The Belize jungle covers more than half the mainland, a vast, untamed wilderness that is home to some of the most ecologically dense landscapes on the planet. But there’s more to discover in the Belize rainforest than just wild animals and stunning scenery. The dense tropical foliage is also where you’ll find some of the largest and best-preserved ancient Maya cities anywhere in the world.
Whether you want to explore this vast wilderness by driving in Belize or prefer an organized tour, this fabulous landscape is a must-see destination. Here are just a few of the amazing things you can enjoy in the Belize jungle:
1 – Waterfalls
Belize is home to the tallest waterfalls in Central America. The granddaddy of them all is 1,000-Foot Falls in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, which is slightly misnamed because it is actually 1,600 feet high. Another great waterfall is Antelope Falls in the Mayflower Bocawina National Park that can be reached following a scenic nature hike.
2 – Jaguars!
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a trackless wilderness in southeastern Belize that has some of the most varied landscapes in the country, including jungle, wetlands, and several waterfalls. But its most famous inhabitants are hundreds of indigenous jaguars, more than anywhere else in the world.
3 – Birdwatching
Whether you’re an experienced birder or have never tried bird watching before, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the incredible variety of avian species in the country. More than 600 species of birds have been recorded in Belize, ranging from iridescent clouds of tiny hummingbirds to giant harpy eagles soaring high above the jungle canopy.
4 – Butterfly Farms
It may sound strange that people “farm” butterflies in Belize, but more than 700 different butterfly species thrive in this rich country. Most of the butterflies “farmed” in Belize are sold to other countries which are trying to repair their polluted and damaged environments.
5 – Cave Tubing
Belize has many lovely watercourses and thousands of caves. Cave tubing combines these two natural features into one exciting activity that features floating down underground rivers through miles of cavernous splendor.
If you’d like to explore some of the many exciting activities and sights in the jungle, be sure to rent your vehicle from Barefoot Rentals and Services. Besides Belize car rentals, Barefoot also operates shuttle services and private transfers, and books adventure tours.