Are Belize's Parks and Reserves Well Developed?
Belize’s larger parks are typically well developed with marked trails. Smaller parks that rely on local communities for maintenance can sometimes be a little more overgrown.
Belize’s Maya ruins are maintained in the midst of rainforest reserves. To get to sites like these, it’s usually best to hire a guide. This is especially true of Lamanai – you must visit with a guide who can help you navigate the path through the jungle. These sites have small museums in addition to well-maintained visitor areas.
Every national park or wildlife reserve you visit will have at least a bathroom and a headquarters where you can get a map and other basic information.
Related Questions
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- How Much Does It Cost to Visit a National Park or Reserve in Belize?
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- Where Are Belize's National Parks & Reserves?
5 Blues Lake National Park
A true natural wonder, Five Blues Lake National Park is characterized by mystery. In recent years, the lake has drained and refilled itself, without obvious explanation. Besides this puzzling phenomenon, visitors have plenty to marvel at as they hike through the park. The name “Five Blues” references the multiple shades of blue in the water of the complex of freshwater lagoons, created by rainforest-filtered light.
Hol Chan
The quick ride out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve makes this the most popular half-day tour for visitors staying at Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Set aside in 1987, this reserve covers an area of 3 square miles (7.8 sq km) and is found off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. As a result, this area of the Belize Barrier Reef supports healthy populations of fish and colorful coral. Turtles, nurse sharks, grouper, jacks, reef fish, and barracuda are just a few of the species you might see here. The reef ranges from 10–30 feet (3–9 m) deep and most guides take snorkelers along the outer edge of the reef. While this site is great for beginner snorkelers, as well as divers, swimmers should pay attention to currents which can be strong throughout the reserve.
Lamanai
Lamanai is an extensive and diverse Mayan site set deep in the jungle along the banks of the New River Lagoon. One of the longest-occupied Mayan sites in Belize, Lamanai served as home to up to 35,000 Maya from 500 B.C., up until the beginning of the Spanish colonial period in the 17th century.
It's more than just having a good time or visiting beautiful places (although that's absolutely a part of it!), it's about being part of a unique experience that stays with you.
