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Belize
Belize: A small country with big touring potential!
Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala and overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea, Belize is a beautiful country that has been overshadowed by Cancun and Tulum in Central America when it comes to holiday destinations.
It sits on less than 9,000 square miles, but its size shouldn’t fool you into thinking there is nothing much to do. Whether you want to go on a Holiday, Honeymoon, Diving, Backpacking, or Bird Watching, from the swampy coastal plain to the largest cave system in Central America, there is a little something for everyone to explore!
From their rich history and culture that can be glimpsed at from the many Mayan ruins to the lush rainforests, Belize is sure to leave you agape and when your holiday ends, you may have to be dragged screaming out of there because you will want more of this country’s exquisite beauty!
Let’s explore some things you can do while in this stunning country:
Explore the beaches: With over 450 Islands (Cayes) scattered around its coastline, there is plenty to explore and plenty of diving, fishing, snorkeling, surfing, or sailing options to enjoy! The popular ones are Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Visit Ambergris if you have plenty of energy in your body and wish to party like no man’s business! Leave your party mood behind if you visit the laid-back Caye Caulker!
You can also check out St. George’s Caye, Tobacco Caye, and Glover’s Reef.
Explore its rich history: There are plenty of Mayan ruins to check out while on holiday in Belize. You can check out the jungle and explore its mysterious caves. You can pay a visit to Caracol or Tikai to get a glimpse of this beautiful country’s history. You can also check out the ruins of Lamanai, the ruins of Altun Ha, or the ruins of Xunantunich.
Check out the wildlife: You can visit the Belize zoo, home to about 48 species (about 175 animals) of native animals. Animals include the scarlet macaws, the pumas, and the tapirs. Most animals are orphans or been hurt, so the zoo is their sanctuary. You can go bird watching thanks to over 500 species available both in and out of the jungle, or you can go on nature walks.
Go snorkeling: A must try is a snorkeling session with the manatees! It will be an exhilarating experience to get up close to these interesting, enormous sea mammals! Be sure not to get too close or touch them though, as it’s not allowed! Don’t even think about chasing them through the water either!
Check out the iconic Blue Hole: This intriguing feature is frequented by most divers to Belize. However, a special view of this feature can be enjoyed with a helicopter ride over it. It will cost you a pretty penny, but the views will be worthwhile!
Don’t forget to eat! With different cultures in different parts of the country, there are plenty of cuisines to try out! Forget about the traditional rice and beans that are the country’s staple food. You can also try out some jerky chicken, Tamales, Chimole, Salbutes, Hudut, fry jacks, jippy jappa, and caldo among others.
You don’t have to learn Kriol or Spanish to travel to Belize, English is their official language and although the locals largely speak Kriol, they understand English and are friendly and willing to help if you find yourself in a bit of a pickle on your holiday!
The gorgeous beaches and beautiful tropical climate will leave you blind with all its bright beauty! Chill by the beach, go backpacking, visit the caves or go scuba diving into the glistening, crystal clear, turquoise waters. Whatever you do, Belize will leave you with sweet memories!
Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala and overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea, Belize is a beautiful country that has been overshadowed by Cancun and Tulum in Central America when it comes to holiday destinations.
It sits on less than 9,000 square miles, but its size shouldn’t fool you into thinking there is nothing much to do. Whether you want to go on a Holiday, Honeymoon, Diving, Backpacking, or Bird Watching, from the swampy coastal plain to the largest cave system in Central America, there is a little something for everyone to explore!
From their rich history and culture that can be glimpsed at from the many Mayan ruins to the lush rainforests, Belize is sure to leave you agape and when your holiday ends, you may have to be dragged screaming out of there because you will want more of this country’s exquisite beauty!
Let’s explore some things you can do while in this stunning country:
Explore the beaches: With over 450 Islands (Cayes) scattered around its coastline, there is plenty to explore and plenty of diving, fishing, snorkeling, surfing, or sailing options to enjoy! The popular ones are Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Visit Ambergris if you have plenty of energy in your body and wish to party like no man’s business! Leave your party mood behind if you visit the laid-back Caye Caulker!
You can also check out St. George’s Caye, Tobacco Caye, and Glover’s Reef.
Explore its rich history: There are plenty of Mayan ruins to check out while on holiday in Belize. You can check out the jungle and explore its mysterious caves. You can pay a visit to Caracol or Tikai to get a glimpse of this beautiful country’s history. You can also check out the ruins of Lamanai, the ruins of Altun Ha, or the ruins of Xunantunich.
Check out the wildlife: You can visit the Belize zoo, home to about 48 species (about 175 animals) of native animals. Animals include the scarlet macaws, the pumas, and the tapirs. Most animals are orphans or been hurt, so the zoo is their sanctuary. You can go bird watching thanks to over 500 species available both in and out of the jungle, or you can go on nature walks.
Go snorkeling: A must try is a snorkeling session with the manatees! It will be an exhilarating experience to get up close to these interesting, enormous sea mammals! Be sure not to get too close or touch them though, as it’s not allowed! Don’t even think about chasing them through the water either!
Check out the iconic Blue Hole: This intriguing feature is frequented by most divers to Belize. However, a special view of this feature can be enjoyed with a helicopter ride over it. It will cost you a pretty penny, but the views will be worthwhile!
Don’t forget to eat! With different cultures in different parts of the country, there are plenty of cuisines to try out! Forget about the traditional rice and beans that are the country’s staple food. You can also try out some jerky chicken, Tamales, Chimole, Salbutes, Hudut, fry jacks, jippy jappa, and caldo among others.
You don’t have to learn Kriol or Spanish to travel to Belize, English is their official language and although the locals largely speak Kriol, they understand English and are friendly and willing to help if you find yourself in a bit of a pickle on your holiday!
