10 Great Ways to Explore Beautiful Belize

Once regarded as a hidden gem, Belize's brilliance has reached the point where it is now regarded as one of trendiest travel destinations throughout the Caribbean. The country's sheer number of activities, cuisine, animals to see, and sites to visit means that its virtually impossible to find nothing interesting.

Listed below are a solid ten different things worth adding to your itinerary of Belize.

1. Visit an Ancient Maya City.

The Maya were Belize's most prominent indigenous culture and some of their civilization have endured. Belize is home to a plethora of Maya sites including Altun Ha, Lamanai, Cahal Pech, and Xunantunich.

2. Go Cave Tubing.

There are several places that combine spelunking with a relaxing riverway trip via inner tube.

3. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest forested areas in Central America and is lush with unique animals including the iconic Belize jaguar.

4. Look For Howler Monkeys in Monkey River.

Monkey River is a village well-known for its sizable howler monkey population.

5. Visit a Cocoa Farm.

Cacao, the source of chocolate, was well-venerated by ancient Maya. Visitors can see how chocolate is handled traditionally.

6. The Garifuna Cultural Tour.

The Garifuna are just one of Belize's diverse cultures. This tour allows visitors to observe traditional artifacts and play traditional instruments.

7. ATM Cave.

Actun Tunichil Muknal is a unique cave containing the crystallized remains of an 18-year-old Maya girl some regard as a sacrificial offering to the gods.

8. The Belize Zoo.

The Belize Zoo is home to more than 175 animals and 45 indigenous species.

9. Swimming at Davis Falls.

Davis Falls is Belize's second-largest waterfall, found deep within the rainforest and surrounded with citrus trees.

10. Snorkel or Dive Around the Gorgeous Belize Barrier Reef.

This 300 kilometer reef is home to over 100 species of coral and 500 fish. Only one-tenth of the reef has actually been explored, meaning there may be countless other species as yet undiscovered.

If even one of those suggestions grabs your attention, know that you can book any relevant tours, shuttles and vehicular transfers through www.untamebelize.com.

TripAdvisor: Add Belize to Your Adventure Destination Bucket List

Global travel site TripAdvisor has listed Belize in its 2019 World's Top Spots for Adventure Travel report. The report says, "Belize has plenty of outdoor adventure to get you out of your comfort zone."

Belize is Filled With Thrills

It's easy to see why Belize is a natural destination for all adventure junkies. This small, unspoiled country is filled with outings that will take your breath away in every sense of the word.

Zip-lining in the jungle

If you're ready to ride across some of the most scenic, unspoiled jungle in the world, Belize offers many chances to do this. There are even nighttime zip-lining events if you want an extra thrill.

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave

The ATM Cave is one of the most important sacred caves in the world. It was used as a sacred space by the ancient Maya who ruled the regions that are now Mexico, Belize and Guatemala.

Black Hole Drop

This adventure starts with a hike through the Maya Mountains to the sinkhole of the Actun Loch Tunich cave. You rappel down 300 feet and then you hike and rock-climb back up. It's an amazing adventure that will test you in every way.

Cave tubing

One of the most popular activities in Belize, this involves riding down a river in an inner tube. The ride takes you through unspoiled rainforest before passing into a mass of ancient caves that the Maya believed were doorways to the underworld.

Discover the Maya

Belize has over numerous Maya ruins, including some of the most important sites left by this ancient, advanced culture. Hike the ancient temples and pyramids and learn about this fascinating history.

Belize Barrier Reef

Snorkel, sea kayak or scuba dive in the world's second-largest barrier reef. The reef is home to thousands of species. It's also where you'll find the famous Blue Hole of Belize, which is a dream destination for experienced divers.

Meet our wildest natives

Visit Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the first jaguar preserve in the world. You can camp, hike and swim here. Enjoy the spectacular pools, waterfalls, tropical birds, tapirs, howler monkeys and other native species.

Book Your Belize Adventure Vacation With Untame Belize

Untame Belize is your top choice for adventure excursions led by knowledgeable, experienced local guides. You can book a ready-made tour that hits every highlight or customize your own package. Contact us today and get started on an unforgettable experience.

