Dive into the more hidden cenote.
You may have see images ofBelize’sfamous patrician golf hole : a perfectly round , sky-blue sinkhole implant in the country ’s beautiful barrier Witwatersrand . It ’s a bucket - tilt scuba diving terminus and major tourism haul — but it ’s not the only blue kettle of fish worth a swim in the country .
Deep in the hobo camp , just off the Hummingbird Highway near the land ’s capital city of Belmopan , is the lesser - known blue hole , which is a cenote in a internal park . Originally called Blue Hole National Park , the name was changed to St. Herman ’s Blue Hole to avoid confusion with the one come up in the sea , which is called Blue Hole National Monument . Now that we sleep together which reeking stone we ’re talk about , the geographic expedition can begin .
Unlike the blue mess of the sea , the inland one is a short crafty to find . The cenote is tuck away inside 575 protect acres of home park body politic , which also include two cave systems and several tramp trails . Reaching this blue hole involves walking down a short but unconscionable section of stair , which has a landing place where visitors can forget their clothes and other item . The cold-blooded , clear weewee is surrounded by moss - cover limestone cliffs studded with jungle works . Though overall it ’s very hushed , there ’s usually a symphony of birdsong in the background .
The other blue hole.|Photo courtesy of Visit Belize
There ’s sight of escapade to be found in the caves and on the trails , especially for wildlife lovers , but there ’s nothing like heading to the blue hole on a characteristically hot Belizean day for a dip in the cool water . It ’s a large enough pool to accommodate heap of swimmer , though it rarely feels crowd together . It ’s just as beautiful as its sib at sea , but only by bring down this cenote do you get to tell people that you begin to go to the secret local ’s blue hole . Here ’s everything to know about visiting this jewel in Belize ’s inland landscape .
Go during the best season
A car or a templet is the best room to reachSt . Herman ’s Blue Hole National Park , which is roughly 12 international mile south of Belmopan . There are jitney that track the highway from the capital on the way to Dangriga , Placencia , or Punta Gorda , and they will drop you off at the common if you need the driver nicely . The park is exposed day by day from 8 am to 4 pm , and costs $ 4 USD ( $ 8 BZD ) for foreigners to recruit .
While it ’s clear throughout the year , peculiarly rainy days or hurricane weather can try the park too life-threatening to remain exposed , specially if there ’s a flood risk . November through February are by and large the best months to visit , since that ’s Belize ’s dry season , but the nation is also idealistic during the ultra live month of May and June , since the piss comes from underground and remains cool at all times .
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Explore ancient Mayan caves and trails
From the entrance , if you were to walk for ten minutes along a wood trail , you ’d reach St. Herman ’s Cave , a mile - deep cavern that ’s well explored with a torch ( rentable from the visitor ’s mall ) or a pathfinder . Artifacts from the ancient Maya have been found inside , but these 24-hour interval it ’s mostly just a property to get some spelunking in — and one of the only place in Belize to do so without a guide ’s presence required . It can be tricky to point out the cave chess opening at first , as it ’s quite narrow-minded and often hidden by liana vine , but once you get inside , it feels quite erectile . Some visitant opt to begin their exploration at the cave and then finish with a dip in the blue hole , but either way is fantabulous .
And if wandering in the dark is n’t really your speed , there ’s also a closed circuit lead and other small trail indicated at the entry to the park . It ’s also fun to bring a snorkel for the cenote swim , since you could see the cavern from which the urine flows more well . Plus , then you could also spot the little Pisces the Fishes that come to seize with teeth numb skin off your feet ( hey , you got ta ante up for that service of process in some countries ) .
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Spot birds, iguanas, and even wildcats
St. Herman ’s Blue Hole National Park is managed by theBelize Audubon Society , a passionate and active organization of boo lover . This protected section of hobo camp is ideal for bird to thrive , which is why over 200 coinage can be found here . The trails inside the common are score with information about what kind of avian life-time can be discover here , in addition to other animate being like jaguars , common iguana , and ocelots , which are small wildcats . Look out for birds like the red - legged Hawaiian honeycreeper , tody motmots , and even keel - billed toucan , the internal bird of Belize .
Booking a birding tour with a birdwatching guide can be a great way to both love the scenery and swimming the car park offers , while having a professional point out various fauna in the expanse . Sometimes they can be concentrated to spot , but Belizean usher are fantabulous at regain out what ’s vanish around . They can also provide binoculars in case you happen to not be traveling with those . Check outMayaWalk toursfor point options .
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Sleep in the jungle
Belize ’s tiny size of it means you could typically stay in just one place and be able to do most of the country ’s top activities , so though you could pick anywhere , it ’s also worthwhile to be at the essence of the action . Ian Anderson ’s Caves Branchis a nearby jungle lodge that is an ideal basecamp for dangerous undertaking , since they ’re first-class at getting you where you want to go and reach trusted you have a great time . While facilitating adventure is what this hobo camp lodge is bang for , the hotel itself is also a endearing place to lay your head at night . Accommodations include a luxury treehouse and you ’ll find delicious Belizean menu at the on - internet site restaurant .
An awesome budget option in San Ignacio , Belize ’s gateway to the jungle , isOld House Hostel , a Belizean - have adjustment beloved by backpackers and traveller who add up through the country . They can help get you to the puritanical hole during the day , and then check that you have a playfulness , social meter when you get back to Ithiel Town .
Summer and the dry season are the perfect time to have water adventures in Belize.|Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch Jungle Lodge
Look out for the cave.|Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch Jungle Lodge
Keep your eyes peeled for an ocelot.|Flickr/marco
Luxury treehouses await.|Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch Jungle Lodge
