With 2025 upon us, it’s the perfect time to think about embracing a challenge and start planning an adventure, and there are few better places to do so than in Belize. With its pristine rainforests, ancient Mayan ruins, stunning coral reefs, and idyllic cayes, Belize offers a wealth of experiences that will leave you feeling energized and connected to nature. Whether you’re seeking history, adrenaline, or tranquility, here are four must-do adventures to kick off the new year in Belize.
Explore Caracol: Belize’s Largest Archaeological Site
Caracol, Belize. Photo by Aaron Colussi
Hidden deep within the Mountain Pine Ridge area in Western Belize, Caracol is the country’s largest and most awe-inspiring Maya archaeological site. For those with a passion for history and archaeology, a visit to Caracol is an unforgettable experience. Beyond the site’s towering pyramids, Caracol also offers a glimpse into the advanced civilization that once flourished here more than a thousand years ago.
Caracol’s impressive structures are tucked away in a remote part of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. It’s far from the crowds of other more popular sites like Altun Ha or Xunantunich. This sense of isolation only adds to the allure of the location. Visitors will be struck by the immense size of Caracol, with its 45,000 inhabitants at its peak, as well as the majestic temples that rise high above the jungle canopy. The tallest of these, Caana (meaning “Sky Palace”), stands at 43 meters and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding wilderness.
Getting to Caracol is an adventure in itself. It requires a scenic drive through rugged, winding roads. Along the way, you may spot wildlife like toucans, jaguars, and howler monkeys. A guided tour will provide historical insights into the Maya civilization and its connection to the stars, as the site features astronomical alignments that were crucial to the Maya’s understanding of the cosmos. If you’re looking to combine culture with adventure, a trip to Caracol should be at the top of your list.
Tackle the Via Ferrata at Excalibur Adventure Park
Photo by Elis Beza via Excalibur Adventure Park on Facebook
For those craving a heart-pounding (but super safe!) adventure, look no further than the Via Ferrata at Excalibur, Belize’s newest and most thrilling adventure park. Located in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, Excalibur is home to a world-class Via Ferrata. The Italian-style climbing route lets you ascend cliffs and navigate treacherous ridgelines using fixed cables, ladders, and bridges. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a first-timer, the Via Ferrata offers an exciting challenge with stunning views of the surrounding rainforest.
The adventure park also offers a wide range of other outdoor activities. That includes zip-lining, rappelling, cave exploration, and hiking.
Dive into the Great Blue Hole
Stalactites of the Great Blue Hole. Photo by Antonio Busiello/WWF
One of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, the Great Blue Hole is a bucket-list destination for divers and snorkelers alike. This giant underwater sinkhole is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The Blue Hole is 1,000 feet in diameter and 410 feet deep. This makes it a unique and surreal place to explore the depths of the ocean.
For divers, the Great Blue Hole offers an unforgettable experience, with crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, including sharks, stingrays, and colorful coral. Snorkelers can also enjoy the surrounding reef, which is home to a variety of tropical fish and coral gardens.
Play Castaway for a Day (or Longer!)
Half Moon Caye Natural Monument. Photo courtesy Belize Audubon Society
Most visitors are familiar with the bustling islands of Ambergris and Caye Caulker. But if your idea of adventure is getting away from the crowds, Belize’s hundreds of tiny offshore islands are the perfect place to escape. These small but idyllic cayes range from undeveloped swoops of sand, perfect for a day trip, to lovely little private islands offering a range of accommodations and activities for all types of travelers. Spend a day or even several days off-grid. Live like a castaway, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches.
Remote islands like those in the Turneffe Atoll offer private villas and small fishing camps, where you can disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature. Spend your days snorkeling, kayaking, or simply lounging in a hammock with the sound of the waves lapping at the shore. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious escape or a back-to-basics island retreat, Belize’s cayes offer something for every type of adventurer.
Belize offers a wealth of adventures that will make your new year unforgettable. Embrace the thrill, beauty, and serenity of Belize, and make this year one to remember.
