Belize's Young Citizens: Exploring Their Everyday Lives

Belize is a great destination for families, offering a mix of beach relaxation and jungle adventures. The country has something for everyone, from ancient Mayan sites to incredible wildlife and delicious food. Here are some of the best things to keep children entertained in Belize:

- Snorkelling and swimming at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where they can see colourful fish, sea turtles and Manta Rays up close.

- Visiting the Belize Zoo, which is far from ordinary as the animals roam in large enclosures that mimic their natural habitat.

- Exploring the Mayan ruins, including Cahal Pech, Caracol and Xunantunich.

- Horse trekking through the jungle, learning about medicinal plants and the ancient Maya.

- Visiting butterfly farms to learn about the butterfly life cycle and see colourful butterflies.

- Tubing and canoeing down the Macal River.

- Learning to drum at the Warasa Garifuna Drum School.

- Chocolate making classes.

Go horse trekking through the jungle

Horse trekking through the jungle is a fantastic way to experience Belize's natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Here's a guide to help you plan this adventure:

Where to Go Horse Trekking

Belize offers a variety of options for horse trekking through its lush jungles. Here are some recommended places:

• Chaa Creek: Located in the middle of the jungle, Chaa Creek provides onsite excursions, including horse trekking through the rainforest. They have well-maintained tracks, mostly under the jungle canopy, so you can stay dry during light rains. You can spot the national bird, the Toucan, and over 300 species of birds in the area. Chaa Creek also rotates their horses regularly to ensure they are well-rested and cared for.
• Mountain Equestrian Trails (MET): MET offers horseback riding adventures through Belize's jungles, contributing to the conservation of this vital wildlife corridor. Their knowledgeable guides and well-trained horses will take you through secluded destinations and lush jungle trails up to the Mountain Pine Ridge. Along the way, you'll encounter diverse wildlife, including troops of Black Howler Monkeys and various species of birds.
• Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort: Just 15 minutes from the resort, you can ride horses through a citrus orchard, where hummingbirds feed on blossoms, and then continue into the dense jungle. You'll encounter a variety of tropical birds, such as toucans, Black Face Ant Thrush, and Trogons. The excursion includes experienced guides and horse wranglers, ensuring a safe and informative journey.
• Belizean Dreams: Their Jungle Horseback Riding Tour takes you on a journey through local citrus orchards, into the rainforest, and across small creeks and rivers. Their trained guides will match you with a horse that suits your size, temperament, and experience level. This tour is suitable for riders of all ages and experience levels.

What to Expect

Horse trekking through the jungle in Belize offers a unique blend of nature, wildlife, and cultural exploration. Here's what you can typically expect:

• Wildlife Encounters: Keep an eye out for exotic birds, such as toucans and trogons, as well as howler monkeys and other mammals, reptiles, and insects.
• Jungle Scenery: Trek through dense jungle foliage, including towering trees like Cottonwood, Gumbo Limbo, and Emery in some locations, and pine savannah in others.
• Cultural Insights: Ride along trails once travelled by the Mayas and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Belize from your guides.
• Refreshing Swims: Some horse trekking tours include stops at rivers or waterfalls where you can take a dip to cool off, such as the Sittee River or private waterfalls.
• Other Activities: Combine your horse trekking adventure with other excursions, such as visiting ancient Mayan ruins, cave tubing, ziplining, or exploring wildlife sanctuaries.

Practical Information

To make the most of your horse trekking experience in Belize, here are some practical considerations:

• What to Bring: Wear long pants, sturdy shoes or boots, a light long-sleeved shirt, a hat, sunglasses, and bug repellent. Don't forget your swimwear if you plan to take a dip!
• Rider Requirements: Most tours require riders to be at least 7 years old, and some have weight restrictions, so be sure to check the requirements before booking.
• Timing: Horse trekking tours typically last for half a day or a full day, with departure times around 8:00 am or 1:00 pm and return times around 1:00 pm or 5:00 pm.
• Cost: The cost for horse trekking tours in Belize typically ranges from US $85 to $100 per person, with some requiring a minimum of two participants.

Horse trekking through the jungle in Belize promises an unforgettable adventure, offering a unique perspective on the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage. With experienced guides and well-trained horses, you can explore lush rainforests, spot diverse wildlife, and create lasting memories.

Visit a butterfly farm

Belize is home to an estimated 700 butterfly species, and one of the best ways to see a wide range of these species is to visit a butterfly farm. Butterfly farms offer a great learning experience, where children can observe the entire butterfly life cycle and learn about the different types of butterflies that exist in Belize. Here are some of the top butterfly farms to visit:

Green Hills Butterfly Ranch

The Green Hills Butterfly Ranch is located on Mountain Pine Ridge in the Cayo District of Belize. It is home to the largest live butterfly display in Belize, with about 30 native species in a large flight area. The farm also boasts a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, including beautiful flowers, hummingbirds, and even jaguars. The staff are friendly and multilingual, speaking English, Spanish, and Creole.

The Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm at Chaa Creek

The Lodge At Chaa Creek is home to The Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm, located near San Ignacio Town at the foothill of the Maya Mountains. This farm specialises in rearing the Blue Morpho butterfly, also known as the "Belizean Blue". Guided tours are offered daily, allowing visitors to observe and learn about the life cycle of this beautiful species. The butterfly farm is just a short drive or a 10-minute hike from the office.

Tropical Wings Ecocenter Butterfly Farm

The Tropical Wings Ecocenter Butterfly Farm is located in the Cayo District, about six miles west of San Ignacio. This farm raises a large variety of butterflies, from eggs to pupae. In addition to viewing the butterflies, visitors can also enjoy walking through the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Fallen Stones Butterfly Farm

The Fallen Stones Butterfly Farm is located near Punta Gorda in the Toledo District of southern Belize. It was founded by Clive Farrell, who also owns the Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm in the UK. This farm supplies many of the butterflies on display at the Stratford-upon-Avon farm. Eight different species are raised here, with the Blue Morpho and the Owl Butterfly being the most common. Please note that visits to this farm are only available for guests staying at the onsite Hickatee Cottages.

The Butterfly Garden at the Shipstern Nature Reserve

The Shipstern Nature Reserve is located in the Corozal District of Belize, covering more than 27,000 acres of protected habitats. In addition to the butterfly gardens and breeding centre, guests can explore a variety of trails, visit the visitor information centre, and climb the 65-foot observation tower for spectacular views of the nature reserve.

Explore ancient Mayan sites

Belize is an incredible destination for families, with a wide range of activities to keep children entertained. One of the most popular activities for children is exploring ancient Mayan sites, and there are several impressive ruins across the country. Here is some information on some of the best sites to explore with children:

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech is a small Mayan site located just outside San Ignacio. It is one of the easiest Mayan ruins to access, making it a great option for families. The site consists of seven plazas and over 30 structures, including temples, residential buildings, ball courts, an altar, and a sweat house, all situated on just 2 acres. A royal burial chamber was discovered at the site, containing shell and bone ornaments, pottery vessels, obsidian blades, and jade objects. One of the temples offers stunning views of the surrounding Belize River Valley.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich is another Mayan site located near San Ignacio. It was the first Mayan ruin to open to visitors in 1950 and is one of the most popular sites in Belize. The site was once a prosperous city state during the Classical Maya era, home to 200,000 people. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the city, including six plazas and over 25 palaces and temples. Xunantunich is accessible by crossing the Mopan River on a hand-operated ferry, making it a fun adventure for children.

Caracol

Caracol is the largest Mayan site in Belize and is located in western Belize, near the border with Guatemala. It was once the centre of one of the largest Maya kingdoms and contains the remains of thousands of structures. The site features majestic temples that visitors can climb to enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding Chiquibul forest reserve. Caracol is an active archaeological site, with many treasures still being uncovered.

Lamanai

Lamanai is located on the New River in Orange Walk District and is known for being the longest continually occupied site in Mesoamerica. The site was occupied from the Early Preclassic period up until the colonisation of the area. During the Spanish conquest, a Roman Catholic church was established at Lamanai, but it was eventually abandoned due to a revolt by the native Maya. The remains of the church can still be seen today, along with three Mayan temples: Mask Temple, High Temple, and Temple of the Jaguar. Lamanai can be accessed by boat or by road through San Felipe, Orange Walk.

Barton Creek Cave

Barton Creek Cave is located in the Cayo District and is known for its vast cave system, which contains some of the most striking architectural elements in Belize. The caves were used by the Maya for rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices, and visitors can see human remains, hearths, artefacts, and modified cave formations.

In addition to these sites, there are many other Mayan ruins in Belize that can be explored, including Altun Ha, Cerros, and Nim Li Punit. Each site offers a unique glimpse into the ancient Maya world and provides a fun and educational experience for children.

Snorkel with manatees and whale sharks

Belize is a great destination for children, with its lush jungles, rainforests, blue waters, white sand beaches, and some of the world's best diving spots.

One of the most thrilling experiences for children in Belize is snorkelling with manatees and whale sharks. Here is a guide to help you plan this unforgettable adventure:

Where to Go

The best place to snorkel with whale sharks in Belize is at the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, located about 22-26 miles off the coast of Placencia and other locations in the Stann Creek District. This area is a unique spawning site for over 20 species of Caribbean fish, attracting whale sharks to feed on their eggs.

