Belize Unveiled: A Journey To The Heart Of Adventure

Belize is a small country in Central America, known for its relaxed, casual lifestyle and incredible natural wonders. It's a great place to visit if you're looking for a mix of beach and jungle experiences, with plenty of opportunities for diving, snorkelling, hiking and wildlife spotting.

Belize is home to the world's second-largest barrier reef, ancient Mayan sites and lush rainforests. The country has a slow, laid-back pace of life, and the locals are known for their friendliness and hospitality. It's a great place to relax and unwind, with a very safe and welcoming atmosphere.

The country has a diverse range of landscapes, from pristine beaches with white sands to dense jungles and towering Maya temples. The food is also a highlight, with aromatic, franchise-free bites available on every street corner. Belizean cuisine is a delicious amalgamation of Mestizo, Maya, Creole and Garifuna influences.

Whether you're looking for adventure, culture or relaxation, Belize has something for everyone. It's a great destination for those seeking a unique and memorable travel experience.

Explore the ancient Maya sites

Belize is home to over 600 ancient Mayan sites, with many still remaining unexplored and buried. The land that is now Belize was once the heart of the ancient Maya Empire. The ancient Maya civilisation spanned several millennia and was made up of ever-shifting kingdoms and principalities that formed alliances or went to war with one another.

Lamanai

Lamanai is one of Belize's largest ceremonial centres. The site's name, which means 'submerged crocodile', was recorded by Franciscan missionaries in the 17th century and is the original Maya name. The site was occupied from 1500 BC to the 19th century and includes the remains of two Christian churches and a sugar mill. Lamanai is located on the New River Lagoon and is one of the most beautiful settings in Belize. The site can be reached by boat up the New River from Tower Hill.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha was an important trading centre during the Classic Period, linking the Caribbean shores with other Maya centres in the interior. The site consists of two main plazas and at least 13 temples. The most significant find at Altun Ha is the Maya Jade Head, a six-inch sculpture of the sun god, Kinich Ahau, which is the largest jade object discovered in the Maya area.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich is a Classic Period ceremonial centre located on a natural limestone ridge, providing a panoramic view of the Cayo District. The site is composed of six major plazas, surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces. The most prominent structure is El Castillo, which is the tallest man-made structure in Belize.

Caracol

Caracol is the largest known Maya centre in Belize. The site sits on a low plateau deep in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve and was once a powerful centre controlling a large area. Caracol was involved in several conflicts with Tikal, with each site succumbing to the other at different times. The site features majestic temples and is still an active archaeological site.

Experience the diverse nature

Belize is home to a diverse range of ecosystems and habitats that host many different species, both on land and in the water. The country has the most accessible tropical wilderness in the Western hemisphere, with incredible jungles and an impressive coast.

Birdwatching

Belize is a birdwatcher's paradise, with almost 600 species of birds identified in the country. The Keel-Billed Toucan is the country's national bird and is beautifully coloured. A social creature, this species of toucan is rarely spotted alone, almost always travelling in packs.

Birders will enjoy Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary with its world-class spotting opportunities, while those interested in big cats can visit the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, where jaguars can be found.

Wildlife

Belize lays claim to 145 mammal species and over seventy kinds of forests. Many of Belize’s wildlife species are quite elusive, including four members of the feline family: the puma, the ocelot, the margay and the jaguar. Southern Belize is home to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the only jaguar reserve in the world.

Those with keen eyes will also be able to spot spider monkeys and howler monkeys in the wild, as well as mammals like the peccary, the coatimundi and the gibnut, Belize’s most prized animal.

Marine Life

Belize also lays claim to one of the largest barrier reefs in the world. It is home to more than 100 types of coral and over 500 species of fish, including barracudas, groupers, angel fish and clown fish. West Indian manatees are common at the mouths of Belize’s rivers and in coastal lagoons and the various cayes. Whale sharks are often spotted, and the waters also contain nurse, reef, lemontip and hammerhead sharks.

The reef is Belize’s most popular tourist destination as it gives divers the opportunity to explore incredible underwater caves and the Blue Hole, initially made famous by Jacques Cousteau.

Nature Reserves and Sanctuaries

Belize has the second-largest barrier reef in the world, drawing in scuba and snorkelling enthusiasts from around the world. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is the most well-known marine reserve in the country, made up of Ambergris Caye marine areas, coastal seagrass beds, and mangrove islands.

On land, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve offers a chance to escape the heat of the lowlands and explore nature. Discover where cool rivers flow through the forest and enjoy the many waterfalls and pools.

Mayan Ruins

Belize also offers the opportunity to explore Mayan ruins. The site of Xunantunich is one of Belize’s most impressive and easily accessible Maya sites, known for its spectacular scenic location in the middle of the jungle. Getting there is an adventure in itself, as you take a hand-cranked cable ferry across the Mopan River.

Another Mayan site is Altun Ha, a former trading centre located 19 miles outside of Belize City. The main attraction is the Temple of the Masonry Altars, set in the Grand Plaza, dating back to the 7th century.

Try the local food

Belizean cuisine is heavily influenced by its rich history and multi-ethnic population. The country's food reflects the diverse cultures that have inhabited the land, from the early Maya settlement to the British settlers, African influences, Spanish conquest, and more. Here are some delicious local foods you should try when visiting Belize:

Rice and Beans

Belize's national dish is rice and beans, cooked in coconut milk and served with a choice of meat, such as beef, chicken, pork, lobster, shrimp, or game meat. The meat is cooked with recado, a spice made from annatto seed, and garlic. It is usually accompanied by potato or garden salad and ripe fried or baked plantain. This dish is a staple in the Belizean diet and can be found all across the country.

