Visit the Belize Zoo

There is so much wildlife to see in Belize, from jaguars to tapirs to scarlet macaws, and the Belize Zoo is the best spot to see it all. With a mostly rescued animal population, it's an excellent opportunity to experience Belize's biodiversity while also supporting wildlife rescue initiatives. If you walk through this 29-acre zoo, you could assume you've stepped into a jungle. Jaguars scream, keel-billed toucans cry, brilliant scarlet macaws flutter, and coral snakes crawl over the thick forest floor at the little zoo. Look through the zoo's lush canopy trees for Belize's famed howler monkeys, as well as at least one tropical parrot, tapir, Jabiru stork, or harpy eagle.

Keep a watch out for one of Belize's gorgeous native cats, such as margays, ocelots, pumas, and jaguarondis, on the zoo's rustic trail, especially in the late afternoon. According to recent visitors, the Belize Zoo, which began as a rescue center for animals featured in documentary films, feels more like a natural refuge than a commercial zoo. The Belize Zoo is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the final admission at 4:15 p.m. Adult admission is $15, while children's admission is $5. Wear comfortable shoes and pack bug repellant and lots of water because you'll be hiking many paths in the steamy tropics. The zoo is accessible by automobile from Belize City through the Western Highway.