Fisherman cleaning fish on jetty at Tobacco Caye.

Mark Read

Southern Belize

Southern Belize is the country's most absorbing cultural melting pot, with a strong Garifuna influence around Dangriga and Hopkins, and Belize's largest Maya population down in Toledo. Nature is rich here too, where open savanna and citrus-filled farmland give way to forested hills dotted with Maya villages, ruins and national parks primed for adventurous jungle trekking.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Living Maya Experience

    Living Maya Experience

    Southern Belize

    Two Kekchí families in Big Falls village have opened up their homes as a cultural experience for visitors and both are excellent. The Cal family…

  • Black or Guatemalan Howler Monkey, alouatta pigra or caraya, sitting on a tree in Belize jungle and howling like crazy. They are also found in Mexico and Guatemala.; Shutterstock ID 650139157; Your name (First / Last): Alicia Johnson; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial ; Full Product or Project name including edition: Belize

    Mayflower Bocawina National Park

    Southern Belize

    This beautiful 11-sq-mile park of jungle, mountains, waterfalls, walking trails, swimming holes and small Maya sites lies about 16 miles southwest of…

  • UNSPECIFIED - FEBRUARY 07: Old ruins of a Mayan Temple, Lubaantun, Stann Creek District, Belize (Photo by DEA / M.BORCHI/De Agostini/Getty Images)

    Lubaantun

    Southern Belize

    The Maya ruins at Lubaantun, 1.3 miles northwest of San Pedro Columbia, are built on a natural hilltop and display a construction method unusual in the…

  • Pen Cayetano Studio Gallery

    Pen Cayetano Studio Gallery

    Dangriga

    Renowned throughout Belize for his art and music, Pen Cayetano's workshop and gallery displays Garifuna artifacts and crafts. It also has works of art and…

  • Gulisi Garifuna Museum

    Gulisi Garifuna Museum

    Dangriga

    This museum, operated by the National Garifuna Council (NGC), is a must for anyone interested in the vibrant Garifuna people. It brings together artifacts…

  • Nim Li Punit

    Nim Li Punit

    Southern Belize

    The Maya ruins of Nim Li Punit stand atop a natural hill half a mile north of the Southern Hwy, near the village of Indian Creek. The site is notable for…

  • Temash-Sarstoon National Park

    Temash-Sarstoon National Park

    Southern Belize

    The tiny Garifuna fishing community of Barranco (population 160), about an hour's drive from Punta Gorda, is the access point for Temash-Sarstoon National…

  • Río Blanco National Park

    Río Blanco National Park

    Southern Belize

    The 105-acre Río Blanco National Park, just west of Santa Elena village, is a compact protected wildlife area that's home to a variety of flora and fauna…

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