Category:
Belize Information
Summary
Planning a trip to Belize? Get ready to explore a country full of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. From the vibrant Belize Barrier Reef to ancient Maya temples and serene tropical cayes, Belize is the perfect destination for travelers seeking both excitement and tranquility. With its low population density, untouched rainforests, and unique attractions, you’ll avoid the crowds and enjoy a truly immersive experience. Ready to start your adventure? Let’s start Belizing!
Content
Belize is definitely an underrated country for what it has to offer. Filled with the friendliest people on earth, the most mouthwatering foods in Central America, magnificent flora and fauna, and such diverse ecosystems. Not to mention, the landscape is kept mostly untouched. You will get to see nature in a pristine state and experience firsthand why Belize is nature’s best-kept secret.
Belize has it all for every type of traveler. Belize has a low population density, which means you won't find the huge crowds of tourists that other destinations have. We hope to see you soon. Here are 10 reasons why you should put Belize on your travel bucket list.
1. Rich in Culture
Nestled between Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea, Belize spans just 22,966 km². Despite its small size, Belize boasts an incredibly diverse population of over 381,000 people from more than ten ethnic groups. Truly, we are a melting pot. Cultures such as the Mestizo, Maya, Garinagu, Creole, East Indian, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, and others coexist harmoniously in this tropical paradise.
2. English Speaking
Did you know that Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America? While English is the official language, many locals also speak Spanish, Kriol, and the languages of their ethnic groups.
Don’t speak Kriol or Spanish? No problem! Belizeans are known for their warm hospitality and love for sharing knowledge. Explore world-famous landmarks like The Great Blue Hole and ancient Maya temples to learn about Belize’s unique cultural heritage.
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Belize is open for travel! On October 1st, 2020, the Belize International airport finally reopened for leisure travel. Tune in to learn more about the latest airport protocols and ... moretravel restrictions.
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4. Island Escape
After your snorkeling trip, immerse yourself in the beauty of Belize's pristine tropical islands. Belize is home to 200 stunning islands, each offering crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and lush, untouched landscapes. Did you know? Even Leonardo DiCaprio owns a piece of this paradise!
Whether you’re relaxing in the sun, enjoying the solitude of a quiet beach, or exploring bustling island towns like San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) and Caye Caulker, Belize’s islands promise unforgettable experiences.
5. World Class Diving
Whether you're an expert diver or a beginner, Belize offers a diving experience like no other. Home to the world-famous Great Blue Hole, one of the most famous dive sites in the world, Belize also boasts incredible dive spots like Hol Chan Canyons, Spanish Bay Wall, and Caye Caulker Canyons, each offering vibrant marine life and breathtaking underwater landscapes.
New to diving? Try this PADI diving experience course in Placencia to explore the underwater wonders of Belize.
6. Ancient Maya Temples
Not a fan of the beach? No worries—Belize’s mainland is rich with history and adventure. With over 900 ancient Maya sites, you can visit iconic locations like Xunantunich or the unique, shell-covered Marco Gonzalez, all surrounded by lush tropical rainforests.
Fun Fact: The tallest building in Belize is Caana, a Maya temple at the Caracol archaeological site, showcasing the country's incredible heritage.
7. Birding Paradise
From the tops of ancient Maya temples to the depths of lush rainforests, Belize is a bird-watcher’s paradise with over 600 species of birds! Keep your binoculars handy—you might spot the vibrant Keel-billed Toucan, Belize’s colorful national bird, or other rare and exotic species soaring through the treetops.
Don’t miss the annual Belize Birding Festival, where bird enthusiasts and nature lovers come together to celebrate and explore. With breathtaking landscapes and countless species, Belize offers an unforgettable experience for every nature lover.
8. Rainforest and Caves
Belize is home to Central America’s largest cave system, located within the largest contiguous block of tropical rainforest north of the Amazon. With 103 protected areas covering 36% of its landmass, Belize is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
One of the most famous caves to explore is the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, a fascinating site that preserves ancient Maya artifacts, pottery, and even ancient human remains. Trek through Belize’s rainforests and discover caves that offer a journey through time, combining natural beauty with rich cultural history.
