Peru And Belize: A Tale Of Two Countries

Belize and Peru are two distinct countries in Central and South America, respectively, with a distance of 3,273 kilometres or 2,034 miles between them. They offer a range of attractions for tourists, including ancient ruins, natural wonders, and cultural experiences. Belize, a small country in Central America, is known for its diverse landscape, including jungles, beaches, and Mayan ruins. On the other hand, Peru, a country in South America, boasts of its own set of attractions such as Machu Picchu, rainforests, canyons, and historical sites. Both countries have their unique charm and provide visitors with memorable travel experiences.

Belize and Peru: Pros and cons of each destination

Belize and Peru are two countries in Central and South America that have become increasingly popular destinations for expats and retirees. While both countries offer a range of benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Here is a comprehensive overview of the pros and cons of each destination.

Belize:

Pros:

Belize is a small country with a diverse landscape, including pristine cayes (islands), stunning Caribbean seas, lush jungles, and Maya ruins. It offers an affordable cost of living, a laid-back lifestyle, and a tropical climate. As a former British colony, English is the official language, making the transition easier for English-speaking expats. The people of Belize are known for their warmth and friendliness, and the country has a rich cultural mix, including Spanish, Mayan, Creole, and Garifuna influences. Belize also has a Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program, making it attractive for retirees, and its developing infrastructure adds to the sense of adventure.

Cons:

On the downside, Belize has a high crime rate, limited access to quality healthcare, and poor road conditions. The humidity can be oppressive, and the country lacks some modern amenities. The healthcare system is less developed, and while minor ailments can be treated in urban areas, advanced medical treatment is very limited. The legal and policing systems are also not as sophisticated, and power and water supply can be irregular.

Peru:

Pros:

Peru, a South American country, is known for its diverse destinations, from colonial towns and undiscovered beaches to modern cities and farming regions. It offers a low cost of living, with a retired couple able to live comfortably for $1,500 per month or less. The country boasts a range of climates, from tropical weather in the east to frigid temperatures in the Andes. Peru is also known for its delicious cuisine, including dishes like ceviche, and its vibrant indigenous culture, blending Catholicism with ancient beliefs. The Peruvian people are warm and welcoming, and the country has good infrastructure, with reliable modern conveniences like high-speed internet.

Cons:

Some drawbacks of Peru include the need to speak Spanish to navigate the immigration bureaucracy and the difficulty in obtaining a mortgage as a foreigner. While the cost of living is generally low, imported products can be expensive. Additionally, obtaining health insurance can become more challenging and costly as one ages.

In conclusion, both Belize and Peru offer unique advantages and disadvantages. Belize may be more suitable for those seeking a tropical climate, a laid-back lifestyle, and English-speaking environments, while Peru could be preferable for those wanting a variety of climates and cultural experiences, as well as easier access to modern conveniences.

Travel time and costs between the two countries

Travel between Peru and Belize will take a minimum of 7 hours and 21 minutes, and the two countries are separated by a distance of 1,897 miles. The fastest way to travel between the two countries is by plane, with flights costing between $260 and $1,100. The cheapest way to travel is also by plane, with tickets costing between $160 and $650.

There are no direct flights between the two countries, so all flights will include at least one stopover. Flights from Belize City Goldson International Airport to Lima typically include a stop in Panama City, Miami, Cancun, or Houston. Flights from Lima to Belize City Goldson International Airport also typically include a stop in Panama City, Houston, or Miami. Flights from Lima to Chetumal will include a stop in Mexico City.

The flight time from Belize to Peru is 4 hours and 38 minutes, while the flight time from Lima, Peru, to Belize City, Belize, is 4 hours and 50 minutes. However, these flight times do not include the time spent taxiing, taking off, and landing, so the total travel time will be longer.

Mennonites in Belize are migrating to Peru

The Mennonite community in Belize is made up of people from different ethnic backgrounds and levels of religious conservatism. While some Mennonites in Belize have modernized to varying degrees, others remain traditional and conservative. For example, the communities in Shipyard and Upper Barton Creek are more conservative, while those in Spanish Lookout and Blue Creek are more liberal.

Belize is home to a significant population of Mennonites, with around 4,961 members as of 2014, excluding children and young unbaptized adults, which brings the total to approximately 12,000. Of these, about 10,000 are ethnic Mennonites, the majority of whom are Russian Mennonites who speak Plautdietsch, a Low German dialect.

However, some Mennonites in Belize have expressed dissatisfaction with the government's treatment and are considering migrating to Peru. Specifically, members of the Shipyard community in the Orange Walk District are planning to relocate to Tres Cruces, Peru, as soon as border restrictions are lifted. This group, comprising around 40 families or approximately 300 people, is discontent with the Belizean government due to several factors. Firstly, they faced challenges when trying to re-enter Belize after scouting land in South America, experiencing delays of almost three months despite their willingness to cover the expenses for COVID-19 tests and quarantine. Additionally, they are frustrated with the government's handling of the COVID-19 lockdowns and the crackdown on informal cattle trade activities. Moreover, they face challenges in selling their produce due to the local demand being outpaced by their supply.