Belize Group Travel and Tours

Trying to plan a vacation or getaway for a large group of people can often be something of a challenge. The process of booking interesting tours, arranging shuttles accommodation, and ensuring that all ground transfers are pre-planned can be very time-consuming.

Luckily, if you are planning a group trip to Belize, help is on hand. Untame Belize is a locally owned and operated company that specializes in creating and arranging memorable Belizean vacations for groups of 2 to 30 people. Our fleet of modern and spacious vans makes getting to the airport or going on an adventure tour a comfortable and relaxing experience.

Of course, Untame Belize doesn't just focus on getting your group wherever they need to go. Instead, we focus on ensuring that each and every member of your party has an enjoyable trip. For example, if someone in your group has any special needs, Untame Belize will go out of their way to ensure that we can accommodate them. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority.

Whether you are traveling with a church group, with friends, with work colleagues, or just with your family, Untame Belize has the experience needed to ensure that everybody enjoys their trip to Belize. Perhaps the best way to experience the best of Belize is by booking one of Untame Belize's many tours. We truly have an excursion for everyone.

For the history buffs in your group, Untame Belize offers tours to ancient Maya ruins, such as those found at Xunantunich and Tikal in Guatemala. If your party is feeling adventurous, you can book a cave tubing and zip lining tour. Alternatively, for groups that want to take in as much Belizean culture as they possibly can, the Belize Garifuna cultural tour is a superb option. Of course, no matter which tour you choose to book with Untame Belize, you can always expect it to be led by a skilled and experienced tour guide.

Put simply, booking your group's Belizean getaway with Untame Belize is the perfect way to ensure that your transfers run smoothly, your shuttles are efficient, and every member of your group has a good time. We can even help with booking a hotel or resort for you. To learn more about Untame Belize, you can visit UntameBelize.com at any time. There, you will be able to learn more about their various service options and make the bookings that your group needs.

5 Belizean Festivals You Simply Cannot Miss in 2019

While America may have the designation of "melting pot of the world", it's not the only contender to that title. Despite being populated largely by untapped wilderness, Belize manages to pack a lot of culture into its populated spaces. The culture and traditions of the Creole, Maya, Mestizos, and Garifuna blend together to create a synthesized mixture of food, music, and history. If you want to meet the people of Belize and immerse yourself in their lived experiences, these five upcoming festivals can't be beat.

The September Celebrations

You can't simply just pick one event for September. The entire month is jam-packed with festivities, and it can sometimes feel like there's something to do every day. The events start with the celebration of St. George’s Caye Day on September 10, and patriotic festivities continue at a breakneck pace until the nation's Independence Day on September 21.

Garifuna Settlement Day

After being exiled from their homeland in the Caribbean for an uprising against the British, the Garifuna diaspora finally found a home in Belize. It's been over two centuries since their arrival, but their arrival in Belize is memorialized every November 19. The remaining Garifuna, comprising 4% of the population, relive their arrival in traditional dugout canoes. But that's just the start of a day of festivities that's rich with food, dance, and music.

The Hopkins Mango Festival

Scheduled for the first week of June, the annual Mango Festival celebrates the harvest of one of the most emblematic fruits grown in Belize. Located in the laidback and inviting coastal village of Hopkins, the village spotlights the over 20 different varieties of mango that grow in the region. In addition to music, contests, and competitions, guests can stuff themselves on delicious mangos and a number of different dishes made with the local produce.

Placencia Lobsterfest

The people of the Placencia Peninsula welcome in the Summer season with the three day Lobsterfest event. This year's Lobsterfest will take place from June 21 - 23, and it will bring out some of the region's most talented chefs who compete to create the tastiest lobster dish. But there's a lot more to do than just eat. It's also an opportunity for local artisans to show off their product, and a beach party ensures that festivities continue well into the night.

International Costa Maya Festival

The Maya Empire once spanned the majority of Belize, but while their government may have long fallen, that doesn't mean the culture has withered away. Taking place in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, the Costa Maya Festival has become one of the largest events in the country. Traditional festivities like live music, dancing, and strong drinks and food are complemented by a beauty pageant. This year's festival will be held in the first week of August.

