Belize's natural environment is perhaps its most precious resource. Each district contains several protected areas which enable scientists of all disciplines and visitors who love the outdoors to walk through the flora and witness the fauna firsthand.

With the support of numerous environmentally conscious organizations, such as, the Audubon Society, the Smithsonian Institute, the World Wildlife Fund, and many zoological societies, Belize has become an internationally recognized leader in the preservation and conservation of its environment. Many of the protected areas of Belize are open to the public and are set up for visitors to hike, birdwatch, swim, canoe, or simply take in their surroundings.

• Belize City
• Belize Zoo
• St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park
• Cockscomb Basin WS
• Community Baboon Sanctuary
• Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
• Five Blues Lake National Park
• Guanacaste National Park
• Mountain Pine Ridge
• Rio Bravo Management Area

Treasures of the Sea

Known for its marine environment, Belize is well publicized for possessing the second longest barrier reef in the world, as well as three major offshore atolls. In addition to the aforementioned, Belize possesses numerous mangrove systems both offshore and along the coast, thus creating a tremendous wetlands environment in which birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles can propagate. With such a significant marine ecosystem, scuba divers, marine biologists, and sport fishermen have long recognized the importance of Belize, and it has become a favorite destination for them.

• The Blue Hole
• Half Moon Caye National Monument
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve
• Laughing Bird Caye National Park
• Shark Ray Alley

Maya Mystique

Belize is blessed with an outstanding archaeological heritage of Maya temples and palaces. It is known that the Maya occupation began as early as 1500 BC, and although it began its decline in 900 AD, some Maya cultural centers continued to be occupied until contact with the Spanish in the 1500's. During the Classic Period (250 AD to 900 AD), the population of Belize exceeded over one million people, and it is believed that Belize was the heart of the Maya civilization at that time. Although large Maya cultural centers no longer exist, there is still a significant Maya population residing within many small villages.

For those who are interested in archaeological sites, the Belize Institute of Archaeology has committed to developing locations which are easily accessible for the casual tourist. This does not indicate the Institute's total commitment to the vast archaeological potential of Belize, but it does allow visitors the opportunity to appreciate Maya history, as well as to appreciate the tremendous undertaking that is required to restore the Maya Sites.

• Altun Ha
• Caracol
• Cerros
• Lamanai
• Lubaantun
• Xunantunich