Belize Cultural Holidays

Filled to the brim with ancient Mayan treasures and age-old traditions, this pint-sized Central American nation packs a punch when it comes to cultural holidays. Explore jungle-clad Mayan ruins in Inland Belize, float through ancient limestone caves in Nohoch Che'en National Park and discover Mennonite communities in Barton Creek. Caracol is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Belize cultural holidays, an ancient Mayan site which superseded both Guatemala’s Tikal and Mexico’s Chichén Itzá in terms of its power and significance during the eighth century. The most magical aspect of a visit here is the freedom to climb the steps of the excavated building (unlike at other major archaeological sites where structures are roped off), and the top of the ruins reveals an astonishing panorama of the surrounding emerald-green rainforest. In the nearby town of San Ignacio, take part in a chocolate-making workshop led by a Mayan family, or head for Actun Tunichil Muknal – one of the country’s most impressive caves – which is filled with ancient carvings and ceramics.