Belize: A Winter Cycling Paradise?

Belize is a small country in Central America with a unique Caribbean culture, modernised roads, and a diverse ecosystem. It is a popular destination for tourists who enjoy water sports, diving, and beach relaxation. With its warm climate, Belize is an ideal location for those looking to escape the winter. The country offers endless beaches, wildlife, and attractions to explore, including the ancient Mayan ruins and artefacts.

Belize has improved its road infrastructure, making it more convenient for cycling. However, there are some concerns about safety, crime, and the presence of highway bandits on lonely roads. The country experiences two main seasons: the wet season from June to November and the dry season from February to May. The coolest months are between November and January, with an average temperature of 23°C, making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities.

So, is Belize a good place for bicycling in the winter?

Belize's weather in winter

Belize has a subtropical climate and is warm almost all year round, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the cold winter months. The country experiences two main seasons: the wet season, which lasts from June to November, and the dry season, which starts in February and lasts until May. The coolest months in Belize are between November and January, with an average temperature of 23°C (73°F), making it perfect for exploring the country.

Northerly winds from September to December bring some coolness to this usually hot and humid country. Even in the fall and winter, the weather in Belize is typically warm during the day and night, with only a slight drop in temperature compared to the rest of the year. This makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities such as bicycling.

Belize offers a unique Caribbean culture, stunning beaches, and diverse ecosystems. It is known for its friendly and welcoming locals, who are happy to share their rich cultural heritage with visitors. The country has improved its road infrastructure, making it more convenient for cycling and reducing traffic jams. However, it is important to note that crime is an issue in Belize, and visitors should take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Safety and crime in Belize

Belize is a small country in Central America, with a population of around 400,000 people. It is a popular tourist destination, with its stunning beaches, rich culture, and diverse ecosystems. However, crime is a severe problem in Belize, and it consistently ranks highly worldwide for violent crime and homicides.

The US State Department and Canadian government both advise travellers to exercise caution in Belize due to the high rate of violent crime. The country has been named one of the worst in the world for homicides by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Violent crimes such as home invasions, armed robberies, and sexual assaults are common, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Gang violence, centred mainly in Belize City, is a significant contributor to the problem. The south side of Belize City is particularly dangerous and should be avoided. While crimes against tourists do occur, they are often targeted for petty crimes such as burglary, pickpocketing, and theft.

There have been several high-profile murders of tourists and expatriates in recent years, and the police force in Belize is typically understaffed and poorly equipped, which limits their ability to respond to crimes. However, most tourists can enjoy their trip without incident, especially in the Caribbean islands off the coast of Belize, where crimes are less frequent and generally non-violent.

To stay safe in Belize, travellers should avoid displaying wealth, keep their valuables secure, and remain vigilant, especially when visiting banks or ATMs. It is also important to be cautious when travelling at night, and in rural or metropolitan areas. When hiking, it is best to join a group with experienced guides from a reputable company.

Belize has a subtropical climate with two main seasons: the wet season from June to November and the dry season from February to May. The coolest months are between November and January, with average temperatures of 23°C (73°F), making it an ideal time to explore the country.

Cycling routes and roads in Belize

Belize is a small country in Central America with a unique Caribbean culture. It is a great place for cycling in the winter, as it has a subtropical climate with two seasons: a dry season from October to May, and a wet season from June to November. The coolest months, which fall within the dry season, are from November to January, with an average temperature of 23°C (73°F). This makes it perfect for exploring the country by bike.

There are 70 cycling routes to explore in Belize, including flat, hilly, and downhill routes. The main roads have been modernised, making cycling much more convenient. However, there is only one major main road from north to west, and there are not many alternatives. The coastal roads are often of poor quality, and the main road is busy and dangerous. It is recommended to avoid cycling after dark, as drivers are still getting used to sharing the roads with cyclists.

Some popular cycling regions in Belize include:

• Orange Walk District
• Stann Creek District
• Cayo District

There are also some suggested routes within these districts, such as:

• Route 54: Belmopan - Hopkins
• Route 52: Del Carmen - San Ignacio

Belize is an expensive country, with food and accommodation prices higher than in neighbouring countries. However, there are some nice privately-run campsites catering to overland travellers, and wild camping is also possible. It is important to be cautious when cycling in Belize due to security issues and crime.

Places to stay in Belize

Belize is a small country with a lot to offer, from gorgeous beaches to lush rainforests. Here are some of the best places to stay in Belize:

San Ignacio

San Ignacio, located in the Cayo District, is the second-largest city and a popular gateway for visitors looking to explore the country's natural and cultural attractions. The city boasts a bustling market and a colourful historic centre. It is also close to several Mayan ruins, expansive cave systems, and the country's spectacular rainforest, home to a diverse range of wildlife.