Tamales

Tamales are a traditional Maya dish that has been enjoyed for thousands of years. In Belize, tamales are wrapped in plantain leaves instead of corn husks and stuffed with chicken, pork, or beans. They are then steamed or boiled, resulting in a delicious and tender meal.

Hudut

Hudut is a traditional Garifuna dish, consisting of a fish coconut stew served with green and ripe mashed plantains called fu-fu. This dish is representative of the Garifuna people's cuisine and is a must-try when in Belize.

Panades

Panades, also known as empanadas outside of Belize, are fried delicacies filled with fish, red or black beans, or other ingredients of the cook's choosing. They are typically served with onion, cabbage, and pepper salsa, adding a spicy kick to this tasty treat.

Ceviche

Ceviche is a popular seafood dish in Belize, thanks to the country's access to fresh fish and shellfish from the Caribbean and the Belize Great Barrier Reef. The seafood, typically conch or shrimp, is marinated in lime juice with onions, garlic, habanero peppers, and other ingredients to create a zesty and refreshing dish.

Salbutes and Garnaches

These little appetizers are a Belizean twist on tortillas. Garnaches are fried tortillas topped with beans, shredded onion, and cabbage and cheese. Salbutes take it up a notch with a softer base that often includes recados and other spices.

Belizean food is a delightful fusion of cultures, offering a unique and memorable culinary experience. Be sure to try these local dishes and indulge in the rich flavours of Belize!

Enjoy the beaches

Belize is a small Central American country with a coastline hugging the Caribbean Sea and more than 200 offshore islands. With golden and white-sand beaches, calm Caribbean waters, and consistently warm weather, it's a beach lover's paradise. Here are some top spots to enjoy the beaches in Belize:

Placencia Beach

The Placencia Peninsula is home to the longest stretch of beach in mainland Belize. It's dubbed "barefoot perfect" and is the most popular sea and sand getaway in the country. Placencia Beach extends from the village's municipal pier up the peninsula, with resorts, shops, restaurants, and bars lining the golden sandy coastline. It's a great spot for lounging, swimming, and watching the fishers come and go.

Secret Beach, Ambergris Caye

San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is Belize's top tourism destination, and Secret Beach, a formerly local spot, has been developed into a popular and accessible beach. It offers calm, clear, and shallow waters that are great for snorkelling and other water activities. It can be a little rocky, and stingrays hide in the seagrass, so waterproof footwear is recommended.

Hopkins Village Beach

Hopkins Village Beach is located in the eastern Garífuna village of Hopkins and offers an uninterrupted, quiet 5-mile stretch of beach lined with coconut trees, colourful guesthouses, and local eateries. The waters are clear and refreshing, though not as turquoise as the Caribbean. It's a great place to experience Garífuna culture, with drumming lessons, delicious local cuisine, and friendly locals.

The Split, Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a backpacker's favourite, with the motto "go slow." The island is split in two by a channel called The Split, which offers clear and clean waters for swimming, snorkelling, and lounging. There's always reggae music playing, and you can grab drinks at The Lazy Lizard bar and restaurant.

South Water Caye

South Water Caye is an island off the coast of Hopkins and Dangriga, offering warm sandy beaches, palm trees, and clear turquoise waters. It's known for its tranquil beach experience and is a great spot for snorkelling, with easy access to the water.

Lighthouse Reef, Half Moon Caye

Lighthouse Reef on Half Moon Caye offers paradisiacal views of Caribbean waters and a crescent-shaped beach of magnificent white sand dotted with coconut palms. It's a protected turtle-nesting site, and the other half of the caye is a littoral forest, home to a red-footed booby sanctuary.

With its diverse beaches, from white sandy shores to rocky coastlines, Belize offers a unique and spectacular beach experience for every type of traveller.

Discover the marine life

Belize is a tropical paradise, with palm trees hanging over turquoise ocean waters and a diverse array of marine life teeming just below the surface. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, is home to a vast array of species, including colourful tropical fish, coral, and other sea creatures. With an average yearly temperature of 84 degrees, the warm waters of Belize are a sought-after destination for divers and snorkelers alike.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a haven for divers and snorkelers, offering unparalleled access to the vibrant marine life that calls it home. Spanning 180 to 290 kilometres, it is the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere and the Americas. The reef is home to over 500 species of fish and 100 species of coral, including 70 hard coral species and 36 soft coral species. Among the diverse marine life found here are groupers, angelfish, sharks, manatees, turtles, rays, eels, and dolphins.

One of the most popular spots to experience the marine life of Belize is Shark Ray Alley, located within a marine reserve. Here, you can jump into a multitude of nurse sharks and stingrays, offering a thrilling and unique underwater experience. Nearby is Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a perfect snorkelling spot with shallow waters and a mix of tropical fish and coral formations. South Water Caye is another idyllic destination, offering the opportunity to swim alongside giant Loggerhead turtles in crystal blue waters.

The Atolls in Belize, including Glover's Reef, Turneffe Atoll, and Lighthouse Reef, provide an unparalleled diving experience. With rich marine life and untouched coral, they are a full-day excursion from Ambergris Caye. Mexico Rocks and Tres Cocos, located inside the reef north of San Pedro, are also great snorkelling spots, featuring giant coral sponges and exotic tropical fish.

Belize is also home to endangered species such as Morelet's and American saltwater crocodiles, as well as loggerhead, green, and hawksbill turtles, and Antillean manatees. The clear waters, warm temperatures, and diverse marine life make fishing a popular activity, with species such as tarpon, tuna, permit, and bonefish attracting both sporting anglers and casual fishermen.

Frequently asked questions