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Nelson Maya Adventures

Alluring Mayan Site Tours and Outstanding Transfers Service for the Insightful Traveler.

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Belize Wildlife & Nature Tour

With our team of expert travel agents and tour operators, we ensure your experience is truly unforgettable.

The Belize Zoo

Price

Price varies and can be done during a transfer.

Difficulty / Requirement

Easy - Walking and Watching

What's included

Guide, Entrance Fee, Round Trip Transportation, Lunch, Water, and (full day tour).

What to bring

Bug spray, Hat and Sunglasses.

The Belize Zoo – A Unique Wildlife Experience in the Heart of Belize

Known as “The Best Little Zoo in the World,” the Belize Zoo offers visitors an up-close and personal experience with the country’s incredible wildlife in a natural, jungle-like setting. Located just 45 minutes from Belize City, this one-of-a-kind zoo is home to over 175 animals, all of which are native to Belize. Unlike traditional zoos, the Belize Zoo is an educational and conservation-focused facility, providing a safe haven for rescued, rehabilitated, and orphaned wildlife while promoting environmental awareness.

What to Expect at the Belize Zoo

  • Meet Belize’s National Animal – The Tapir: Get to know “April the Tapir,” the zoo’s most famous resident. This gentle, unique creature is Belize’s national animal, and you’ll learn all about its habits and importance to the ecosystem.
 
  • Spot Jaguars & Other Big Cats: The zoo is home to rescued jaguars, ocelots, pumas, and margays, offering an incredible opportunity to see these powerful predators up close.
 
  • See Colorful Birds Up Close: The zoo’s lush surroundings are filled with vibrant scarlet macaws, toucans, and parrots, showcasing the beauty of Belize’s avian species.
 
  • Watch Rescued Howler Monkeys in Action: Observe these playful primates as they swing through the trees, just like they would in the wild.
 
  • Learn About Conservation: Each animal at the zoo has a unique story—whether it was rescued from the illegal pet trade, rehabilitated after an injury, or orphaned in the wild. The zoo plays an important role in conservation and education, teaching visitors about Belize’s wildlife and efforts to protect it.

The Journey to the Belize Zoo

  • From Belize City: A short 45-minute drive via the George Price Highway.
  • From Belmopan: About 35 minutes, making it an easy day trip from the capital.
  • From San Ignacio: Approximately 1.5 hours through scenic countryside.

Why Visit the Belize Zoo?

Unlike large commercial zoos, the Belize Zoo is built within a natural forest, allowing animals to roam in spacious, jungle-like enclosures. The zoo’s focus on education and conservation makes it a meaningful experience for visitors of all ages, and it’s an ideal stop for families, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

Location to your destination

Nearby Attractions

If you’re visiting the Belize zoo, consider exploring these nearby destinations to make the most of your trip:

 

  • St. Herman’s Cave & Inland Blue Hole – A great stop for cave exploration and swimming. Visitors can hike through a lush jungle trail leading to the cave entrance, explore the limestone formations inside, and then cool off in the crystal-clear, sapphire-colored waters of the Inland Blue Hole, a beautiful natural cenote perfect for a refreshing swim.
 
  • Cave Tubing & Ziplining at Nohoch Che’en – Pair your zoo visit with an adventure-filled day in the jungle. Drift along an underground river on a cave tubing expedition, guided by headlamps and the sound of flowing water, before soaring through the treetops on a thrilling zipline course, offering breathtaking views of the rainforest.
Testimonials

Good Service, Happy Clients!

  • star rating  My husband Joe & I had a great tour with Josh as our guide. He took us to the Community Baboon Santuary to see the Black Howler Monkeys, the Belize... read more

    avatar thumb Tara S
    February 2, 2023
  • star rating  While visiting Caye Caulker with friends we decided to visit the Xunantunich ruins. Booking was seamless and our guide Auner met us at the water taxi. ... read more

    McGregor4
    October 25, 2022
  • star rating  We did a day trip from Belize City to Xunantunich with Auner as our guide and it was amazing experience with such a knowledgeable guide who provided so much information.

    44isballn
    October 25, 2022
  • star rating  We decided to arrange a private tour for a family of four to Tikal with Nelson Maya Adventures after reading a couple of reviews here and on a couple of... read more

    ViajeroIndiana
    August 8, 2022
  • star rating  We decided to arrange a private tour for a family of four to Tikal with Nelson Maya Adventures after reading a couple of reviews here and on a couple of... read more

    ViajeroIndiana
    August 4, 2022
5/5

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