Belize was not a famous tourist destination till the past 10 years as compared to its famous neighbors like Mexico and Guatemala. Belize has built its name due to its determination to protect the rainforests and farms. As the importance of ecotourism has greatly increased Belize has grown as a leader in this field.

Belize has become quiet famous because this place has protected about 40 percent of its land for conservation purposes. Tourism has grown tremendously in Belize but still they are committed to protect their land and rainforests. They develop their tourism industry without actually disturbing the ecological balance. All the hotels and lodges are ecofriendly. They have connected themselves with the Maya people through education programs to protect their part of planet earth.

Here is a list of 7 ecofriendly sites to visit in Belize:

1. Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave

Actun Tunichil Muknal CaveThis place is the center of spiritual history of the Maya

This place is the center of spiritual history of the Maya. This is the most authentic place in terms of history to be visited in the world. This is the place where the Maya spiritual leaders performed their religious rituals. The Belize department of archeology only allows trained guides to take groups into the cave. The artifacts have not been looted and the entrance of the cave is a 45 minutes hike through the jungle. The tour of the cave includes walking and swimming though the water which leads to viewing crystallized stalactites and ceremonial bowls broken during rituals. This place also has entire skeleton of a sacrificed Maya woman which is the highlight of the cave.

2. Xunantunich

XunantunichThis place is located almost 80 miles west of Belize city

This place is located almost 80 miles west of Belize city and is known throughout central America for the impressive ruins of the Mayan riots. It is present on the Guatemalan border and the history of this place is well preserved. The word Xunantunich means a stone woman. This place derives its names from a myth that a female ghost inhabits this place and is dressed in white with fiery red eyes. Some people also say that they have seen the ghost actually vanishing into the El Castillo stone wall. Most of the part of Xunantunich is still not excavated due to financial reason and also that if the ruins are earthed it will lead to breakdown of ruins.

3. Organic farm at Chaa Creek

Organic farm at Chaa CreekThis place is known for its beautifully thatched cottages, pools, and outdoor restaurants

This place is known for its beautifully thatched cottages, pools, and outdoor restaurants. This place is a nature preserve. The highlights of this place are the butterfly farm and a night walk through the rainforest led by naturalists. The organic farm provides most of the vegetables and herbs for the restaurants and also food for the animals who live there. Most of the plants are grown with Maya methods and are ecofriendly. You can also enjoy horse riding and smell the lemon grass which will enthrall your sense.

4. Cyrila's chocolates

Cyrila's chocolatesThis farm is located in San Felipe

One of the organic farm which uses no electrical gadget to harvest the beans. They do everything by hand. This farm is located in San Felipe which is present in the Belize's Toledo district. The entire farm is run by the family itself. As you get to visit the farm you can also become a part of the chocolate making process. You can actually grind beans on traditional matate. You can taste the unsweetened cocoa and enjoy the great smell of chocolate. Cocoa farming is one of the most important farming processes of Belize. Cocoa grows under the canopy of rainforest trees. It is a very good investment for small farmers as once grown it can produce the food for many years.

5. Lamanai outpost

Lamanai outpostThis place lies in the district of orange walk of northern Belize

This place lies in the district of orange walk of northern Belize. In this place you can stand in front of pre classic Maya structure, which is second largest in the world. You can also take a night boat tour to see tropical birds and frogs and crocodiles in the water. It is situated on a 28 mile long lagoon and allows only few guests to visit this place. This place has only 20 cabanas just to preserve the land. You will feel as if you are in the center of the jungle with constant contact with insects and other animals.

6. Maya homestay

Maya homestayMaya home stay is the best way to get to know the people of Belize and its culture

The best way to understand the culture of any place is to actually live with the people of that place. Maya home stay is the best way to get to know the people of Belize and its culture, it is better than visiting a museum or any archaeological site. The houses in this place are made of simple wooden planks and thatched roofs and are out housed. You can also indulge in daily activities of Maya people like farming, weaving baskets and knocking down coconuts. There is no electricity and running water all the time.

7. Splash dive center

Splash dive centerThis place also has splash kids club especially designed for kids

It's a very good place in terms of water diving. Belize has world's second largest reef and many people come to this place for scuba diving and snorkeling. Continuous diving disturbs the underwater habitat but all the companies understand the importance of protection of the environment and hence take all the important measures for its protection. This place also has splash kids club especially designed for kids.

Shabina Shafi