Location: Belize City
Top Things to do in Belize City
Countries
Top 10 Historical & Heritage Tours in Belize City, Belize District
Located on the east coast of Belize at the mouth of the Belize River, Belize City sits on a peninsula jutting into the Caribbean Sea. As the nation's main port, the city is a hub for cruise ships and is often a jumping-off spot for excursions to other parts of Belize, including the Cayo District's caves and Maya archaeological sites along the Macal and Belize rivers. Belize City boasts the only manual swing bridge in the world and the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America.
Restaurants in Belize City
1. Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave)From Belize City
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Actun Tunichil Muknal is one of Belize most sought after Adventure in our country. The tour is not just an adventure but one of the most interactive Maya history Cave Adventure available.
Inclusions: All activities, Professional guide, Driver/guide
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By saiofrelief
Our tour guide Paul notified us in advance to his arrival. Our Airbnb address was incorrect but he was still able to locate our lodging . Our guide Paul was extremely personable, relatable, knowledgeable about historical and contemporary facts about Belize and provided us with exemplary service and an unforgettable experience. During the drive he pointed out local landmarks, historical sites, answered our endless assortment of questions and brought us up to speed on contemporary matters pertaining to the country. When we arrived at Xuantunich Paul took us to each of structure offering insight as to its significance and purpose. He also assisted us with taking photos and answering any questions that we had on the archaeological site. Cave tubing was extremely fun and Paul ensured that we were safe, having a good time as well as gave us a history lesson on caves in Belize and how they related to the ancient Mayan civilization. After tubing my sister and I enjoyed a beverage we purchased from a local vendor who placed rum, coconut milk, fresh juice and melon into a half pineapple. Paul was kind enough to let us stop at a grocery store within close proximity to our AirBnb. He also provided us with restaurant recommendations and familiarized us with the general area that we stayed in. Private Belize Adventure provided an excellent tour and an overall amazing experience. Please request Paul as he will certainly show you a great time along with educating you.
2. Altun Ha, Rainforest, Birdwatching Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
We pickup and drop off at the airport, water taxi, hotel, cruiseport, Airbnb. this sightseeing tour passes alongside the Old Belize River, rural communities, small farms. See various species of Birds, unique native trees and plants, orchids and bromeliads, tour the Ancient city of Altun Ha, known for its ceremonial Temples with mask of gods, sacrificial altar and many findings of priestly tombs containing a wealth of artifacts. When accessible we walk the trail to the Rockstone Pond.
Inclusions: Driver/ Tour guide service, Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Available from Belize City Cruise Port, FSTV
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By jwages732
We did a tour of Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, ziplined, and kayaked the caves branch river with V.I.V. tours while staying in San Ignacio and couldn't have more great things to say about them. The lunch was tasty, the price was reasonable, and the guides were very knowledgeable and fun. They were able to accommodate a last minute request for the tour (we contacted them at 7pm the evening before) and even picked us up from our hotel. 10 out of 10 recommend these guys!
3. Xunantunich and Cave Tubing Combo Tour from San Ignacio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 87 reviews
A full day tour starts when your guide meets you at your hotel in San Ignacio Town followed by a short drive to Xunantunich. After exploring & climbing El Castilloand rest of the Maya site you will then be driving (approx 1.5hrs) to 'Jaguar Paw' where you will enjoy lunch before getting your cave tubing gear before hiking (approx 20 - 30 mins depending on your pace) to the starting point of the cave tubing tour. Go cave tubing, through the crystalline water of this underground system and enjoy a relaxing tubing adventure. (This tour may be affected by seasonal rains - flash floods, so your tour may be susceptible to changes only during extremely wet days) (lunch for this tour is packed lunch especially for special dietary needs - at times you may have lunch at a local restaurant at 'Jaguar Paw')
Inclusions: all entrance fees, cave tubing equipment, water, light snack, lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off (within San Ignacio), small group tours
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, gratuities, Excess luggage charges (where applicable), pickups & drop offs OUTSIDE of San Ignacio Town (contact us to confirm availability)
Reviewed By B5156FParielc
Loved our tour day! Elio was such a great tour guide!!! My husband and I had a blast with him. An absolute great way to see so many things in one day!
4. Xunantunich and Inland Blue Hole Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Xunantunich is one of the largest ancient Maya cities ever built, the rulers of Xunantunich clashes with other powerful rivals in the area, including Tikal. In 2016, the largest Maya royal tomb ever discovered was excavated in Xunantunich, and the site remains an impressive display of pyramids, palaces, and other grandiose buildings.
Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Entry/Admission fee to Site
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By ChelsMbrown
Our guide Wilson was so knowledgeable about the various things in the hiking trails and took his time to stop and show us the various plants and even wildlife at the Jaguar Preserve. At the end of the hike we arrived at a beautiful and refreshing waterfall that we enjoyed so much. In the afternoon we had a local maya lunch followed by this culture teaching us how they make delicious savory chocolate directly from the fruit. This was definitely an adventurous day in Belize I will never forget. Definitely a must do tour with Untame Belize from Placencia.
5. Cave Kayak or Cave Tube & Altun Ha
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Ditch the Tube and Grab a Kayak for a Unique experience where Adventure and Rich Cultural History at Altun Ha Maya Temple combine for an incredible day in Belize!
Inclusions: Meet & Greet , Pick up in Belize City at your location, Air-conditioned vehicle, Guided Tour of Sites, Kayak Gear w/ Helmet & Light
Exclusions: NoHoch Che'en park entry fee $5pp, A lunch stop is made en route but the cost of lunch is not included
Reviewed By KEB47360
During our recent travels to Belize, we were fortunate to discover Up Close Belize through the hotel we stayed at on our first night. We had a positively wonderful time on the Cave Tubing, Zipline, and Altun Ha Temple tour with our guide, Joel. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the areas we traveled to as part of the tour as well as the many other Belize-related questions we asked him. He was a delight to spend the day with and learn from. Because we had such a positive experience with Joel, we booked our snorkeling trip (to Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan on Ambergris Caye) as well as the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave) with Up Close Belize also. Our guide for the ATM Cave, Auner) was also fantastic. Overall, we were very pleased with the quality of the tours, tour guides, and communication with the company. We would highly recommend exploring Belize with the exceptional guides of Up Close Belize!
6. Belize City Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
The historic Belize City tour offers an interesting insight into the old capital city of Belize. Belize City is the largest city in the Central American region of Belize and was once the capital of former British Honduras until the government was moved to the new capital of Belmopan in 1970. The population of Belize City is 67,964; with neighboring suburbs adding up to about 80,000. Several cruise ships drop anchor outside the port and are tended by local citizens. Belize City was founded (originally as “Belize Town”) in 1638 by British lumber harvesters. It had previously been a small Maya city called Holzuz. Belize Town slowly improved its infrastructure and has been the object of numerous infrastructural projects. Nevertheless, many of the streets built from colonial days are still small and congested, a majority of houses are still susceptible to fire and damage from hurricanes.
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuity, Items of personal nature
Reviewed By cardoa10
This was not an excursion neither an adventure. This was just transportation to an island that you have to pay for everything in there. For $45 dollars they get you to an island where the only thing that has is a restaurant/bar with very rude people. A few chairs, no shade. If you want a bed that swings and is covered for the sun it cost. If you want something like a gazebo it cost. This company does not explain sincerely what this excursion was about.
7. Altun Ha Maya & Belize City Adventure
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Join us with us at the lost Maya city of Altun Ha. A local tour guide will take you on an informative tour where you will learn a wealth of information, and take advantage of the scenic view at the top of the temples and take pictures of everlasting memory.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance fee into park
Exclusions:
Reviewed By tryandstop
We had an excellent tour of Altun Ha and the Howler monkey sanctuary, Belize. We arranged this on line before we departed the UK with Linslade of Wild Caribbean Tours. Our ship was 2 hours late in arriving at Belize City, but there was Linslade, patiently waiting for us and not at all perturbed about the delay. He directed us to his very nice comfortable vehicle and we found ourselves the only ones on this occasion, so we had Linslade’s undivided attention all of the day. He pointed out places of interest to us, always stopping if we wanted to take a photo, such as the big BELIZE sign, where we bought some cashew nuts from a local trader. At Altun Ha, we spent over an hour there and Linslade gave us as much information as we wanted about these splendid Mayan ruins and encouraged us to climb to the top of the main temple at our own pace, as one of us had mobility problems, where there was a good view of the site and the surrounding jungle. He constantly took photos of us (he has since sent these to us) and allowed us a little time at the museum, before departing for the Howler monkey sanctuary. At the Howler monkey sanctuary, he arranged with Royce, the owner ,for us to sit in the shade and eat our picnic lunch. There was a place he said he could have taken us to where we could have had a local style lunch, if we had wanted. After our unhurried picnic lunch, Royce and Linslade walked with us into the adjoining rain forest by the Belize river and Royce soon spotted a family of Howler monkeys, high up in the trees. He enticed them down by imitating the sound they made and had them eating out of our hands, tempting them with a cut up banana! I doubt whether those on the larger ship tours had this experience! In fact the ship’s tours were two separate ones to these two sites, but our combined one was far better and less expensive! On the way back, Linslade showed us other sights of Belize City, like the cathedral and the swing bridge and even where he lived with his wife and young son! We felt completely secure with him, as he was also a detective and he made sure we were back to our ship in plenty of time and the two hours we lost earlier was made up later. We started the day as strangers but ended it as friends! Linslade was a real nice genuine guy and we would thoroughly recommend him. Write a Review
8. Zip Lining and Cave Tubing Caves Branch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Nohoch Che’en caves located at Caves Branch is definitely one of the ten top things to do in Belize. Our country holds the largest cave system in Central America and the Caves Branch forms part of this natural wonder. In 2010 Nohoch Che’en or Caves Branch was declared a 15.5 acre archaeological reserve by the Belize government. Many caves are located in this area including Petroglyph, Pothunters, Satabe, Footprints, St. Margret’s Cave, Pottery Cave, and Caves Branch Rock Shelter among others. You will also experience Belize’s Subtropical jungle when you Zip lining over the rainforest canopy and fly over the spectacular view of the Caves Branch River. The rainforest is home to a rich diversity of insects, birds and animals such as the spider monkeys and kinkajous which are spotted during the zip lining tour. You are fastened to a harness which is attached to a cable. The experienced guides will instruct you on how to push off from the platform and soar into the forest canopy.