There's plenty to do throughout Belize, but if you want to explore everything, you'll need a way to get around. Rely on the shuttle and tour services available through www.untamebelize.com if you want to make the most of your time in Belize.

Explore Belize on a Horseback

If you are heading to Belize soon for a fun-filled vacation, you understandably have adventure in mind. You may plan to spend at least a few days lounging on Belize’s white sand beaches or soaking up rays by your resort’s pool. However, you also want to get out and enjoy all that this beautiful country offers. Exploring Belize off the beaten path with a horseback riding experience may give you the sightseeing experience that you are dreaming about.

When you venture out across the Belize countryside, you will travel through natural areas where vehicles cannot go. Some horseback riding experiences take you down the beach, and others take you on hoof-trodden paths through expansive, open plains and into heavily-wooded areas. Atop your horse, you can enjoy the natural sights and sounds of Belize in an unspoiled way, and you may even catch a glimpse of some of Belize’s native wildlife species. From tropical birds and monkeys to tapirs, green iguanas and more, the countryside is home to exotic species in their native habitat. With the incredible climate that Belize is known for, you can expect beautiful weather conditions for your horseback riding adventure most days of the year.

If you decide to explore Belize on horseback, pay close attention to the details of the tour that you select. Some tours last for an hour or less, but longer tours may take you deeper into the wilderness for a more adventurous experience. You may also focus on the group size for the tour and the skill level required. If a horseback riding tour has too many guests, you may struggle to enjoy natural views and enjoy the serenity of Belize’s natural areas. Many horseback riding tours are well-suited for beginners, but some may be intended for those who have previous horseback riding experience. Remember that Belize’s geography is diverse. To truly experience all that the country offers, it makes sense to schedule multiple horseback riding tours in different areas of the country. These will take you through different environments and give you the opportunity to view a wide range of animal species.

Untamed Belize is your preferred source for adventure travel plans throughout the country. In addition to providing you with shuttle service throughout Belize, horseback riding tours are also available. One option is a child-friendly tour that is well-suited for beginners. This is a four-hour tour that takes you across a family-owned estate. Horseback riding tours are in high demand in Belize. Regardless of whether you book this tour or another one, it makes sense to make a reservation soon.

Traveling the Hummingbird Highway in Belize

One of the most iconic and beautiful road in Belize is the Hummingbird Highway. Providing visitors with a dose of local color, this major artery connects Belmopan in central Belize to Dangriga on the southeastern coast of the country. It's also the main road for traveling to the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts in the southern area of Belize. The highway was completely paved in 1994, making it easy for anyone to drive this gorgeous stretch.

Beginning just outside of Belmopan in the Cayo District where it meets the George Price/Western Highway, the Hummingbird Highway travels eastward, beginning with a slow ascent into the hills. In fact, it's the only major paved highway that crosses the Maya Mountains of Belize.

Even though it's only 53.7 miles long, you can pack a lot of sightseeing along the way. Among the most popular attractions are St. Herman's Cave and the Inland Blue Hole. The national park here provides plenty of trails through the jungle and great scenery that you won't want to miss as you wind your way into the Maya Mountains. From there, you can stop to eat in and take a stroll through St. Margaret's Village and visit the gorgeous Five Blue Lake before you reach the Hummingbird Gap, the highest point in your journey at almost 1,000 feet. From there, you'll make a leisurely descent toward Dangriga, passing through Middlesex Village to reach rolling lowlands where you'll experience extensive orange and grapefruit groves. Your destination is Stann Creek District with its capital town of Dangriga, one of the more populated areas in this gorgeous tropic country. Don't forget a side trip to quaint Mullins River for more unforgettable picturesque sites and experiences.

Driving the Hummingbird Highway is also a culinary adventure. Two of the must-see-and-experience eateries are located along the highway. Mrs. Bertha's Food Shack is renowned for its spicy chicken and corn tamales. You also won't want to miss the homemade Creole food by TREES, an environmental organization that protects local wildlife. Just outside of St. Margaret's Village, sample ice and other dairy products at The Country Barn. Chocolate lovers won't want to miss the chocolate aphrodisiac drinks at made from Mayan recipes at Lamanai Chocolate.

