Top Destinations in Belize

Top Destinations in Belize

How can we help?

Click and read long-form guides

Why are these Belize's top destinations? Put simply, these are the best destinations in Belize. They are attractive and ‘tranquilo,’ providing you with a sure-fire way to enjoy your time in Belize. The following destinations are chock-full of good hotels and tasty restaurants. Activities are equally abundant and include snorkeling, diving, sea kayaking, fishing, and swimming; for these exciting outdoor activities, you'll find yourself in the brilliant turquoise waters of destinations such as Caye Caulker.

In places like Ambergris Caye, you can arrange massages and search local stores for handicrafts. Many of Belize's towns and villages still boast the nation's unique "Slow down," attitude. Some of these locales don't even have cars, and you'll find yourself taking the scenic route on foot, or via bicycle or golf cart. Try to visit at least one of these places during your trip to Belize — after all, these are Belize's top destinations for a very good reason.

Read More
Destinations

Belize highlights: Top Destinations in Belize

Not sure where you want to go yet? Get inspired and browse the best places to visit in Belize
Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest island and the most well known destination in Belize. Located at the northern end of Belize’s waters, a small channel dug by the Maya separates Ambergris Caye from Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The narrow, 25-mile (40-km) long island is surrounded by the Caribbean’s aquamarine waters and consists of mangroves, lagoons, and the laid back town of San Pedro, which sits upon a low sandy plateau near the southern end of the island.
Explore Destination
San Ignacio

San Ignacio

San Ignacio, often referred to as Cayo, is a laid back town in the western foothills of the Mayan Mountains. Located right along the Western Highway, San Ignacio is popular among travelers as it provides modern tourist amenities while retaining its authenticity. The town sits directly on the meandering Macal River and is surrounded by green rolling hills where adventure awaits.
Explore Destination
Placencia Village

Placencia Village

Beachfront reggae bars, colorful guesthouses, and a spacious expanse of beach attract tourists to Placencia Village. Located at the end of the 16-mile (28-km) Placencia peninsula, it is the most lively destination in the region. It offers restaurants, shopping, nightlife, accommodations, and tour services.
Explore Destination
Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a sleepy, 5-mile (8-mile) long island with 1,300 residents. It’s just 21 miles (34 km) northeast of Belize City and is directly south of Ambergris Caye. With no cars or paved roads, the quiet sandy streets on Caye Caulker are only occupied by golf carts, beach cruisers, and pedestrians. Travelers come here to relax and enjoy the slow pace of island life, whether that be swaying in an ocean-front hammock, kayaking around the island’s calm waters and mangroves, or sunbathing at the popular hangout called the Split, a channel that separates the northern and southern half of the island. Like Ambergris Caye, the island sits just one mile west of the Belize Barrier Reef, offering easy access to the area’s best snorkeling and scuba activities.
Explore Destination
Hopkins

Hopkins

Hopkins is a small, laid back village on the central Caribbean Coast. It has a long, beautiful strip of beach, a large freshwater lagoon, and a Garífuna population that is dedicated to preserving their traditions.
Explore Destination

Visit the Caribbean beaches for surfing, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming. Ambergris Caye is one of Belize’s largest islands, and has a variety of upscale accommodations. San Pedro, the main town on Ambergris Caye, has bustling seaside bars, restaurants, and art galleries.

Caye Caulkeris somewhat more budget friendly than Ambergris Caye. Surfing and windsurfing are some of the top pastimes on this island.

Placencia Peninsula has some of Belize’s most luxurious beachside resorts. It’s home Maya Beach, a strip of peaceful, white-sand beach surrounded by rocky formations.

Belize’s most notable historical monuments are the Maya ruins, located around the foothills of the Maya Mountains, and nestled in the twisted vines of the jungle. Carocol, Xunantunich, and Lamanai have the most impressive architecture.

Visitors should make Belize’s natural attractions a top priority. Make sure to take a boating, kayaking, or scuba diving tour of the Belize Blue Hole and the many marine reserves around the Belize Barrier Reef. Belize also has the Belize Zoo, which shelters rescued native animals. Here you’ll get to see incredibly rare animals, like tapirs and jaguars – elusive creatures that you might not get a chance to glimpse in the wild.

Belize’s coastal town of Hopkins has distinctive Garífuna culture and plenty of beaches. The Garífuna are descended from escaped African slaves, and they have passed down their musical traditions from generation to generation. Visit Hopkins to hear the music and try the homey, authentically Belizean food.

Anywhere mission
Anywhere Belize

Insider-led Belize Design & Concierge

Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.

Get Started

Private drivers; English-speaking available.

Avoid the crowds in private day tours.

Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.

Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.

24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.

Belong Anywhere

Real Voices, Real Benefits

We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.

5 Stars - Verified customer reviews from Trustpilot