Things To Do In Belize…Besides Tropical Islands

Looking for the best things to do in Belize not near a beach? Read on…

Placencia Things To Do In Belize
White sand beaches – the most common image of Belize.

Things To Do In Belize

Belize is a small country on the Caribbean coast of Central America. Having this spectacular location has made it quite popular for people looking for a diving and relaxing trip to many of its beautiful islands.

Many people often neglect the mainland and focus strictly on the tropical islands to be found in its warm oceans. And that’s a shame, because this incredible nation has a lot more to offer!

So if you’re planning a trip to the region, why not take some extra time and check out these other things to do in Belize that don’t involve being on a tropical island.

Explore Belize’s Mayan Ruins

Although not as famous as their counterparts in Mexico and Guatemala, Belize’s Mayan ruins are still nonetheless fascinating and breathtaking.

There’s Cahal Pech, situated right in the town of San Ignacio. Xunantunich, a mammoth complex in the jungle near the Guatemalan border.

There is also “Lamanai” where the adventure just to get there involves a boat ride through crocodile-infested waters.

They’re definitely worth a visit to experience the cultural significance and get a glimpse into the Mayan history of this awesome country.

Xunantunich Ruins Things To Do In Belize
Xunantunich Ruins

Spend Longer Than Expected In San Ignacio

The happening town of San Ignacio in Western Belize is a lively, funky village offering all kinds of activities right at its door step.

San Ignacio is a great jumping off point for the famous caves in Belize, there are also some beautiful locations close by.

One such attraction is Branch Mouth, a local swimming spot where the Macal River and the Mopan River, meet, with iguanas and pigs wandering freely. The Saturday markets are also the biggest markets in Belize.

Branch Mouth Things To Do In Belize
Branch Mouth

Rainforest Medicine Trail

Also near San Ignacio, Ix Chel Farms is an inspiring research centre which focuses on the medicinal benefits of the plants and herbs found naturally in the jungles of the area.

Founded by Dr Eligio Pantí (a local healer who lived to the age of 103) and the American Dr Rosita Arvigo who studied with the famous healer, the Rainforest Medicine Trail is a relaxing walking track filled with information of the healing qualities of the fauna along its path.

An interesting day trip from San Ignacio that will make you appreciate alternative medicine therapies.

Rainforest Medicine Trail Things To Do In Belize
Rainforest Medicine Trail

Learn To Punta

On the Caribbean coast of Belize music and dance are a way of life for the Garifuna people. And there’s only one type of dance worth busting out on the D-Floor – Punta!

Shaking your booty as fast as possible to the rhythmic percussion sounds of the bongos, you will be hypnotised by the motions and will want to learn it yourself.

You won’t actually have a choice, because the friendly locals will drag you onto the dance floor and teach you!

A Punta Party. Things To Do In Belize
A punta party!

Explore Some Caves

One of the best things to do in Belize is explore the amazing caves, which are easily accessible for anyone who has a general amount of fitness and a healthy dose of adventure. S

ome involve climbing and crawling around muddy stalactites and stalagmites deep into the heart of mountains, while others will bring you face to face with pottery, drawings and ancient Mayan skeletons.

For those who want a more relaxing experience, why not try floating down a river on a large inflatable tube through multiple limestone caves?

Just try to time it to avoid the cruise ship tours that unfortunately take over the area for a few hours a day.

An Ancient Skeleton Deep In The Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave. Things To Do In Belize
An ancient skeleton deep in the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave.

Save Money By Eating Delicious Fruit

Backpacking in Belize on a budget can be a shock if you are used to areas like South East Asia and the rest of Central America. But that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank!

While some costly activities are a must, like caving and diving, you can even out the spending by eating cheap, tasty feeds found on the streets or in the markets.

It’s hard to beat buying 10 bananas for $1, picking oranges straight from the trees of large orchards (maybe not entirely legal, but think of the vitamin C intake!), or having The Coconut Man shimmy up a tree and acquire as many healthy coconuts as you can consume.

Honestly, when it comes to things to do in Belize, eating lots of fruit is one of them!

Fruit Market In San Ignacio. Things To Do In Belize
Fruit market in San Ignacio.

Learn How To Play The Drums

Everywhere you go in Belize the sounds of reggae and drumming will be prevalent. It will become the soundtrack to your time in the Caribbean. So why not have a go at learning how to drum yourself?

You can visit Alex Rodriguez‘s workshop on the coast of Dangriga to see how they are made and to learn to bust out a beat on them, or tap away on a turtle shell, just for something different.

There are so many great things to do in Belize without only going out to the islands. With so many places to stay, from cheap hostels to luxury hotels in Belize, it really is a perfect place to travel!

Alex Rodriguez's Drum Making Workshop On The Beach. Things To Do In Belize
Alex Rodriguez’s drum making workshop on the beach.

Alex Rodriguez’s drum making workshop on the beach.

Cave Tubing. Things To Do In Belize
Cave tubing.
The Coconut Man Things To Do In Belize
The Coconut Man providing us with a healthy mixer for our rum.
Things To Do In Belize
Rocking out on a turtle shell drum.
Alesha and Jarryd

Alesha and Jarryd

Hey! We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

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6 thoughts on “Things To Do In Belize…Besides Tropical Islands”

  1. very nice

    • Thank you

  2. Wow! Our Rainforest trail ahs evolved so much since that photo and the article attached. Could we provide a new photo and some updated info?

    • Hi Jared! Feel free to email us some new information and a photo 🙂

  3. Cool post! To be honest, Belize has never really been on my radar, but it seems a cool and diverse country to visit. I have a medical background and the Rainforest Medicine trail sounds very appealing. So many of our modern medicine started in the jungle!

    • Thanks Manouk. As someone with experience in the medical industry you would definitely love what they are trying to accomplish with the Rainforest Medicine Trail. It is truly fascinating. Rumour has it that the founder even discovered a plant in Borneo that helped fight AIDS, but upon returning many years later to help cultivate it found that the entire forest had been bought by an American pharmaceutical company which logged the entire forest, eliminating all known existence of this miracle plant. Conspiracy perhaps, but interesting none-the-less. Thanks for reading =)

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