Belize City

Altun Ha is situated approximately 31 miles (50 kilometers) north of Belize City and it's home to the famous jade stone carved in the likeness of the Mayan sun god, Kinich Ahau, which graces the national currency. The temple is comprised of two primary clusters: Plaza A and Plaza B, each with its own unique offerings. The enigmatic Temple of the Green Tomb can be found in Plaza A, which boasts an impressive collection of jade, jewelry, and flint artifacts. On the other hand, Plaza B is the site of the grandest structure in Altun Ha, the Temple of Masonry Altar, which towers over 60 feet (18 meters) above the plaza. A guided tour is available from Belize City, and many combine a visit to the ruins with other nearby activities and attractions.

Constructed during a tumultuous period when colonial powers were vying for control of what was then known as British Honduras, St. John's Cathedral was built utilizing slave labor over a duration of eight years. Despite its unassuming exterior, this small Anglican church holds a unique distinction as the sole location outside of England where British monarchs were crowned. Four Indian Miskito tribe kings, who resided along the Mosquito coast, were bestowed with elaborate British ceremonial regalia that rivaled even the grandeur of London's royal ceremonies. This effort by the British was aimed at cultivating friendly relations with the tribe and safeguarding their power, land, and wealth from their Spanish rivals.

The Belize Sign Monument is located just a short distance from the Baron Bliss Lighthouse in Belize City and it's formed from big, boldly colored letters in a rounded font. It's a great spot to take stunning pictures of the ocean and relax by the seaside.

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center is a unique wildlife conservation and education center located around 40 minutes from Belize City. The zoo was founded in 1983 as a last resort for animals rescued or donated from various sources, such as the film industry, government agencies, and private individuals. Today, it serves as a sanctuary for over 170 animals, including jaguars, tapirs, howler monkeys, and scarlet macaws, all of which are native to Belize. The Belize Zoo is also an important educational institution, dedicated to promoting wildlife conservation and sustainable living practices in the region. The Tropical Education Center offers visitors a chance to learn more about Belize's diverse flora and fauna through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational programs for children and adults alike.

Positioned at the easternmost end of the Belize Barrier Reef, Lighthouse Reef is an atoll situated in the Caribbean Sea along with two other atolls, Turneffe Atoll and Glover's Reef. Approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of Belize City, the Lighthouse Reef is perfectly positioned to offer a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea. Whether you prefer to explore independently or with a guide, you can immerse yourself in the lively coral reef ecosystem and observe its diverse fauna, including Caribbean reef sharks, blacktip sharks, barracudas, stingrays, turtles, and an abundance of other fish.