Belize Vacations

Belize vacations are an outdoor adventurer's dream. There is stunning, tropical beauty that includes such natural wonders as coral reefs, rainforest canopies and pristine beaches. With so much to explore and discover, it's no wonder this English-speaking Central American country is a popular vacation destination for many Americans. Leave the urban jungle behind for a few days -- or weeks -- and immerse yourself in the tropical paradise that awaits you in Belize.

Parks and Natural Reserves of Belize

With 40 percent of the country protected as parks and nature reserves, the unique flora and fauna of Belize is the main attraction. Hiking, canoeing and mountain biking are the preferred ways to explore the lush tropical rainforests and expansive mountain peaks that speckle the countryside. Top Belize vacation activities include the Community Baboon Sanctuary, Mountain Pine Ridge and Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.

Coastal Pleasures of Belize Vacations

Hugging the Caribbean Sea, the pristine coast of Belize invites you to enjoy numerous marine adventures. Scuba dive or snorkel along the second longest barrier reef in the world, explore three major offshore atolls and go deep-sea fishing all in the same day. The wetlands of Belize are also a major destination for marine biologists, with an eclectic and expansive habitat that includes birds, fish, mammals and reptiles. Major marine destinations often found in a Belize vacation package include the Blue Hole, Shark Ray Alley and Half Moon Caye National Monument.

Mayan Temples and Palaces of Belize

Any number of flights to Belize City will bring you to Mayan temples and palaces that provide a glimpse into Belize's captivating past. It is believed that Belize was once the heart of the Mayan civilization, leaving behind several intriguing sites for archeologists and casual tourists to discover. The Belize Institute of Archaeology has made considerable efforts to make the locations of Mayan temples accessible to travelers, and no Belize vacation would be complete without encountering these ancient marvels of civilization.