When to Go

Whale sharks are migratory and only visit Belizean waters for a short period each year, typically from March to June. The ideal time to snorkel with them is around the full moon, especially in April and May.

How to Get There

The Gladden Spit Marine Reserve can only be accessed by water taxi or private boat. It takes about an hour to get there from Placencia and other coastal locations in southeast Belize.

Tour Operators

Several tour operators in Placencia offer whale shark snorkelling experiences, including Seahorse Dive Shop, which was one of the first to offer these tours. Well-trained whale shark guides ensure your safety and the safety of the sharks.

What to Expect

Whale shark tours typically last a full day, with multiple snorkelling sessions in the whale shark zone. The tours also include lunch and snorkelling at nearby patched reefs inside the barrier reef.

Whale sharks are gentle giants and do not pose a significant danger to humans. However, they have large tail fins that can unintentionally hit swimmers. It is important to follow the instructions of your guide and maintain a safe distance from the sharks.

Other Considerations

Whale shark tours are recommended for experienced divers and strong swimmer snorkelers due to the open ocean conditions. Some tours have age restrictions, such as a minimum age of 14 years.

Additionally, there are strict regulations in place to protect the whale sharks and the marine environment. Flash photography is prohibited, and only six boats are allowed in the Gladden Spit Whale Shark Zone at any given time.

Cost

The cost of whale shark snorkelling tours can vary, but as an example, Seahorse Dive Shop charges US$195 per person for snorkelling (minimum 5 divers).

Other Activities in Belize

Besides snorkelling with whale sharks, Belize offers a range of other activities for children, such as visiting the Belize Zoo, exploring Mayan ruins, cave tubing, zip-lining, and horseback riding through the jungle.

Accommodation

When planning your trip, consider staying at family-friendly resorts like The Lodge at Chaa Creek, San Ignacio Resort Hotel, or Xanadu Island Resort. These resorts offer a range of activities and amenities specifically catered to families.

Snorkelling with manatees and whale sharks in Belize is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines adventure, education, and fun. By following this guide and planning your trip in advance, you can ensure that your family has a safe and memorable encounter with these magnificent creatures.

Learn about the Garifuna culture

Belize is a melting pot of cultures, with Mayans, Creole, Meztisos, and Garinagu people all living together in harmony. The Garifuna culture, with its roots in West Africa and indigenous Arawak people, is a fascinating part of Belize's cultural heritage. Here are some ways to learn about the Garifuna culture while visiting Belize:

Visit the Garifuna Village of Hopkins

Hopkins is a small fishing village located on the Central Coast of Southern Belize. With a population of about 1500 people, Hopkins is regarded as the cultural center of the Garifuna population in Belize. It is one of the few towns in Belize where you can still hear locals speaking in Garifuna on the streets. The village is also known for its friendly people and its beautiful five-mile stretch of sandy beach. Hopkins is a great place to relax, beachcomb, and immerse yourself in Garifuna culture.

Sample Traditional Garifuna Food

Garifuna cuisine is based on fish, chicken, coconut, bananas, and plantains. Some traditional dishes include cassava bread, hudut (mashed plantains and fish coconut stew), and bundiga (a dish made with fresh snapper and coconut). For those with a sweet tooth, try wangla, a candy made with sugar and toasted sesame seeds. You can sample these delicious Garifuna dishes at several restaurants in Hopkins.

Visit the Gulisi Garifuna Museum in Dangriga

The Gulisi Garifuna Museum in Dangriga is a must-visit attraction to learn about Garifuna culture and history. The museum offers a full multimedia experience, allowing visitors to learn about the origins, history, and customs of the Garifuna people. The museum also has a full-sized working garden of traditional plants and herbs.

Take Garifuna Drumming Lessons

The Lebeha Drumming Center in Hopkins offers visitors the chance to learn the basic Garifuna rhythms such as Punta. The center was founded in 2002 by drummer Jabbar Lambey and Canadian Dorothy Pettersen to teach local children drumming, dance, and the cultural heritage of their Garifuna ancestors. The center is open every night, and visitors can watch a performance or take a group or private lesson.

Experience Garifuna Settlement Day in Dangriga

Garifuna Settlement Day, celebrated on November 19th, is one of the most important holidays in Belize. It commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna people to the shores of Belize in 1802. The week-long celebrations include parades, live music, drumming, dancing, and prayers. The first landing of the Garifuna is reenacted with boats carrying cassava sticks, plantain suckers, and sugarcane—representing the food the Garifuna brought with them.

Frequently asked questions