The unspoiled jungle and rivers near San Ignacio, Belize

693370188

The unspoiled jungle and rivers near San Ignacio, Belize

Photo by: Matt Champlin

Matt Champlin

Belize's Jungles are Wild, Mysterious and Full of Discovery

By: Lucy Sherriff

More than half of Belize, a Central American country with as many as 2 million indigenous Mayan inhabitants, is covered in dense, sprawling jungle – meaning the region has adventures galore for any traveler wishing to explore.

June 29, 2022

Sitting on the coast of the Caribbean, emerging from the lush green rainforest, sectioned by fast-flowing vibrant rivers, and against the backdrop of dramatic mountains is Punta Gorda, a town reached by a small plane and the gateway to Mayan villages, jungles, and waterfalls.

Peini is the Garifuna word for Punta Gorda, located in Belize’s Toledo district, and the town itself is packed with colorful markets selling fresh local produce, tasty food, and cool beers. But the real adventure lies outside the town. For a truly Belizean experience, head to the small Mayan town of Santa Cruz, where you can experience true Mayan life.

Photo taken in Punta Gorda, Belize

1289057240

Visitor diving off waterfall in Punta Gorda, Belize

Photo by: Tim Hester / EyeEm

Tim Hester / EyeEm

Visitor diving off waterfall in Punta Gorda, Belize

Learn how to make a freshly-ground corn tortilla, discover the medicinal uses of plants that grow in backyards, and learn about protecting indigenous land rights. Visitors should use a tour guide, such as Toledo Cave & Adventure Tours, as indigenous culture is in need of protection from outside influences. It is frowned upon to simply turn up unannounced. The village was at the center of a landmark ruling against the Belizean government to protect their land, and its residents are stewards of an ancient culture.

If you are interested in exploring Mayan culture further, then take a step into the past by visiting Nim Li Punit. Discovered in 1970, it is well known for its large number of stelas – or monuments – found in one of its plazas, eight of which are carved with hieroglyphs. Or go to Lubaantun, where one of the “crystal skulls” were found – stunning skulls made from clear quartz from Maya and Aztec times. (Others theorize that they are paranormal.) Maya people lived at Lubaantun from 700-900 AD, building large pyramid structures, on top of which human sacrifices were likely made.

Keel-billed Toucan - Ramphastos sulfuratus also known as sulfur-breasted toucan or rainbow-billed toucan, Latin American member of the toucan family, the national bird of Belize.

Keel-billed Toucan - Ramphastos sulfuratus also known as sulfur-breasted toucan or rainbow-billed toucan, Latin American member of the toucan family, the national bird of Belize.

For more jungle adventures, strap on your hiking boots, throw on long pants to protect against mosquitoes, and hike up Cerro Hill, in the Garifuna Reserve. The trail is rough and steep in places, but the summit is well worth it – views over the town and Gulf of Honduras. Keep watch for toucans, howler monkeys, iguanas, and other stunningly colored native birds.

Another adventure option is caving. Toledo has some of the most extensive caving systems in the country. With many caves in remote areas, part of the fun is the jungle hike to get there. They should be visited as part of an organized tour with specialist-trained guides and safety equipment. One highlight is the Tiger Cave, with its wide chamber lit by skylights, or the incredible Yok Balum Cave with its 30 feet high chamber with some amazing cave formations.

Rio Blanco National Park is located in the deepest south of Belize, between Santa Cruz and Santa Elena.

Rio Blanco National Park is located in the deepest south of Belize, between Santa Cruz and Santa Elena.

Finally, head to Rio Blanco Falls, located in the 500-acre Rio Blanco National Park. A series of waterfalls that culminate in a plunge pool at the bottom, dive in for the perfect cooling off to a long day’s exploration.

Next Up

Caves to Condors: Uncovering Pinnacles National Park

Photographer and conservationist Ian Shive explores one of the lesser known National Parks, Pinnacles National Park, finding rare wildlife and extraordinary landscapes along the way.

Explore the Rugged, Remote Chaco Canyon in New Mexico

Photographer and conservationist Ian Shive photographs one of the most remote and rugged parts of the United States to take us on a journey to Chaco Canyon in New Mexico's Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

Explore Colombia Where Few Have Trekked Before and Discover New Bird Species

The remote Serranía del Perijá mountain range, which divides Venezuela from Colombia, was once ruled by guerrillas, and near-impossible to access. But thanks to the Colombian peace agreement, which was signed in 2016, adventurers are starting to explore the formerly out-of-bounds forest-cloaked peaks.

Awesome Fjords in Norway

Avoid the crowds and adventure into the north of Norway. Norway is known for it’s awesome fjords. But what exactly is a fjord? It’s a long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs that formed after several ice ages. Find out where to avoid the crowds and visit these natural wonders on your next adventure.

5 Wonders You Probably Didn't Know Were Man-Made

Most of the planet’s most majestic wonders have either sprung from the earth or so evidently made by human hand that their architects and designers are world-renowned.

Explore the Magic and Beauty of Guatemala's Lake Atitlán

Take an outdoor adventure through Guatemala's most mysterious, magical lake.

Found: Perfectly Preserved Dinosaur Skull

Bucky gets lucky with a new fossil discovery. A North Carolina State University paleontologist finds his dream fossil in the sands of the New Mexico desert.

Panama has Hundreds of Islands, Each More Beautiful than the Last

Panama is often overlooked for its more famous neighbors Colombia and Costa Rica, who are renowned worldwide for their biodiversity, colorful cultures, and jaw-dropping scenery. But Panama, which links Central and South America, has a few of its own gems to offer – including the 1,400-plus islands that dot its coast.

Into Uncharted Territory: Texas Caving

From the pages of The Explorers Journal, climb into a famed Texas “show cave” that has far more to reveal with Explorers Club fellow C. William “Bill” Steele.

Explore These Majestic Sand Dunes... In Colorado

Colorado; a place we usually associate with snow-capped mountains and green grassy meadows, winter skiing, and kayaking in its clear, mirror-like lakes. But did you know the state is also home to a 30-square-mile sand dune field?