9. Jaguar Reserve
Belize is proud to be the first and only country in the world to establish a Jaguar nature preserve: The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve. This groundbreaking reserve is a haven for wildlife and a testament to Belize's commitment to conservation.
Looking for adventure? Explore the scenic nature trails, take in picturesque mountain views, and discover spectacular waterfalls within this breathtaking sanctuary. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Cockscomb Basin and experience a truly unique slice of Belizean wilderness.
10. Delicious Food
After all your adventures, it’s time to indulge in Belize’s mouthwatering local cuisine. Let your taste buds embark on their own adventure! From the iconic rice and beans with stewed chicken and salad to delicacies like salbutes, panades, escabeche, and dukunu, Belizean food is a treat for every traveler.
Visit any of our roadside food shacks or in-town restaurants for an unforgettable culinary experience. Still curious about the rest? Let’s start Belizing, and your taste buds will thank you!
Q & A
| Where is Belize? | Belize is located in Central America, just below Mexico facing the Caribbean Sea. It is one flight away from the USA. | | What language is spoken in Belize? | The official Language is English. Spanish is also widely spoken. An english-based dialect known as Kriol (Creole) is spoken among locals. |
Author Name:
Angela Wu, Luis Manzanero, Michael Torres
Places to Stay
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Experience private luxury in paradise! Still Waters is a new construction 4 bedroom, 3 bath private BEACHFRONT home, ON THE CARIBBEAN SEA, that offers the amenities of a luxury boutique ... moreresort within the privacy of your own home!
Enjoy being literally right on the beach, with ocean views from almost every room and relax by the infinity pool on the expansive deck. With a private live in cook, you don't need to worry about cooking, nor do you need to worry about other guests on-site since you have the entire property to yourselves! At Still Waters, we hope to offer a space where you can truly be on vacation and enjoy the perfect combination of activities and relaxation.
Private home rental on Ambergris Caye, Belize. 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom vacation home on the north side of San Pedro, Belize. Your stay at Still Waters Belize includes two full-time staff, including a private cook. We aim to make your stay as smooth as possible and will assist with booking your transfers, transportation, and activities on the island after confirming your reservation with us.
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Private Riverside Villas
Aliana's is a vacation rental property located near San Ignacio, Cayo. Aliana's sits on a 50-acre farm and includes three private riverfront villas. ... more
Gold Standard Transportation is provided via Belize Ground Shuttle.
Relax on the banks of the Mopan river just outside your doorstep and enjoy bird watching or take a refreshing swim to cool off at your pleasure. We have canoes and floating tubes available. A popular guest activity is to float down the Mopan river from the village of Bullet Tree Falls. The float takes about two hours. You can spot monkeys and a variety of bird species along the river. We also have an outdoor grill and brick oven available for use by all guests.
Each unit includes air-conditioned bedrooms for your comfort. The property is filled with many tropical fruit trees that you can enjoy when in season, such as mangoes, breadfruit, plums, star fruit, and others. The property may be booked for private events subject to availability.
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Recommended
On San Pedro’s north edge, experience a private paradise at Blue Tang Inn, one of the town’s most charming beachfront inns. Fourteen exquisite suites each offer full kitchens and air ... moreconditioning. Relax by the private pool or rejoice on the third-floor sundeck with inspiring panoramas of the ocean and reef. Set your own schedule for amazing daily activities such as sailing & snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, fishing, and numerous inland tours to visit ancient Mayan Ruins and waterfalls.
Each suite has a fully equipped kitchen for your convenience. There's a grocery store 1/2 block away that will deliver! Complimentary Continental breakfast is included daily.
Our staff is super friendly and will help you book your daily activities. Just ask!
Phone Number: +501 226 2326
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Find yourself in our award-winning Belize ecolodge. Situated on a 105-acre jungle reserve along the Macal River, settle into 10 intimate, rest in eco-friendly cabanas, nosh on farm-to-table ... morecuisine, sip tropical cocktails, cool off in our infinity pool, and graze with resident donkeys through our working, organic farm. Take the river by canoe or tube, hike jungle trails, and allow us to plan your excursions to the many natural wonders and Mayan sites in Belize.
