Aside from its near-perfect weather and sheer beauty, Belize is blessed with a great diversity of people, landscapes and flora and fauna. With the selection of activities that you can do, it is easy for visitors to get overwhelmed. So if you are planning a Belize getaway anytime soon, here is an exhaustive list of the top things that you can (and should do).

1.    Visit the Belize Zoo

This should be easy to catch if you are coming from or going to the airport and is travelling west. It might not be Sydney or San Diego, but this is one stunning zoo, mostly for its casual and very Belizean character. It is interesting to see to intimacy of the animals, looking very content in such an uncrowded environment. You can admire the jaguars up close and personal.

2.    Snorkel in the Belize Barrier Reef

The second largest barrier reef in the world, the Belize barrier reef contains miles of some of the most beautiful and vibrant eco systems on the planet. Aside from snorkeling, this is also a great place for scuba diving, fishing, kayaking, and exploring. It is home to an amazing assortment of marine life which includes whale sharks, rays, manatees, and dolphins.

3.    Scuba Dive in the Great Blue Hole

Bound to give you one of your most unforgettable dive experiences, the Great Blue Hole boasts an almost perfectly round shape, 1,000 feet across and over 450 feet deep. This was once a giant cave on a dry land back in the Pleistocene period, which now contains gigantic stalagmites and stalactites. You might also want to check out the nearby Half Moon Cave and Long Cave.

4.    Go Cave Tubing

A way to experience the Maya Underworld is by cave tubing tours. Floating into and through caves on inner tubes with headlight beams gives you a sense of adventure and mystery. Exploring the traces of ancient Maya civilization while you float through big rock formations and cathedrals that are millions of years old should give you a perspective of time and man’s interaction with nature.

5.    Explore the Mountain Pine Ridge

The Mountain Pine Ridge might be one of Belize’s lesser known spots, but this is indeed a must-see. Once an island thousands of years ago, the receding sea has carved formations and crags that resulted to swimming holes and waterfalls. The hills of Caribbean pine trees, clear skies and fresh air make it a place for a delightful dive, especially during warm weathers.

6.    Marvel in the Xunantunich Maya Temples

Xunantunich is an accessible and beautiful little site to enjoy. A hand-cranked ferry will take you across the Mopan River to the Mayan village Succotz, and then a trip up the hill to the Temple of the Stone Maiden, locally known as Xunantunich. It has 6 plazas with over 26 royal residences, temples and other structures. This view from the top makes it worth the climb.

There are still so many more that you can do in Belize. But the above activities should be enough to tell you that Belize is one of the most fascinating and enjoyable (not to mention affordable) destinations on the planet today.