikal, Xunantunich, or any number of other sites. However, this is part of Caracol's charm. The main pyramid here, Caana or "Sky Palace", stands some 136 feet high; it is the tallest Mayan building n Belize and still the tallest man-made structure in the country.
Tikal
Just over the Belizean border in neighboring Guatemala, Tikal is the grandest of the surviving Classic Mayan cities. Tikal is far more extensively excavated than any ruins in Belize. The pyramids here are some of the most perfect examples of ceremonial architecture in the Mayan world. The peaks of several temples poke through the dense rain forest canopy. Toucans and parrots fly about, and the loudest noise you'll hear is the guttural call of howler monkeys. In its heyday, the city probably covered as much as 25 sq. miles and supported a population of over 100,000.
One of the most easily accessible Mayan ruins from Belize City, Altun Ha is a small yet well preserved site featuring two large central plaxas surrounded by mid-sized pyramids and mounds. Only a few of the most imposing temples, tombs and pyramids have been uncovered and rebuilt; hundreds more lie under the jungle foliage. Many jade, pearl, and obsidian artifacts have been discovered here, including the unique jade-head sculpture of Kinich Ahau (the Mayan sun god), the largest cared jade piece from the Mayan era,
Lamanai
One of the more interesting and picturesque Mayan ruins in Belize, Lamanai features three large pyramids, a couple of residential areas, various restored stelae, and open plazas, as well as a small and unique ball court. Moreover, the ruins of two 16th century Spanish churches are nearby. The site is set on the banks of the New River Lagoon. Since it was still occupied by the Maya when the Spanish arrived, Lamanai is one of the few sites in Belize to retain its traditional name. (The Submerged Crocodile).
Xuantunich
Xunantunich is an impressive, well-excavated, and easily accessible Mayan site, close to San Ignacio. Xunantunich was a thriving Mayan city during the Classic Period, from about a.d. 600 to 900. You'll find carved stelae and one very tall main pyramid here. To reach the ruins, you must cross the Mopan River aboard a tiny hand-cranked car-ferry in the village of San Jose.
El Pilar
El Pilar just may be the most under appreciated major Mayan city in Mesoamerica. The site is huge, with over 25 known plazas, covering some 40 hectares (100 acres) that straddle the Belize and Guatemala border. Excavation and exploration here are in their early stages, and I actually think that, in time, El Pilar will join the ranks of Caracol and Tikal as one of the major Classic Mayan sites of this region.
Caracol
Caacol is the largest known Mayan archaeological site in Belize and one of the great Mayan city states of the Classic era. Located deep within the Chiquibil Forest Reserve, the ruins are not nearly as well excavated as those at Tikal, Xunantunich, or any number of other sites. However, this is part of Caracol's charm. The main pyramid here, Caana or "Sky Palace", stands some 136 feet high; it is the tallest Mayan building n Belize and still the tallest man-made structure in the country.
Tikal
Just over the Belizean border in neighboring Guatemala, Tikal is the grandest of the surviving Classic Mayan cities. Tikal is far more extensively excavated than any ruins in Belize. The pyramids here are some of the most perfect examples of ceremonial architecture in the Mayan world. The peaks of several temples poke through the dense rain forest canopy. Toucans and parrots fly about, and the loudest noise you'll hear is the guttural call of howler monkeys. In its heyday, the city probably covered as much as 25 sq. miles and supported a population of over 100,000.
#8 - The Best Views
The Blue Hole
Is probably best experienced and viewed from above. A perfectly round sinkhole measuring some 1,000 feet across in the middle of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll lagoon, the Blue Hole appears as a deep, dark blue circle in a sea of shimmering turquoise. The best way to get this bird's eye view with Astrum Helicopters.
Sunright over the New River Lagoon
from a hammock strung on the front porch of your veranda at the Lamanai Outpost Lodge. It is a view you'll always treasure. The view is lovely throughout the day, but it's worth waking up early for.