Awards:
TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Winner 2020
Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Award 2020
Travel & Hospitality Awards - Lodge of the Year 2018 & 2019
Global Luzury Hotel & Spa Awards - Boutique Lodge of the Year 2019
TravelMyth Top 20 Accommodations for Honeymoons 2019
Latin American Business Awards - Best Boutique Lodge 2019
Belize Tourism Board Small Hotel of the Year 2010 & 2015
Belize Green Business Award 2011
Phone Number: +501-672-4040
Tours/Activities
Departs From: San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)
Bring your family to this amazing reserve at the edge of the Barrier Reef. Very easy and fun-filled for all ages. Meet new friends like sea turtles, nurse sharks, eagle rays, and large ... moregroupers among the hundreds of other species.
Experience uniqueness in every aspect!
The experience starts from the moment we greet you. Our crew is a group of trained and experienced tour guides that will make sure you don’t miss any fun facts while diving & snorkeling at our local reef. Caribbean Breeze Tours can assure you of a time to remember forever.
A family and group-oriented adventure where everyone can enjoy the marvel of a Marine Reserve. This is a combined trip where we can take certified divers as well as snorkelers on the Belize Barrier Reef. The water is so clear that snorkeling at Hol Chan is so amazing. The deepest areas of Hol-Chan are about 30 feet, making it easy for divers & snorkelers to skin dive down to the white sandy bottoms.
Glide among sea fans, brain corals, and Mustard Hills as you dive in this channel along groupers, turtles, spotted eagle rays, nurse sharks and various tropical creatures live.
Departs From: San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)
Just a 20 minutes ride from our dive shop is this beautiful collection of giant brain corals, great star corals, elkhorn corals, staghorn corals, and vibrant inhabitants like butterflyfishes, ... morespiny lobster, yellowtails, and stingrays.
What will you experience?
The adventure experience starts from the moment we greet you to the moment we say goodbye. Our crew is a group of trained and experienced tour guides that will make sure you don’t miss any fun facts while snorkeling at Mexico Rocks & Dos Cosos.
Experience something else!
First, we stop at Mexico Rocks, a coral patch between the reef and the shores of Ambergris Caye, where you begin a snorkeling experience you won't forget. Snorkeling here is mainly boasted by the magnificent boulder formations of Brain Corals, Elk Horns, and Great Star Corals that provide shelter for tropical fishes and critters. Some of them include spiny lobsters, yellowtail snappers, and stingrays. A cave looking like a path is also found here where you will find hundreds of baby snappers staring at you while you glide over them.
Departs From: San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)
THE BEST SNORKELING IN THE WORLD!
This Half Day adventure starts at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where our guides will show you around the spectacular snorkel area. Then head on to Shark ... moreRay Alley, where you will encounter sharks and rays in their natural habitat.
Off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye is Belize's oldest marine reserve, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Hol Chan is Mayan for 'little channel." The reserve was formed primarily as a community-based initiative due to concern over the high level of uncontrolled, often destructive fishing and diving activities in the area.
For several years, local fishermen often cleaned their catch in Shark Ray Alley, located just inside the reef, to the south of Ambergris Caye. When fishermen noticed that their activity had attracted Nurse Sharks and several Southern Sting Rays, they reported this information to the dive operations in San Pedro, who then dispatched some divers to investigate. What they found was a bonanza, and "Shark-Ray Alley" quickly became a very popular dive site.
As soon as your boat arrives in the area, the guide points out all of the dark shadows in the shallow (eight-foot deep) waters. These are the sharks and rays that hear the boat approach and come in search of a few scraps of fish.
Please note, Half Day Trips leave at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm.
Departs From: San Ignacio Town
Xunantunich was a classic period Maya ceremonial and residential center. This site is located along the western border of Belize with Guatemala on the Mopan River in the village of ... moreSuccotz. The core occupies a hilltop with six plazas that include temples and palaces. The most prominent rises 130 ft above the plaza called “El Castillo”. Vehicles use a hand crank ferry to access the site.
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