Placencia

Placencia is a 16-mile peninsula boasting pristine, palm-fringed beaches. It offers excellent facilities, making it a popular choice for families. Placencia has a range of restaurants and is known for its great diving and snorkelling spots.

San Pedro

San Pedro, located on Ambergris Caye, offers stunning views and excellent waters for diving and snorkelling. It is a great place to explore the country's famous barrier reef, with its diverse marine life and coral reefs. The town also provides easy access to nearby Caye Caulker, a less developed and more laid-back island.

Dangriga

Dangriga, in the Stann Creek District, is one of the largest towns in southern Belize. It has a similar look and feel to Belize City but on a smaller scale. Dangriga offers a deeper insight into the local island culture and history.

Belmopan

Belmopan is the purpose-built capital of Belize, located almost in the centre of the country. It is a vibrant city surrounded by stunning natural scenery and wildlife. While it may not have the same colonial charm as other cities, it offers a more modern and planned feel, along with some great restaurants.

Recommended Accommodations

When it comes to accommodations, here are some popular options in Belize:

• Victoria House Resort & Spa: A luxurious beachfront resort near San Pedro, offering elegant rooms and easy access to the barrier reef.
• Turneffe Island Resort: An intimate resort on a private island, offering excellent diving and fishing, with spacious rooms and villas.
• Mystic River Resort: An eco-lodge with eight cabins overlooking the Macal River, providing a peaceful jungle experience with comfortable studios and lodges.
• Matachica Resort and Spa: A collection of colourful bungalows on a white sandy beach, each with its own patio and hammock.
• Copal Tree Lodge: A luxurious resort in the heart of the rainforest, with spacious rooms, a chic pool, cocktail bar, and elegant restaurant.

What to eat in Belize

Belize's culinary scene is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from its Maya, British, Spanish-American, African, Indigenous, Caribbean, and Creole heritage. Here is a list of foods and drinks to try when visiting Belize:

• Rice and Beans: The national dish of Belize, this meal typically includes a protein such as chicken, beef, or pork, served with potato salad or coleslaw, and fried plantains.
• Fry Jacks: Puffy deep-fried flour dough, often shaped like circles or triangles, commonly served for breakfast with refried beans, sausage, bacon, and eggs.
• Tamales: A traditional dish with ancient roots, tamales are made of corn dough (masa) filled with seasoned meat (chicken or pork) and steamed or boiled in plantain or banana leaves.
• Ceviche: A popular appetizer made with raw conch, shrimp, or lobster, marinated in lime juice, onions, garlic, habanero peppers, and other ingredients. It is typically served with tortilla chips.
• Panades: Deep-fried corn tortillas folded in half and filled with smoked fish, beans, chicken, or cheese. They are usually topped with a sauce called 'Cortido', made from white vinegar, onions, salt, and habaneros.
• Chimole: Also known as "Black Dinner", this traditional dish is a dark soup made with spices, black recado (achiote paste), chicken, boiled eggs, and vegetables.
• Salbutes: Tiny fried corn tortillas topped with cabbage, chicken, avocado, and hot sauce.
• Cochinita Pibil: A traditional dish where a pig is marinated with spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked in a smouldering pit lined with stones. The meat is then served with pickled onions and corn tortillas.
• Conch Fritters: Tenderized conch meat fried in a savoury batter with onions, celery, green bell peppers, cilantro, basil, salt, and pepper. It is often served with a spicy mayo sauce.
• Garnaches: A flat, fried corn tortilla topped with refried beans, chopped cabbage and tomato mix, and cheese.
• Johnny Cakes: A popular bread made with flour, coconut milk, baking powder, salt, and sugar. It is usually eaten with refried beans, cheese, or stewed chicken.
• Chaya: A native leafy green plant known as Maya or Mexican tree spinach, often scrambled with eggs for breakfast.
• Hudut: A traditional fish coconut stew served with green and ripe mashed plantains called "fu-fu".
• Pibil Tacos: Slow-cooked pork wrapped in banana leaves and served in tacos with corn tortillas and habanero pepper sauce.
• Boil Up: A root vegetable and salted pigtail stew in a tomato and onion sauce, typically served with boiled eggs and flour dumplings, on top of coconut white rice.
• Pupusas: Small, round corncakes filled with cheese and beans or meat, brought to Belize by refugees from El Salvador.
• Bollos: Similar to tamales, bollos are made of corn dough (masa) filled with seasoned chicken or pork and wrapped in a plantain leaf. They are typically eaten during festivals and special events.
• Belikin Beer: A local brew crafted by the Belize Brewing Company since 1969. Try the Traditional Stout or the Traditional Recipe Beer, a lager blended from Canadian Pilsner malt and German hops.
• Rum: A popular drink in Belize, with varieties such as Caribbean Rum and One Barrel Rum.
• Fresh Fruit Juices: Enjoy the tropical flavours of Belize with juices made from lime, orange, pineapple, or watermelon.

Frequently asked questions