This is the Belize District chapter from Lonely Planet’s Belize guidebook.

Belize City gets a bad rap for its impoverished areas, some of which are plagued by crime and violence. But the seaside city also embodies the country’s amazing cultural diversity. And Belize District has plenty to see and do with Maya heritage, Creole culture and luxuriant wildlife all within an hour’s drive of the city.

• get a first-hand introduction to all of the native species at the Belize Zoo
• maps
• spend a night surrounded by the roar of howler monkeys at the Community Baboon Sanctuary
• transportation
• restaurants & accommodations
• cruise the lagoon and marvel at the birdlife at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Coverage includes: Belize City, Along the Northern Highway, Burrell Boom, Community Baboon Sanctuary, Rancho Dolores, Old Northern Highway, Crocland Adventure & Ecopark, Crooked Tree, Along the Western Highway, Old Belize, Hattieville, Belize Zoo, Monkey Bay, Along the Coastal Road and Gales Point Manatee.