If you're yearning for a grand adventure after two years of staying home, Belize is the perfect destination. From jungle trails in the Maya Mountains to sandy Caribbean beaches, adventures are packed into this pint-sized country. In addition, communicating is no problem with English as the official language, and your friendly Belizean hosts are happy to help you safely step into the unknown.

Below are just a few of the exhilarating experiences you can enjoy during your visit.

Snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef

One of the few places in Belize where you can snorkel right offshore is the South Water Caye Marine Reserve — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers

Perhaps most famous for its diving and snorkeling opportunities, many visitors to Belize head straight for an underwater exploration of one of the longest living barrier reef in world. With literally hundreds of diving and snorkeling sites, the reef is accessible by boat at most locations along the Belizean coastline.

Schedule a day trip with a local tour operator, or stay at one of the small resorts that can be found on some of the hundreds of low-lying islands called cayes that dot the reef.

A guided boat tour from the charming village of Hopkins takes you 14 miles offshore to the South Water Caye Marine Reserve. One of the largest of Belize’s marine reserves, visitors can snorkel right off the beach to explore spectacular coral ridges teeming with colorful marine life.

Explore the rainforest

A rope bridge spans the crystal clear water of the Siban River on the 50,000 acre Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge property, a National Geographic base camp — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers

While the coastal attractions are impressive, another way to experience the natural beauty of this diverse country is to travel inland. More than half of Belize is unexploited subtropical jungle and rainforest, home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Wildlife includes wildcats, crocodiles, howler monkeys and colorful toucans. There are also 4,000 tropical flower species, including 250 varieties of orchids.

Well-maintained trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding are located throughout the country in parks and nature preserves. In addition to the public trails, many of the country’s eco-lodge properties develop and maintain their own trail systems. There are also trails used by locals familiar with the area that may not be well marked. Make sure to research ahead of time, and hire a guide if necessary to ensure your safety.

Tour Maya ruins

A view of El Castillo, the tallest pyramid at Xunantunich — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers

Belize is a treasure for anyone who fancies themselves as a post-modern Indiana Jones. As the one-time center of the Mayan world, there are more ancient Maya ceremonial and civic sites here than anywhere else on the planet. Popular sites include Caracol and Xunantunich, which are known for their towering pyramids, and Lamanai, the longest-occupied known Mayan site in the world.

Scattered throughout the country, many of these impressive sites are open to guests and host interpretive centers and tour guides to help you get the most from your visit. Accessibility is all relative, however, and getting there is an adventure! To get to Xunantunich, visitors must cross the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry, Caracol is reached after a harrowing two-hour drive by 4x4, and Lamanai visitors arrive by river boat.

If you accept the challenge, the rewards are worth it. In addition to discovering impressive ancient plazas, palaces and temples, Belize’s archeological sites are free from the crowds and tourist traps found in other countries. In fact, if you get to many of the sites early, you'll have them all to yourself.

See the underworld

An ancient Mayan ceremonial cave featuring spectacular crystal formations and remnants of mysterious ancient ceremonies — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers

While the Mayan temples and cities above ground are impressive, there are just as many treasures under the ground in Belize. Due to its unique geology, there are extensive cave systems created by underwater rivers, sinkholes and the dripping action of water on limestone. Some caves are dry and can be hiked, while others are wet and can be explored by canoe. A few even offer a unique cave tubing experience.

In addition to the dark beauty of these underground spaces featuring massive icicle-like stalactites, shimmering crystals and turquoise waters, these are also entrances to the Mayan underworld. Many feature ceremonial artifacts that are hundreds of years old, including pottery shards, remnants of offerings and the skeletons of sacrificial victims that are thousands of years old.

As with any trip to the underworld, cave explorations can be challenging, so make sure you know the risks before you enter. For example, a visit to the world-famous Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave requires hiking, wading and swimming underwater, and just getting to the Black Hole Drop requires rappelling 300 feet down to the floor of an ancient sinkhole.

Learn new food cultures

The secrets of Mayan chocolate-making unfold in a traditional palapa, adding to the authenticity of the experience at Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers

If your idea of adventure includes explorations of the palate, then Belize will also deliver. The country’s complex tapestry of different cultures creates a cuisine that is as diverse as it is delicious. If asked, many Belizeans today will have favorite dishes that can be traced to a variety of origins. From the Garifuna Hudut dish of mashed plantains and coconut fish stew, to Creole beans and rice, to Mayan-style tamales, every culture has contributed to Belize’s modern food scene.

One way to explore Belize's food culture is to dive in and take a cooking class. There are a variety of classes offered at cultural sites and eco-resorts. One culinary program of note was created by Rahim Melendez, the award-winning Executive Chef of the Belize Collection of Resorts. His classes draw on the talents of local Mayan and Garifuna cooks who demonstrate how to use traditional ingredients and cooking methods.

Rest and restore

Fairy tale accommodations at the ocean-front Jaguar Reef Resort in the charming village of Hopkins, Belize — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers

All that adventure means that having a comfortable place to restore your energy is very important. If you’re looking for an entire package of accommodations and experiences, there are a number of eco-lodges that cater to adventure travelers. These properties specialize in providing guests an authentic experience just slightly off the beaten path.

One example is The Belize Collection, which is a group of boutique hotels that offer luxury accommodations, award-winning dining and a full range of guided experiences to help visitors see all that Belize has to offer. With locations in the mountains at the Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge, and on the beach at Jaguar Reef, travelers get the best of both worlds.

Before you go

If you have not visited Belize before, the best place to start planning your trip is by visiting the official Travel Belize website. In addition to providing detailed information about Belize, including facts about the country, the people and popular activities, there is information regarding current travel procedures and protocols.

In addition, travelers to Belize are required to stay at approved Gold Standard accommodations that meet new health and safety standards. A complete listing of these accommodations is available on the Travel Belize website. Also listed are Gold Standard attractions, restaurants, gift shops and transportation options.