Belize's Tourism: Adventure And Relaxation

Belize is a popular tourist destination, offering a unique mix of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences. With its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and the second-largest barrier reef in the world, it's a nature lover's paradise. The country's rich history and archaeological sites, including Mayan ruins, also attract visitors from around the globe.

Belize's tourism industry has grown significantly in recent years, contributing greatly to its economy. The country offers a range of activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, zip-lining, exploring ancient ruins, and enjoying its diverse wildlife. With its natural beauty, fascinating culture, and array of attractions, Belize has something for everyone, making it a sought-after destination for travellers seeking adventure or relaxation.

Belize's beaches and marine life

Beach Highlights

One of the best-known beaches in Belize is Secret Beach on Ambergris Caye. This formerly local spot has been developed into a popular and accessible beach destination, with calm, clear, and shallow waters that are great for snorkelling and other water activities.

The Placencia Peninsula is home to the longest stretch of beach in mainland Belize, with a mix of golden and white sand across three villages: Maya Beach, Seine Bight, and Placencia Village. Placencia Village offers a tourist strip with bars and restaurants along the coastline, while Seine Bight and Maya Beach feature quieter, finer, white sand beaches.

Hopkins Village Beach, located in the eastern Garífuna village of Hopkins, is a quiet, uninterrupted 5-mile beach lined with coconut trees, colourful guesthouses, and local eateries. The water is clear and refreshing, though not the turquoise colour typically associated with Caribbean beaches.

For those seeking a more secluded beach experience, Southwest Caye, part of Glover's Reef Atoll, offers wide, crowd-free beaches. This destination is ideal for honeymooners and solo travellers, with some of the best snorkelling and diving spots in Belize.

Marine Life

Belize's marine life is incredibly diverse, with a range of species calling its waters home. Here are some of the marine animals you might encounter:

• West Indian Manatees: These vegetarian sea mammals can be spotted at river mouths, coastal lagoons, and around the cayes. They are typically about 10 feet long and weigh around 1000 pounds, feeding on vegetation like seagrass.
• Whale Sharks: Belize is a prime spot to see whale sharks, particularly at Gladden Spit, about an hour away from Thatch Caye. Between March and June, these massive filter feeders come close to the reef to feed on spawn.
• Sharks and Rays: Various species of sharks, including nurse, reef, lemontip, and hammerhead, as well as southern stingrays, spotted eagle rays, and manta rays, can be found around the reefs and islands.
• Sea Turtles: Sea turtles are long-lived reptiles that come onto land only to lay their eggs. They can stay underwater for extended periods, and Belize is home to loggerhead, hawksbill, and green turtles.
• Dolphins: Two species of dolphins, bottlenose and spinner, inhabit Belize's waters. They are known for their intelligence, communication skills, and agile movements.
• Lionfish: While not native to Belize, lionfish have become an invasive species, posing a significant threat to the coral reef life in the Caribbean due to their voracious appetites and lack of natural predators.

Rainforest and wildlife

Belize is a small tropical nation in Central America, with one foot in the jungle and the other on the Caribbean Sea. More than half of the country is covered by dense sub-tropical rainforest, which is home to a vast array of wildlife. The warm climate and abundant rainfall make the rainforests of Belize a living, dynamic place.

The Belize rainforest is one of the world's most pristine and least exploited ecosystems. Tropical rainforests cover only 7% of the planet's surface but are home to over 50% of the world's species. Recognising the importance of preserving this natural resource, the Belize government has placed over 50% of the rainforest under protection. This has led to the growth of ecotourism, which is now the country's second-largest source of revenue.

The rainforest is home to a diverse range of plants, animals, and birds. There are over 700 tree species, 500 species of birds, and 250 varieties of orchids, including the black orchid, Belize's national flower. Some of the animals that call the rainforest home include keel-billed toucans, harpy eagles, hawks, colourful parrots, hummingbirds, warblers, jabiru storks, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars, armadillos, tapirs (Belize's national animal), iguanas, crocodiles, snakes, and deer.

The dense rainforest covers Belize's six districts, with the Toledo District having the biggest share of pristine rainforest. The Maya Mountains in this district support the largest population of jaguars in the country and include the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world's first jaguar preserve. The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in the Cayo District is another important nature reserve, home to some of Belize's best waterfalls and swimming spots, including Thousand Foot Falls, the highest waterfall in Central America.

The rainforests of Belize also offer ample opportunities for adventure activities such as hiking, ziplining, birdwatching, horseback riding, and cave tubing. Visitors can explore ancient Maya cities built over a thousand years ago, with their strange carved stones, palaces, and pyramids. The Mayflower Bocawina National Park, in particular, offers several miles of trails and five beautiful natural waterfalls to explore.

Mayan ruins and history

Belize is home to upwards of 600 Mayan sites, making it the perfect destination for tourists interested in the history of the ancient Maya world. Once the epicentre of the Mayan civilisation, Belize was inhabited by more than 2 million Mayas, who built sacred temples, pyramids, palaces, and other awe-inspiring structures.

