Off The Beaten Path – Belize

Mention Belize and most people think scuba diving in the Blue Hole or cave tubing outside Belize City. While these are two awesome activities that certainly warrant a spot in your itinerary, there’s so much more to do and see on mainland Belize and its surrounding islands.

Sarteneja Village

This charming fishing village in northern Belize boasts beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water and rich culture.  The spot was first settled by the Mayans to serve as an important trading route, and today the town gets its name from the 13 Mayan drinking wells found in the area. Most tourists make a stop here for the fishing, kayaking, sailing or nearby Mayan ruins. Sarteneja also boasts the popular Manatee Rehabilitation Center, a local NGO that takes in and rehabilitates orphan manatee calves as part of a national program to protect the threatened species.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for being the first jaguar reserve, established in 1990. The sanctuary is home to all five of Belize’s cats, including the jaguar, puma, margay, jaguarundi, and ocelot. While your chances of spotting one of these elusive cats is rare, there’s plenty other wildlife and scenic views to enjoy on the sanctuary’s 20-miles of hiking trails. If you’re really up for a challenge, try hiking the Victoria Peak trail, a four-day challenge only accessible with guide and permit.

The Snake Cayes
Take the arduous journey down to southern Belize and you’ll be rewarded with the pristine Snake Cayes. A group of four small islands protected by the Belizean government, the Snake Cayes get their name for the boa constrictors that can be found in the trees. But don’t worry—you’ll want to spend most of your time snorkeling in the crystal-clear water amongst coral, fish, turtles, lobster and other sea life. Most visitors to the Snake Cayes base themselves in Punta Gorda; be sure to go with a large group of friends to cut down on the cost of the boat to access the cayes!

Hard to Reach Ruins

Xunantunich is a great little-known Mayan site near the western border of Belize near Guatemala. Built from 200-900AD, it showcases unusual stucco facades. The facades are different from other Mayan sites so even if you have visited other sites, this one is worth seeing

Lamanai is an impressive Mayan archaeological site set deep in the Belizean jungle. A two hour boat ride from Orange Town (northern Belize) is required to get there. The beauty is that not many people have heard about it so tourists are very minimal. Not only was the archaeological site impressive, but the two hour boat ride through the jungle will have you in awe. 

The Lamanai archaeological site Is a beautiful site. Not only are there vines, orchids, and fig trees carpeting 1,000-year-old Maya pyramids and more recent colonial sugar mills, the journey to and from the site includes a phenomenal birding trip up and down the New River. However, if you want Something not many try, Always take the night hike, no matter how tired you are from the day's adventures— You'll see more wildlife during guided nighttime nature walks and boat rides than on day trips. 

Plan your next great vacation with Rawhide Travel and Tours. Call today (602) 843-5100 or email us at flythis@rawhidetravel.com.

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