If you're interested in traveling to Belize and need transfers to the southern part of the country, Untame Belize can help. Untame Belize also offers great tours that will take you to some of the region's best attractions.

Start Your Adventure in Belize with Untame

Belize has a wild, untamed beauty that has long made it a favorite destination for travelers that want adventure, thrills and a natural high. In Belize, you can explore our tropical rainforest, swim in the clear waters of a barrier reef teeming with diverse life forms, explore caves and climb Maya ruins. If you can't wait to get out there and get started, get your ground transportation squared away with Untame Belize.

Untame Belize takes care of all your transportation and tour needs while you're in Belize. Our professional, courteous team members pick you up at the airport, take you to your hotel and transport you anywhere you want to go. We can arrange excursions and get you to them. We specialize in shuttles and transfers throughout the whole country.

Are you concerned about driving in an unfamiliar country? Belize can be a challenge to drive around in, with many unpaved roads and unmarked streets. An Untame Belize driver has the experience and the local knowledge to take care of all that so you don't have to worry. Your stay in Belize will be as easy and stress-free as a day on the beach when you let Untame Belize handle the driving.

Untame Belize can arrange all your Belize adventures, making your stay here unforgettable. We can set you up with an ATV tour of the jungle, hiking tours of ancient Mayan ruins, a diving or snorkeling trip to our beautiful ocean waters and a river ride that takes you through lush rainforest and mysterious caves. Go zip-lining over breathtaking lakes. Ride down the Monkey River where you'll spot manatees, howler monkeys, toucans and hundreds of colorful native birds.

Are you interested in bird-watching or wildlife photography? Untame Belize can take you to the best places to spot our native birds, animals and reptiles. If you want to learn more about Belize's wonderful history and culture, ask Untame Belize about visits to native Garifuna villages, cooking tours and dance demonstrations.

Explore Belize's cities with Untame Belize. Instead of taking a cramped, noisy small plane, drive with us in a comfortable, air-conditioned car that lets you enjoy the scenery on the way to Placencia, Hopkins and Belize City. Untame Belize is a team of friendly, knowledgeable locals who drive these roads every day and know all the best places to shop, dine and explore.

When you're ready to get your adventure started, call Untame Belize.

Touring St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park in Belize

St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park in Belize

Not to be confused with the Belize Blue Hole located on the offshore coral reef, St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park is located in western Belize. Situated just outside of Belmopan in Belize's Cayo District, St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park is one of the most beautiful natural areas in the country.

No one is quite sure who Saint Herman was, but this magnificent national park is a popular destination for both visitors and locals alike. St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park measures more than 500 acres (200 hectares) in size and is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including several troops of black howler monkeys. Managed by the Belize Audubon Society, St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park is also home to more than 200 different species of birds.

Inside the park, you'll find two different caves to explore. St. Herman's Cave is great for first-time cavers as the layout is very open, and you won't need a guide. The entrance to the cave is at the end of a well-marked trail just 20 minutes on foot from the park entrance. The other cave is known as the Crystal Cave or the Mountain Cow Cave and is far more challenging. You'll need a licensed guide to help you navigate the vast underground labyrinth that still includes ancient Maya artifacts right where they were dropped more than 1,000 years ago.

The Blue Hole in St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park refers to a large, sapphire colored body of naturally occurring water in the middle of the park. Technically a sinkhole, the water is 25 feet (eight meters) deep and fed by a natural spring. Surrounded on all sides by lush jungle vegetation, the Blue Hole is a great place to enjoy a quick swim on a hot day or a picnic.

The entrance to St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park is just off of the Hummingbird Highway 12 miles southeast of Belmopan. There is a small orientation center at the entrance that includes a map of all the hiking trails. To reach the Blue Hole, you'll need to walk approximately 45 minutes from the main entrance.

If you're visiting St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park and want to explore similar attractions in the region, book your tours with Untame Belize.