Main Temple at Cerros
Is just a diminutive 70 feet tall, it offers excellent views across Corozal Bay. Moreover, this is an easy climb for most, and far easier than the climbs to the tops of most other major Mayan ceremonial pyramids.
Xunantunich, El Castillo
Both rise to about 127 feet tall. It's a steep climb, but the view from the top is worth is. On a clear day, you'll be able to make out the twin border towns of Benque Viejo, Belize, and Melchor de Menchos, Guatemala.
Pyaramids of Tikal
Poking their heads over the dense rain forest canopy, Tikal offers some of the best views to be found in all of Central America. Temple IV is the tallest and the preferred platform for enjoying this view, but Temple II just off the Great Plaza is really just as good. Get here early, or stay late, to enjoy the views without the hustle and bustle of busloads of tourists.
Is probably best experienced and viewed from above. A perfectly round sinkhole measuring some 1,000 feet across in the middle of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll lagoon, the Blue Hole appears as a deep, dark blue circle in a sea of shimmering turquoise. The best way to get this bird's eye view with Astrum Helicopters.
Sunright over the New River Lagoon
from a hammock strung on the front porch of your veranda at the Lamanai Outpost Lodge. It is a view you'll always treasure. The view is lovely throughout the day, but it's worth waking up early for.
Main Temple at Cerros
Is just a diminutive 70 feet tall, it offers excellent views across Corozal Bay. Moreover, this is an easy climb for most, and far easier than the climbs to the tops of most other major Mayan ceremonial pyramids.
Xunantunich, El Castillo
Both rise to about 127 feet tall. It's a steep climb, but the view from the top is worth is. On a clear day, you'll be able to make out the twin border towns of Benque Viejo, Belize, and Melchor de Menchos, Guatemala.
Pyaramids of Tikal
Poking their heads over the dense rain forest canopy, Tikal offers some of the best views to be found in all of Central America. Temple IV is the tallest and the preferred platform for enjoying this view, but Temple II just off the Great Plaza is really just as good. Get here early, or stay late, to enjoy the views without the hustle and bustle of busloads of tourists.
#9 - The Best Destinations for Families
Belize Zoo
Belize Zoo houses over 125 animals, all native Belizean species. It is considered a national treasure and a model for the possibilities of a conservation-based zoo. The zoo itself is wonderfully laid out, on meandering trails with large and well maintained enclosure for the animals.
Old Belize
Is part museum, part playground, part beach, and part adventure attraction. There's something here for everyone, and plenty for the kids. It's easy to spend several hours, if not a whole day here.
Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is the most developed of Belize's beach and diving destinations. As such, it has the greatest selection of hotels and activities, many of them either geared towards or just plain great for kids. From snorkeling to paragliding to touring the island on golf carts and visiting the Butterfly Jungle, there's plenty to keep families and kids of all ages occupied here.
Cave Branch
You'll be heroes in your kids eyes after you take them inner tubing through the dark and spooky network of limestone caves traversed by the slow-moving Cave Branch River.
Cayo District
Cayo District is the heart of Belize's Mayan world, as well as its prime ecotourism destination. Between a full plate of active adventure activities and a steady diet of Mayan ruins and ancient burial caves, families will find this a great place to spend time in Belize.
Belize Zoo houses over 125 animals, all native Belizean species. It is considered a national treasure and a model for the possibilities of a conservation-based zoo. The zoo itself is wonderfully laid out, on meandering trails with large and well maintained enclosure for the animals.
Old Belize
Is part museum, part playground, part beach, and part adventure attraction. There's something here for everyone, and plenty for the kids. It's easy to spend several hours, if not a whole day here.
Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is the most developed of Belize's beach and diving destinations. As such, it has the greatest selection of hotels and activities, many of them either geared towards or just plain great for kids. From snorkeling to paragliding to touring the island on golf carts and visiting the Butterfly Jungle, there's plenty to keep families and kids of all ages occupied here.
Cave Branch
You'll be heroes in your kids eyes after you take them inner tubing through the dark and spooky network of limestone caves traversed by the slow-moving Cave Branch River.
