Belize was among Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel for 2022 and it’s easy to see why. Boasting a special blend of Caribbean and Central American cultures, with landscapes and seascapes that mix just as beautifully, Belize truly is the ultimate travel package. Yet it’s a country often overlooked by tourists, who usually flock to the beaches of Costa Rica or the Mayan ruins of Guatemala instead. Not to take anything away from those destinations but in our opinion Belize offers a more authentic experience.

It’s the people that make the place and in Belize this is certainly the case. Locals are some of the friendliest on the planet, known for their hospitality and warmth. Folks here come from all walks of life and have all types of backgrounds – from Hispanic to Mayan to Afro-Caribbean – and they are always happy to help. Conversing with them is pure joy and, even better, you can do so in English. Did you know that the official language of Belize is English? Some Belizeans can speak as many as four languages!

Apart from getting to know the natives, Belize also offers an incredible amount of attractions packed into a small space. There are over 10 major Mayan sites, rainforests bursting with colorful flora and fauna, the largest barrier reef system in the Northern Hemisphere and rustic cuisine that warms the soul. Whether you want to spot jaguars in their natural habitat, fly over the famous Great Blue Hole or explore charming little fishing villages – Belize has an adventure or two that you will absolutely love.

While there are endless things to do in Belize, booking tours is best for those who want stress-free and unique journeys. For tours, only one company has the experience and quality you can count on: Barefoot Services. Since 2004, they have been helping travelers immerse themselves in the rich culture and natural beauty of their homeland. Owned and operated by lifelong Belizeans, Barefoot has built up a reputation culminating in Tripadvisor’s 2022 Travelers’ Choice.

Best Tours in Belize

1. Jaguar Preserve + Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary Tour

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a 400 square kilometer nature reserve in south central Belize. It’s home to the only jaguar conservation project in the world, with more than 200 jaguars thriving within the reserve’s borders. This extraordinary wilderness area is best experienced with a knowledgeable guide and this is where Barefoot Services comes into play. Their tour begins with a scenic drive through quaint local villages and picturesque countryside, before arriving at the sanctuary.

Once there, you will embark on a guided hike through the jungle, stopping to admire the waterfalls and swimming holes along the way. The highlight of the tour is, of course, the chance to see jaguars. These animals are majestic but difficult to spot due to their nocturnal behavior. With Barefoot Services though, you will have a good chance. Even if you don’t see jaguars, the hike is still worth doing as other wildlife can appear – like toucans and monkeys – and you get to visit a spectacular waterfall to swim in.

2. Che’il Chocolate Making + Chocolate Belize Tour

Cacao has played an important role in Belizean history, used for medicinal and spiritual purposes for centuries. If you love chocolate, or wish to learn how this beloved treat is made, the Che’il Chocolate Making + Chocolate Belize Tour with Barefoot Services is a must. The tour begins with a visit to Che’il Mayan Chocolate Factory where you marvel at cacao trees, and learn how the beans are harvested and processed into world-class chocolate. The full mode of production, from seed to bar, is fascinating to see in person.

The owners of Che’il Mayan Chocolate, Julio Saqui and his wife, will be your guides at the factory. They champion the traditional way of making confectionery and have a passion that is infectious. The second half of the experience revolves around sampling chocolate tea, making and eating your own chocolate bar which can come in a variety of flavors, and enjoying other sweets. At the tour’s end, you will have a greater appreciation of why the Maya considered chocolate to be a food of the gods!

3. Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave) Tour

Belizean caves are world-famous, having been featured in documentaries and articles by large media organizations like the Discovery Channel and National Geographic. The reason these caves draw so much attention is because they have both beautiful characteristics and Mayan artifacts inside. Some even house sacrificial remains – a scary yet cool sight to see. No matter how long you plan on visiting Belize for, a cave adventure is one of those bucket list activities that you have to tick off. But which one to do?

ATM is the cave we recommend. It features a crystal-clear stream at the entrance (where you can capture amazing photos of sunlight beaming in) and a Mayan site with ceramics, stoneware and skeletons. Maya used this cave for ceremonial and religious events. The action-packed tour with Barefoot Services takes you into the cave’s depths to hike, climb and swim. The trip reaches a crescendo at Crystal Maiden, which is the remains of a young woman who was sacrificed and whose bones crystallized.

4. Xunantunich Mayan Ruins + Inland Blue Hole Tour

An estimated two million Maya once lived in Belize and called places like Xunantunich home. They left a remarkable legacy which can be seen at the temple and pyramid ruins dotted around the country. In fact, Belize is where the earliest Mayan settlements took place – so it’s the best destination in Central America to discover this civilization. Xunantunich is one of the most impressive Mayan ruins to visit. The ceremonial center occupies just 300 square meters but the periphery extends out more.

The highest ruin here is a whopping 40 meters! It bursts out of the greenery in the most magnificent fashion and is adorned with sun god masks on parts of the structure. On the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour with Barefoot Services, not only will you witness the site known as “Maiden of the Rock” but you will also swing by the Inland Blue Hole. This naturally occurring sinkhole in the jungle invites you to take a refreshing swim in sapphire waters, and on the tour you can do exactly that!

5. Belize Scuba Diving Tour

The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO site which contains many wonders, none more famous than The Great Blue Hole. But this popular diving destination isn’t all the vast reef has in store. Breathtaking hidden gems such as Silk Cayes, Laughing Bird Caye and Glover’s Reef are all located in the reef near Placencia and make for an unforgettable diving adventure. Since Barefoot Services are based in Placencia, they can easily take you to these secret spots with all the instructors, gear and transport included.

To give you an idea of how awesome these cayes and reefs are, let us explore the qualities of Silk Caye (just as an example). Silk Caye is only one part of Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, situated 36 kilometers east of Placencia. Here, divers are greeted to two deserted islands (that look like a postcard) surrounded by endless sea in every direction. From this point you can head underwater to find yourself next to colorful coral, an abundance of fish, turtles, and even Great Hammerhead and Whale Sharks!

Final Tips for Visiting Belize

• Plan Ahead: There is nothing worse than heading away on holiday and then rushing your experiences at the last minute because you were ill-prepared. If you do that, you might end up booking tours with dodgy outfits or miss out on hidden gems. Do some in-depth research about the destinations in Belize before you go, and think about the mixture of free vs paid activities for your itinerary and budget. Penciling in a couple of the tours mentioned above will get your trip off on the right footing.
• Budget for your Trip: Belize can be as expensive or as cheap as you make it, depending on the type of vacation you are looking for. There are plenty of lavishly appointed hotels and resorts that cater to the luxurious traveler, and an array of affordable and budget options for the backpacker as well. You can book Belize private transfers and hire your own vehicle with Barefoot Services, or jump on the public transport to save money along the way. The choice is yours. Never let a small budget stop you from traveling!
• Bring the Right Gear: If you are coming during the dry season, from January to May, the weather will be sunny and hot – so it’s crucial to pack appropriately. Bring all the summer essentials like swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, flip-flops, and t-shirts and shorts. Another key item is a pair of waterproof shoes. These are ideal for experiences or tours where you traverse both land and water. Finally, bring bug spray. You don’t want to be covered in itchy red bite marks the entire time. Have a great trip!