Santa Elena, Belize is a small, vibrant town located in the Cayo District of western Belize. It is the second-largest town in the country and is a popular tourist destination for its stunning natural beauty, archaeological sites, and cultural attractions. Whether you’re looking to explore the Mayan ruins, go birdwatching, or simply relax on the beach, Santa Elena has something for everyone. Here are the top 20 places to see in Santa Elena, Belize.
1. San Ignacio Town Market: The San Ignacio Town Market is the perfect place to get a taste of local life. Here you can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional dishes. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or just explore the vibrant atmosphere.
2. Cahal Pech: Cahal Pech is an ancient Mayan site located just outside of Santa Elena. The site is made up of several plazas, temples, and residential structures that date back to 600 BC. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the Mayan people.
3. Xunantunich: Xunantunich is another Mayan site located just outside of Santa Elena. It is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Belize and is home to the famous “El Castillo” temple. Visitors can explore the ruins and take in the breathtaking views from the top of the temple.
4. Green Iguana Conservation Project: The Green Iguana Conservation Project is a great place to learn about the endangered species. The project is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the green iguana, and visitors can take part in educational tours and activities.
5. Belize Botanic Gardens: The Belize Botanic Gardens are located just outside of Santa Elena. Here you can explore the lush gardens and learn about the native plants and animals of Belize. The gardens are also home to a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
6. Rio Frio Cave: The Rio Frio Cave is a stunning limestone cave located just outside of Santa Elena. Visitors can explore the cave and take in the incredible rock formations and crystal pools.
7. Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve: The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a protected area of Belize and is home to a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, ocelots, and toucans. Visitors can explore the reserve and take part in activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and cave tubing.
8. Actun Tunichil Muknal: Actun Tunichil Muknal is an impressive cave located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. Visitors can explore the cave and take in the stunning rock formations and crystal pools.
9. Barton Creek Cave: Barton Creek Cave is another impressive cave located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. Visitors can explore the cave and take in the incredible rock formations and crystal pools.
10. Caracol: Caracol is an ancient Mayan city located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the Mayan people.
11. Bocawina National Park: Bocawina National Park is a protected area of Belize and is home to a variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys, toucans, and jaguars. Visitors can explore the park and take part in activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and cave tubing.
12. Rio On Pools: Rio On Pools is a stunning natural swimming hole located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Visitors can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters and take in the stunning views of the surrounding jungle.
13. ATM Cave: ATM Cave is an impressive cave located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. Visitors can explore the cave and take in the incredible rock formations and crystal pools.
14. Blue Hole National Park: Blue Hole National Park is a protected area of Belize and is home to a variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys, toucans, and jaguars. Visitors can explore the park and take part in activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and cave tubing.
15. Cave of the Crystal Sepulcher: The Cave of the Crystal Sepulcher is an impressive cave located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. Visitors can explore the cave and take in the incredible rock formations and crystal pools.
16. Chiquibul Forest Reserve: The Chiquibul Forest Reserve is a protected area of Belize and is home to a variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys, toucans, and jaguars. Visitors can explore the reserve and take part in activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and cave tubing.
17. Rio Bravo Conservation Area: The Rio Bravo Conservation Area is a protected area of Belize and is home to a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, ocelots, and toucans. Visitors can explore the reserve and take part in activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and cave tubing.
18. St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park: St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park is a protected area of Belize and is home to a variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys, toucans, and jaguars. Visitors can explore the park and take part in activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and cave tubing.
19. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area of Belize and is home to a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, ocelots, and toucans. Visitors can explore the sanctuary and take part in activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and cave tubing.
20. Belize Zoo: The Belize Zoo is a great place to learn about the native wildlife of Belize. Visitors can explore the zoo and take part in educational tours and activities.
Santa Elena, Belize is a beautiful and vibrant town full of natural beauty, archaeological sites, and cultural attractions. Whether you’re looking to explore the Mayan ruins, go birdwatching, or simply relax on the beach, Santa Elena has something for everyone. From the San Ignacio Town Market to the Belize Zoo, these are the top 20 places to see in Santa Elena, Belize.