The anticipated migration of Mennonites from Belize to Peru is not an isolated incident. In recent years, there has been a trend of Mennonites from Belize and other Latin American countries, such as Bolivia, establishing colonies in Peru. In 2015, two Mennonite colonies, Wanderland and Österreich, were founded in Peru by Ethnic German Mennonites from Bolivia. Subsequently, in 2017/2018, a group of conservative Plautdietsch-speaking Mennonites from Belize established a new colony near Tierra Blanca, adding to the growing Mennonite population in Peru.

While the migration of Mennonites to Peru is driven by various factors, it has also raised concerns about deforestation and environmental impact. It has been alleged that Mennonite colonies in the Peruvian Amazon have contributed to significant deforestation, with one report claiming that three colonies have cleared 8,500 acres of rainforest over four years. However, the Mennonite community in Peru defends their actions, stating that they acquired the land for agricultural purposes and intend to work it peacefully to sustain their families.

The best spots for snorkelling and scuba diving

Belize is a snorkelling and scuba diving paradise, with hundreds of cayes, atolls, and a 185-mile barrier reef—the second-largest in the world after Australia's. The country's warm, tropical climate and crystal-clear waters make it a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts all year round.

• Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley: Located in northern Belize, these spots are visible from Ambergris Caye, the country's largest island. Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley are perhaps Belize's most popular diving and snorkelling sites. While crowds can be an issue, the shallow depth of just 30 meters and the abundance of marine life, including nurse sharks, rays, turtles, and occasional dolphins, make it a thrilling experience.
• Caye Caulker: This relaxed island, a short boat ride from Ambergris, offers solid snorkelling and diving sites like Coral Gardens. It is also a popular day trip destination, including snorkelling stops like Goff's Caye and a visit to a manatee habitat.
• Turneffe Reef Atoll: As the largest of Belize's three major offshore atoll reefs, Turneffe boasts diverse marine life and varied features such as shallow reefs and wrecks. It is a prime location for spotting turtles, reef sharks, moray eels, dolphins, and even the occasional manta ray and pelagic fish.
• Lighthouse Reef Atoll: This atoll, located farthest offshore, is home to some of Belize's best dive sites, including the famed Great Blue Hole—a massive circular limestone sinkhole studied by Jacques Cousteau. While the Blue Hole is more known for its geological formations than fish, it is a challenging dive due to its depth. Lighthouse Reef also features excellent snorkelling sites like Eagle Ray Wall and Half Moon Caye Wall.
• Glover's Reef Atoll: Located in southern Belize, this atoll is known for its diverse coral and whale shark population. From March to June, divers and snorkelers have a high probability of encountering these gentle giants, which feed on the abundant spawning fish populations. Glover's Reef is also home to world-class snorkelling sites like Long Caye Wall and Octopus Alley.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, Belize has something to offer everyone. With its stunning marine life and easily accessible sites, it's no wonder that Belize is a top choice for water enthusiasts worldwide.

The best spots for Mayan ruins

Belize is home to the largest number of ancient Mayan ruins in Central America. Here are some of the best spots to visit:

Xunantunich

Xunantunich, which means "stone woman" in Mayan, is located near San Ignacio in the Cayo District. To get there, you'll need to take a hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River and then hike up to the site. Xunantunich is known for its impressive hieroglyphics and stunning views from the top of El Castillo, its tallest structure. It was also the first Mayan ruin in Belize to open to visitors in 1950.

Caracol

Caracol, located in the Cayo District, is the largest Mayan ruin in Belize. This ancient city was once one of the most powerful centres in the Mayan world, home to around 120,000 people. The Caana pyramid is the tallest man-made structure in Belize. Visitors can explore the 30 square miles of thick jungle, five plazas, and an astronomical observatory.

Lamanai

Lamanai, located in northern Belize, is one of the oldest continuously occupied Mayan sites. It is situated 24 miles south of Orange Walk Town and is known for its spectacular jungle setting near the New River Lagoon. Lamanai, which means "submerged crocodile" in Mayan, offers a scenic boat ride to spot exotic wildlife on the way. It was inhabited as early as 1500 BC and remained populated until the 20th century.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha is one of Belize's most visited Mayan sites, easily accessible from Belize City, San Pedro, and other nearby areas. It is known for its two large central plazas and pyramids. Altun Ha is featured on the national currency and the bottles of Belikin, Belize's leading beer. It is also one of the best-excavated and restored sites in the country.

Lubaantun

Lubaantun is located in the deep south of Belize, near the beach resort of Placencia. It is one of the least visited sites, making it one of the country's best-kept secrets. Lubaantun is known for its unique construction method of using dressed stone blocks and organic materials without mortar. It was allegedly the finding place of the infamous Mitchell-Hedges crystal skull in the mid-20th century.

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