Belize District

Home of the Maya archaeological site of Altun Ha [1], the cashews of Crooked Tree [2], and the baboons of Burrell Boom [3], Belize District includes the low-simmering commotion of Belize City [4], as well as a number of nearby cayes and protected areas.

This wide, low coastal region of mangroves, pine savanna, marshes, and cayes is the most populated district in the country, encompassing nearly a quarter of all Belizeans, most of them clustered on a tiny peninsula jutting into the Caribbean (on land partly composed, some say, of centuries worth of rum bottles).

Belize City is the hub of the nation, only a couple hours’ traveling time from anywhere in the country. Because of this access, Belize City is where you’ll find the headquarters of the bus lines, rental car agencies, and airlines, as well as water taxis to the cayes. It used to be the capital of Belize, but the government now sits inland, in Belmopan [5].

Belize City is worth a day for its handful of attractions and restaurants. Many excellent diving, snorkeling, and marine reserves are a short boat ride away from downtown Belize City, where there are a couple of dive shops. But for those wishing to avoid the bustle, traffic, and rising crime rate of the city, there are accommodations in the farther reaches of Belize District on par with many more well-known upland or island resorts.

The Best of Belize District [6]

• Museum of Belize [7]
• Fort George Area [8]
• Old Belize and Cucumber Beach [9]
• Altun Ha Ruins [1]
• The Community Baboon Sanctuary [3]
• Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary [10]