Located just a few miles away on the Hummingbird Highway, Davis Falls Inn is a family-owned and operated guesthouse offering clean, comfortable rooms at reasonable prices. The hotel is also a great base to stay if you are interested in touring St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park and other nearby attractions.

Los Angeles Times: Belize is one of the top places to visit in 2019

Belize is being recommended by many prestigious publications lately. In the last month or two, Conde Nast, Lonely Planet, National Geographic have all recommended Belize as one of the best places to visit in 2019. Now Los Angeles Times is recommending that travelers pack their bags and visit Belize!

Belize is small country in Central America that boasts big attractions. It is a melting pot nation full of culture; travelers can immerse themselves in culturally focused events like Garifuna Settlement Day and several festivals celebrating traditional cuisine (including chocolate)!

For a romantic tropical holiday, experience the beautiful offshore islands, such as Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye. Here, you can spend the day relaxing on the beach and snorkeling or scuba diving one of the world's most vibrant reef systems.

On the mainland, there are a ton of opportunities to get acquainted with the history of the Caribbean region. Visit the several ancient ruins to learn about the everyday life of the fascinating Maya society.

Popular Maya sites include Xunantunich and Cahal Pech which are both located inland near San Ignacio, and Altun Ha which is located in the Belize District.

Adventurous travelers will love zip lining through the dense jungle or spelunking through the vast cave systems characteristic of the Yucatan Peninsula on which Belize is situated. Families may also be interested in the Belize Zoo, which is a non-profit organization that focuses on wildlife conservation and animal rehabilitation. The zoo exhibits over 175 animals.

English is the official language of Belize, and the Los Angles Times lists its proximity to the United States as a major plus of traveling here. The country enjoys a continuously warm climate, making it the perfect travel destination year round. Because of its convenience, beauty, and huge host of things to see and do, Belize's popularity has been on the rise. Although small, Belize has something to offer to every type of traveler.

Travelers visiting Belize in 2019, can rely on Untame Belize, a local tour company located in southern Belize. Untame offers transfers, shuttles, and adventure tours to all of the popular attractions in Belize.

Email Untame at untamebelize@gmail.com for more information about what to see and do in Belize in 2019.

A New Way to Fly to Belize

Sun Country Airline has announced that it will offer seasonal flights to Belize during the winter travel season. Beginning on December 22, 2018, and continuing through the end of April 2019, Sun County will offer a flight to Belize every Saturday from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.

This new flight will give travelers from the Midwest easy access to this Central American vacation paradise. At a time when most of the Midwest is covered in snow and ice, the warm climate and tropical atmosphere of Belize will be a welcome change.

Belize is quickly becoming one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. This small country offers tropical beauty, pristine beaches and water, and a culture that is rich and fascinating. Guests in Belize will enjoy rainforests, jungle rivers, ancient Maya cities, and food and drinks that can only be described as amazing.

Visitors to Belize can plan many of their activities before they even arrive with Untame Belize, a tour company that offers everything from airport transfers to unique and intriguing tours around Belize.

Untame Belize offers a number of exciting tours like Monkey River where you can go through the rainforest by boat and enjoy the natural setting of Belize. See how people live along the river, glimpse rare and exotic birds, and finish your trip at the area most common for Howler Monkeys. This is not a zoo experience; all of these monkeys and birds live in the wild.

Schedule a walking tour through an ancient Maya city or at one of the Maya pyramids. Experience the thrills of visiting a cave that is thought to be one of the most ancient sacred sites of the Mayas to still exist. Jump into the crystal blue water at the mysterious “blue hole” off the Belize shore. All of these tours can be scheduled with Untame Belize. Planning your vacation has never been easier when using a service like Untame Belize.

Belize is a unique Central American country that is a must-see for any traveler. It is a tropical paradise and it is culturally magnificent. History buffs, beach buffs, or just those looking for the experience of a lifetime will all love what they find in Belize.

Thanks to Sun Country, more people can experience what Belize has to offer. These seasonal flights are sure to become year round options as more people discover all the wonderful things that Belize has to offer.

Questions about visiting Belize? Email us at untamebelize@gmail.com. We'd love to help you plan your Belize vacation and tours!