Cayo District
Cayo District is the heart of Belize's Mayan world, as well as its prime ecotourism destination. Between a full plate of active adventure activities and a steady diet of Mayan ruins and ancient burial caves, families will find this a great place to spend time in Belize.
#10 - The Best After Dark Fun
Belize doesn't really have all that much in the way of nightlife. The capital city is small and relatively quiet by most international standards. In both the capital throughout the rest of the country, you'd be hard-pressed to find a truly notable bar or club. Still, some unique after-dark destinations and activities are out there, and should not be missed.
Stargazing
This is one of my favorite nigh-time activities, but it is especially rewarding when there is no (or little) ambient light. Given its sparse development and low population density, Belize offers a wealth of opportunities for some truly spectacular stargazing. Your best spots are the isolated beach get always of Belize, three mid-ocean atolls, but you can also enjoy the astronomical splendor from any number of deserted beaches or rural mountain getaways.
Night Diving
If you've come to Belize to scuba dive, you should definitely try a night dive. Many creatures are nocturnal, and the reefs here come alive at night. Moreover, the brilliant colors of the coral and seal life really shine under the strong glare of an underwater light, and there's something truly eerie about the experience. All of the major dive destinations and resorts offer night diving.
Riverside Tavern - Belize City
Featuring excellent steaks, fresh fish, and bar food, this place is a local favorite. There are TV screens for sporting events and always an interesting mix of locals, expatriates and tourists alike.
Barefoot Iguana
This cavernous bar features everything from local DJs to mud-wrestling to sporting events shown on a giant screen. The two-story hangar sized space is hung with faux jungle plants and foliage, and it has quickly become the most happening nightspot in San Pedro.
Barefoot Beach Bar
Located on the beachfront, just off the central sidewalk, this casual outdoor spot is the best place in Placencia to enjoy some live music or a simple drink with friends in a totally tropical setting, befitting the place.
Moon Rise at Tikal
Watching the full moon rise from the top of Temple IV in Tikal is one of the highlights of my many travels to this region. You'll have to stay at one of the hotels on-site to do this, and you may even have to persuade or bribe a ark guard. You'll also have to time your visit with the moon phase. But if all these things come together, you're in for a memorable and awe-inspiring evening.
Stargazing
This is one of my favorite nigh-time activities, but it is especially rewarding when there is no (or little) ambient light. Given its sparse development and low population density, Belize offers a wealth of opportunities for some truly spectacular stargazing. Your best spots are the isolated beach get always of Belize, three mid-ocean atolls, but you can also enjoy the astronomical splendor from any number of deserted beaches or rural mountain getaways.
Night Diving
If you've come to Belize to scuba dive, you should definitely try a night dive. Many creatures are nocturnal, and the reefs here come alive at night. Moreover, the brilliant colors of the coral and seal life really shine under the strong glare of an underwater light, and there's something truly eerie about the experience. All of the major dive destinations and resorts offer night diving.
Riverside Tavern - Belize City
Featuring excellent steaks, fresh fish, and bar food, this place is a local favorite. There are TV screens for sporting events and always an interesting mix of locals, expatriates and tourists alike.
Barefoot Iguana
This cavernous bar features everything from local DJs to mud-wrestling to sporting events shown on a giant screen. The two-story hangar sized space is hung with faux jungle plants and foliage, and it has quickly become the most happening nightspot in San Pedro.
Barefoot Beach Bar
Located on the beachfront, just off the central sidewalk, this casual outdoor spot is the best place in Placencia to enjoy some live music or a simple drink with friends in a totally tropical setting, befitting the place.
Moon Rise at Tikal
Watching the full moon rise from the top of Temple IV in Tikal is one of the highlights of my many travels to this region. You'll have to stay at one of the hotels on-site to do this, and you may even have to persuade or bribe a ark guard. You'll also have to time your visit with the moon phase. But if all these things come together, you're in for a memorable and awe-inspiring evening.
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