The gorgeous beaches and beautiful tropical climate will leave you blind with all its bright beauty! Chill by the beach, go backpacking, visit the caves or go scuba diving into the glistening, crystal clear, turquoise waters. Whatever you do, Belize will leave you with sweet memories!
Where to stay in Belize
San Ignacio
San Ignacio is an excellent starting point to explore the nearby Mayan ruins and the Cayo area. San Ignacio offers a wide choice of nightlife, accommodation and dining experiences for every budget
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Rio Bravo Conservation & Management Area
The Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area is a vast protected area located in northern Belize, encompassing approximately 260,000 acres (105,000 hectares) of tropical forest and wetlands. It also has 200 types of trees and 70 different types of mammals including all of the 5 cat species: jaguar, puma, ocelot, jaguarundi and margay. Add to this 60 Mayan sites to explore and this is a must see destination.
- Location: The Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area is situated in the Orange Walk District of northern Belize, near the border with Mexico. It is part of the broader Maya Forest Corridor, which connects protected areas in Belize and Guatemala.
- Ownership and Management: The area is owned and managed by the Programme for Belize, a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation and sustainable development in Belize. The Programme for Belize works in collaboration with government agencies, local communities, and international partners to protect and manage the area.
- Biodiversity: The Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area is home to a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna, including hundreds of bird species, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and plants. Endangered species such as jaguars, pumas, and tapirs inhabit the area, along with numerous species of birds, including parrots, toucans, and raptors.
- Habitat Types: The area encompasses a variety of habitat types, including tropical broadleaf forest, wetlands, savannas, and riparian zones. These habitats support a wide range of plant and animal species and provide essential ecosystem services such as water purification, carbon sequestration, and soil stabilization.
- Conservation Challenges: Like many protected areas, the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area faces threats from deforestation, illegal logging, poaching, and encroachment from agricultural activities. The Programme for Belize employs a range of conservation strategies to address these threats, including habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, community outreach, and sustainable land management practices.
- Ecotourism: The Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area offers opportunities for ecotourism and nature-based recreation, including birdwatching, hiking, wildlife photography, and guided tours. Visitors can explore the area's trails, visit archaeological sites, and learn about conservation efforts through educational programs and interpretive centers.
- Research and Education: The area serves as an important site for scientific research and environmental education. Researchers from around the world study the area's biodiversity, ecology, and conservation challenges, contributing to our understanding of tropical ecosystems and informing conservation policies and management practices.
Caribbean cayes and coast
The Belize Barrier Reef Stretches from Bacalar Chico to the Bay of Honduras and it offers a perfect mix of coral cayes (islands), colourful and highly accessible reefs, shipwrecks to dive and miles of pure white sand beaches to enjoy.
Caribbean-infused reggae rhythms pulse from the beach side bars, enjoy the laid-back vibes and freshly caught lobster on Caye Caulker and go barefoot in Placencia near the fishing port of Dangriga.
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Caribbean-infused reggae rhythms pulse from the beach side bars, enjoy the laid-back vibes and freshly caught lobster on Caye Caulker and go barefoot in Placencia near the fishing port of Dangriga.
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Snorkelling & Diving in BelizeWith most of the reef sites within easy access from the beach. Snorkelling in Belize is perfect year-round, in addition to the abundance of fish, you can also see the West Indian Manatee looking like a cross between a seal and a walrus it grazes on underwater sea grass.
Go to Swallow Caye Marine Reserve to see: manta, sting and spotted eagle ray, green, hawksbill and loggerhead sea turtles and the giant whale sharks. There are numerous wrecks around the cayes and the world famous Great Blue Hole, an underwater limestone sinkhole. Top rated hotels in San Pedro |
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Lamanai Mayan Ruins
Lamanai is a significant ancient Mayan archaeological site located in northern Belize, near the village of Indian Church in the Orange Walk District.
- Location: Lamanai is situated along the New River Lagoon, surrounded by dense jungle. Its remote location adds to the mystique and adventure of visiting the site.
- History: The name "Lamanai" means "Submerged Crocodile" in the Maya language. The site was occupied for over 3,000 years, from the Preclassic Period (circa 1500 BC) to the Postclassic Period (circa 17th century AD). It was one of the longest continually occupied Mayan cities in Mesoamerica.
- Architecture: Lamanai features impressive architecture, including large pyramids, temples, plazas, and residential areas. The structures are characterized by their well-preserved stone facades and intricate carvings depicting Mayan gods, rulers, and mythological creatures.
- High Temples: One of the most iconic structures at Lamanai is the High Temple (also known as the Temple of the Mask), which rises over 100 feet (30 meters) above the jungle canopy. Visitors can climb to the top of the temple for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Ball Court: Lamanai also contains a well-preserved Mayan ball court, where the ancient Maya played ritualized ball games that held religious and symbolic significance.
- Stelae and Altars: The site features numerous stelae (stone monuments) and altars adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions, providing valuable insights into Mayan history, culture, and mythology.
- Wildlife: Lamanai is not only a historical site but also a thriving ecosystem teeming with wildlife. Visitors to the site often encounter howler monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, and various species of birds and butterflies.
- Visiting Lamanai: Lamanai is accessible via boat or land from Orange Walk Town or Belize City. Guided tours are recommended to explore the site and learn about its history and significance from knowledgeable guides.
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Need to know
Capital: Belmopan / Belize City (main hub) Currency: Belize dollar Languages: English/Spanish/indigenous languages Visa Requirement: : Not required by UK nationals |
Getting there
United Airlines: LHR via IAH, 7 days per week United Airlines /MAN/EDI/GLA (summer only), via IAH, 7 days per week |