San Pedro is "La Isla Bonita" that Madonna made famous. Now it's a tourist mecca, but still boasts great beaches and plenty of dive shops so you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Plan a side trip to Caye Caulker while you're here; it is less developed and more laid back, and has its own splendid swimming areas.

Once a sleepy fishing village, Placencia has emerged as an increasingly popular eco-destination on the Caribbean. For those who enjoy outdoor adventure, the Stann Creek region offers a host of activities: hiking through mountainous rain forests, kayaking, deep sea fishing, diving and exploring Mayan ruins. The peninsula boasts 16 miles of tranquil beaches, with a lagoon to the west and the Caribbean to the east and lots of peace and quiet in the middle. Tour guides and dive centers offer a variety of excursions, with boat rides to the outer cayes an ongoing favorite. Also popular are guided land tours to Mayan Ruins or trekking the jungle trails of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, where the first Jaguar Reserve in the world was established.

It’s true: parts of Belize are getting touristy. But San Ignacio remains rustic, making it a great base for budget-friendly tropical adventure travel. Canoe on the Macal River, or walk to Mayan ruins at Cahal Pec (just be warned: it's uphill).

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.

Smaller and more intimate than popular resort areas such as San Ignacio and Belize City, the modest capital of Belmopan is nonetheless a vibrant city surrounded by stunning scenery and wildlife. Next to the bustling Market Square, Independence Plaza is home to the prime minister's offices, various pedestrian pathways and the National Assembly Building, designed to resemble a Mayan temple. Outside the city lay the spectacular Guancaste Park as well as the astonishing Hummingbird Highway.

This beautiful nature reserve is in an area world famous for its excellent diving.

This remote cave is filled with relics left over from the Mayans.

You’ll find warm and gracious locals on this five-mile-long island, where the primary mode of transport is by bicycle or golf cart. Join a snorkeling tour to discover the fantastic marine life, including manatees, stingrays, sharks, and turtles. For those interested in fishing, you can have your catch cooked at one of the restaurants. You’ll also find street grills cooking up great seafood until late afternoon. Caye Caulker is busiest from January to April during Belize’s dry season. Stay a night or more on this island, and you’ll quickly realize why it’s a favorite among travelers seeking a tropical paradise. – Tripadvisor

The Belize Zoo is an institution that cares for over 150 native wildlife, and promotes Conservation, Education, Recreation, and Research. It is also the first nature destination in Belize that is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities. We are committed to the conservation of Belize's wildlife and its habitats through the establishment of a well maintained zoological facility and education center, both poised to bring about a greater environmental awareness to the people living in Belize, and to visitors from abroad. In 2014, the Zoo became the first nature destination in the country accessible to persons with physical disabilities. TBZ believes that by bringing the people closer to the animals, which are their natural heritage, they will feel proud of these special resources, and wish to protect them for future generations. All Zoo "residents" were once pets; donated to the Zoo; rescues found injured, abandoned or orphaned and brought in rehabilitation; or born at the Zoo. The Belize Zoo receives no financial support from the Government of Belize, and generates funding to care for its residents through admission fees, tours, donations, and adoption and membership programs.

Located at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, the Project is a continuous effort that aims to conserve and look after the endangered Green Iguana species in Belize. The hatchery uses interactive exhibits and programs to help educate and create awareness among international and local visitors. Here, you are given the opportunity mingle with these wonderful reptiles and also, learn the about the incubation, hatching, rearing, and releasing process

This 30-acre complex is the largest Mayan ruin in Belize.

This ancient Mayan site features a museum and several dozen surviving structures.

Green Hills Butterfly Ranch is the premier Live Butterfly Exibit in Belize. Green Hills literally has thousands of live butterflies on display in a 4,000 square feet walk-in flight area. See the full metamorphosis from egg to adult butterfly. The photo opportunities are unlimited. The tour of the butterfly flight area and the Caterpillar Center takes about an hour. The facilities are surrounded by a botanical garden with more than 150 plants, shrubs and trees. There is a hummingbird viewing and photographic area where the average visitor can easily see a multitude of species. During the visit you are welcome to take advantage of the covered picnic area and clean restrooms. WiFi is freely available. Green Hills is worth a stop on your way to or from other popular destinations such as the Mountain Pine Ridge, Barton Creek, Caracol or the nearby villages of San Antonio and El Progresso. We open at 9am and close at 4 pm every day of the year.