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Punta Gorda Airport

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Puerto Barrios Airport

Puerto Barrios

Izabal Department

Belize City

Belize District

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Choloma

Cortés Department

San Pedro Sula

El Progreso

Yoro Department

Xunantunich is an ancient Mayan archaeological site located in the western Belize district of Cayo. It is one of the largest Mayan ruins in the country and dates back to the Classic Period, around 600-800 AD. Xunantunich is best known for its towering main pyramid, the "El Castillo" Temple, which stands at 130 feet tall and offers a stunning view of the surrounding countryside. The name "Xunantunich" means "Stone Lady" in the Yucatec Maya language, and the site is thought to have served as a ceremonial and administrative center for the ancient Mayans.

In addition to the El Castillo Temple, there are several other impressive structures at Xunantunich, including the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Moon, and several plazas and residential buildings. Visitors to the site can tour the structures, walk the ancient causeways, and learn about the history and culture of the Mayan people. A museum on the site offers additional information and artifacts, and there are several walking trails and picnic areas for those who want to spend a full day exploring the area.

Xunantunich

The Great Blue Hole is a large, circular sinkhole located in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Belize. It is approximately 1,000 feet across and over 400 feet deep, making it one of the largest underwater sinkholes in the world. The Great Blue Hole is famous for its vibrant blue color, which is created by the deep, clear water and the sunlight reflecting off the white limestone walls.

The Great Blue Hole is a popular destination for divers, as it is home to an incredible variety of marine life, including many species of reef fish, sharks, and manta rays. The clear, still water provides excellent visibility, making it a popular spot for both recreational and technical divers.

The Great Blue Hole was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018 as part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. In addition to its beauty and ecological importance, the Great Blue Hole is also a popular spot for scientific research, as its unique geology provides valuable insights into the formation of underwater sinkholes and the evolution of coral reefs.

Great Blue Hole

Lamanai is a Maya archaeological site located in Orange Walk District, Belize. The site is situated on the banks of the New River Lagoon and is one of the largest and longest occupied Maya cities in the region, with evidence of habitation dating back to the 16th century BC. The name "Lamanai" means "submerged crocodile" in the Maya language, and the site is famous for its large stone masks of the crocodile deity.

Lamanai is well known for its well-preserved pyramids and temples, including the Mask Temple, the Jaguar Temple, and the High Temple, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle. Visitors to Lamanai can also view the remains of a colonial-era church and see various examples of Maya rock art.

In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Lamanai is also renowned for its wildlife, with numerous species of birds, monkeys, and other animals living in the surrounding jungle. Visitors can take guided tours through the jungle, go on boat trips down the New River Lagoon, and observe wildlife from the nearby observation tower.

Lamanai

Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a protected area in Belize located near the city of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Established in 1987, it is one of the first marine reserves in the country and is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize.

The name "Hol Chan" means "little channel" in the Maya language, and the reserve encompasses a variety of different habitats, including seagrass beds, mangroves, coral reefs, and shallow waters. These diverse habitats are home to a vast array of marine life, including many species of fish, sea turtles, manatees, and various types of coral.

One of the main attractions of Hol Chan Marine Reserve is the snorkeling and diving opportunities it offers. Visitors can explore the underwater world and witness the beauty and diversity of the coral reefs and their inhabitants. There are several guided tours available, allowing visitors to learn about the marine life and the conservation efforts in place to protect the area.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Tikal is a pre-Columbian Maya city located in the rainforests of northern Guatemala. It was one of the largest and most powerful cities in the ancient Maya world, with a population of perhaps as many as 90,000 people during its height in the Classic Period (200-900 AD).

Tikal is most famous for its towering pyramids and temples, which rise above the jungle canopy and are visible for miles around. The largest of these structures, Temple IV, is one of the tallest pyramids in the ancient Maya world, reaching a height of over 200 feet.

In addition to its architectural wonders, Tikal is also a valuable site for understanding Maya culture and history. Archaeological excavations have revealed a wealth of information about Maya daily life, religion, and politics, as well as the complex relationships between different Maya cities and states.

Visitors to Tikal can explore the ruins on foot, and guided tours are available to help visitors understand the significance of the site. There are also several museums and interpretive centers located near the site, where visitors can learn more about the Maya civilization and its history.

Tikal

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