A small territory hidden between Guatemala and Mexico, Belize remains little known to travelers. Yet its extraordinary underwater world, lush nature, and Maya ruins promise a stay in Belize full of surprises! We've compiled a list of five curiosities not to miss on a trip to Belize, to inspire your next getaway.

1. Coral Reef

The Belize Coral Reef stretches roughly 1,000 km and extends from southern Mexico to northern Honduras. It's the world's second largest coral reef after Australia's. It comprises numerous atolls and islands, some of which are popular tourist destinations like Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. The coral reef is also a favored destination for divers thanks to its rich marine life. One emblematic location on this reef is the famous Blue Hole, an underwater cenote with an intense blue hue, 300m in diameter and 124m deep, discovered by Commander Cousteau, visible by plane or boat. 

2. Natural Reserves

70% of Belize's land area is covered by tropical forests, and 40% are designated as natural reserves, primarily primary rainforest. These vast forest expanses shelter numerous plant species such as flowers (countless orchids) and magnificent trees, as well as great animal diversity including jaguars, tapirs, monkeys, and more. These natural reserves are often open to visitors within the framework of responsible ecotourism. Examples include the Mountain Pine Ridge reserves, the Cockscomb Basin, and the Rio Bravo reserve. Numerous jungle lodges are located within or near each of these reserves and offer experiences that are often unique and environmentally conscious.

3. Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM)

This is a cave used by the Maya for their rituals and ceremonies. What makes a visit to ATM so compelling is, of course, the remains of Maya ceremonies observable there (pottery, bones, etc.), but it's especially the journey through the cave itself. First, you'll hike approximately 45 minutes through tropical forest to reach the cave entrance, then swim and navigate through underground passages that follow the river's course. In short, a truly extraordinary and one-of-a-kind adventure in Central America!

4. Mennonites

This is a Christian religious community that settled in Belize in the 1950s, originally from Central Europe. Around 12,000 live in Belize and, for the most part, follow a traditional lifestyle that rejects modernity (no cars, telephones, etc.). They are easily identifiable on Belize's roads not only because most are fair-skinned and blue-eyed, dressed in overalls and straw hats, bearded—for the men—but also because they travel in horse-drawn carts. They are driving forces behind Belize's economic development, and it's quite striking to traverse their villages that seem plucked from another century.

5. Maya Sites

Belize offers visits to countless Maya sites, some like Caracol lost in the jungle, and others accessible by small boat like Lamanai. There's also Lubaantun, in southern Belize, known for its mysterious crystal skulls!