Inclusions: Helmets, head lamp, life jackets and tube, Belizean cuisine, fruit bowl and refreshments
Exclusions:
Reviewed By emmahD7115WW
This tour was highlight of our trip to San Ignacio. Rudy shared his knowledge about Myan culture, plants, and many birds and animals we saw at Xunantunich. Rudy was patient as he guided us the steps to top of Xunantunich so I could see everything below. Listening to all the birds, howler monkeys, Rudy explained so much, answered all questions. Shuttle service was perfect, on time, never felt rushed! Thank you Celine for all the updated info about covid, arranging our tours and transportation! You are spot on!! Thank You Rudy for your kindness!! HIGHLY recommend !!!
9. Altun Ha Mayan Site tour from Belize City
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
The guided tour of Altun Ha allow you to climb the temple to the Sun God of the Mayan Civilization
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, National park entrance fee
Exclusions: Food and drinks, This half day tour does not include lunch you will be allow to purchace snacks or lunch at a local restuarant along the way after your tour
Reviewed By Loren928
Everyone should travel to Belize. The tourism industry is back! We came to Belize for a scuba diving trip and went on several land excursions too. Yesterday we had the best tour of Lamanai (the Mayan ruins in northwest Belize). At 8am, Albert Alvarez (from “A Plus Adventures Belize”) picked us up from the Radisson in Belize City and we drove about an hour to pick up Amir Reyes (local tour guide for Lamanai) from Tower Hill Village). From there we drove through the Mennonite community and farmland. Albert and Amir taught us about the variety of cultures found in Belize. Then we passed the small village of Indian Church (population of 236 people). When we arrived in Lamanai, we had the whole place almost to ourselves. Amir gave an excellent cultural and historical tour as we walked through Lamanai. It was great taking pictures of all the Mayan ruins without any other tourists getting in our pictures. Really an amazing experience. After that, we had a delicious lunch at Las Orquideas Restaurant in Indian Church. And on the way back to the hotel we made a quick detour to see trucks filled with sugarcane pulling into the sugar processing plant. Albert and Amir were both very friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge of Belize with us. Overall, it was a great tour and a great day. Everyone should come visit Belize and book a tour through A Plus Adventures. We’ll be returning soon.
10. Belize City to Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
As the elevation increases from Belize City to Xunantunich you will get to see the Maya Mountains from a distance and the change in vegetation from savanna to tropical jungle. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours in which we get to venture through the Twin Towns of San Ignacio and Elena as we make our way closer to the hand crank ferry. Once, we arrive to the ferry we will be hand cranked across the beautiful green Mopan river which we then drive for another 5 minutes to our destination. You will have the opportunity to climb the El Castillo temple which is approximately 130 feet tall. From here you will be able to see Guatemala the one of the neighboring countries with Belize. As you trek along the site you might run into some wildlife as this site is surrounding by jungle. You might get a glimpse of monkeys, birds, spiders and much more. After we finish the site tour, we will enjoy a picnic of local cuisine and then make our way back to Belize city.
Inclusions: Lunch, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance Fees
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By MarynaG312
Our guide Oscar was perfect. He gave us information about every detail. Took his time and made us feel very comfortable. The way to the cave and the entrance was really cool. Going over rivers. The cave itself was behind amazing. You just have to do it.