Caracol

Historically the most important site, Caracol is located in western Belize, near the border with Guatemala, within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Once home to more than 140,000 people, Caracol was the centre of one of the largest Maya kingdoms. The site contains the extant remains of thousands of structures, including the Canna ("Sky Palace"), which is the tallest man-made building in Belize. The pyramid ascends 143 feet and houses four distinct palaces and three temples. Caracol also boasts advanced acoustics, ball courts, an astronomic observatory, reservoirs, and hieroglyphics.

Lamanai

Lamanai, located on the New River in Orange Walk District, is the longest continually occupied site in Mesoamerica. It was one of the few Mayan cities still occupied when the Spanish arrived during the conquistador period, and thus retains its original name, which means "submerged crocodile". The site features three Mayan temples, including the Mask Temple, the High Temple, and the Temple of the Jaguar, as well as ball courts. Lamanai also has the remnants of two 16th-century Spanish churches.

Altun Ha

Located in northern Belize, Altun Ha is a well-preserved site featuring two large plazas surrounded by more than a dozen Mayan temples, pyramids, and residential structures. The site also displays a replica of the most significant artifact found there: a 10-pound jade carving of "Kinich Ahau," the Mayan sun god. Altun Ha is also home to more than 200 species of birds, as well as armadillos, foxes, and white-tailed deer.

Xunantunich

To reach the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, tourists must take a hand-cranked cable ferry from San José Succotz over the Mopan River. The site features several large structures, including El Castillo ("The Castle"), which is the second-largest building in Belize. Xunantunich also has six major plazas, more than 25 temples and palaces, and a new museum.

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech, located in San Ignacio Cayo district, is the oldest-known ruins in the Belize River Valley. The site features two ball courts and around 34 structures, including temple pyramids, an altar, and five plain stelae. Cahal Pech is a great example of the ancient civilisation's complex residential architecture.

El Pilar

El Pilar, located in the Cayo District, is still in the early stages of excavation. The site is believed to be three times the size of Xunantunich and has already uncovered 25 plazas. El Pilar was once home to more than 180,000 people and features temples, palaces, pyramids, a ball court, and water reservoirs.

Cerros

The only Mayan ruins in Belize located along the coast, Cerros offers a unique experience. Several of the structures are now underwater, but there are still fascinating remains to explore, including five temples, plazas, and a canal system. The tallest temple rises 72 feet and offers a panoramic view of the Bay of Chetumal and the town of Corozal.

Nim Li Punit

Located in the Toledo District, Nim Li Punit is notable for its large number of stelae, or stone slabs. The site's name, which means "Big Hat," is derived from a carving of a figure wearing a large headdress. Nim Li Punit also features a ball court, several palaces, and a long terrace.

Lubaantun

Close to the city of San Pedro Colombia, Lubaantun was once an important ceremonial centre. The site features five main plazas, two ball courts, and 14 major structures, including temples and pyramids built without mortar.

Santa Rita

Located in northern Belize, Santa Rita is a unique Maya site that survived into the Late Post-Classic Period and the early days of the Spanish incursion. The site is believed to have once been the ancient city of Chetumal, now the modern-day town of Corozal.

Adventure and eco-tourism

Belize is a major ecotourism destination, with more than 70% of the country covered in forest. The country has 103 protected areas, many of which serve as wildlife sanctuaries.

For those looking for adventure and eco-tourism, Belize offers a range of natural attractions, from national parks and nature reserves to ancient Mayan ruins and the world's second-largest barrier reef.

Mayan Temples and Caves

Belize was once the centre of the ancient Mayan empire, and as such, there are countless Mayan temples and caves to explore. Two of the most popular temples are Xunantunich, located in Cayo, and Lamanai, in Orange Walk. Actun Tunichil Mukal and Barton Creek Cave are two well-known Mayan cave systems, both located in Cayo.

Belize Barrier Reef

With hundreds of islands and a barrier reef that spans the entire coast, Belize offers amazing snorkelling and diving opportunities. Popular spots include Hol Chan Marine Reserve and South Water Caye Marine Reserve, where you can see manta rays, nurse sharks, sea turtles, and various types of fish. The Belize Blue Hole, a world-famous underwater sinkhole visible from space, is also a popular diving destination.

Nature Trails and Waterfalls

Belize offers a range of hiking trails, from "soft" nature walks in national parks and nature reserves to "hard" hikes like the trek to Victoria Peak, the country's second-highest mountain. The Mountain Pine Ridge area is also a popular destination for those looking to explore nature reserves and waterfalls.

Canoeing and Kayaking

With its Caribbean coastline and many rivers and lagoons, Belize is ideal for canoeing and kayaking. The Belize Barrier Reef creates a natural barrier, shielding the sea from strong currents and creating calm waters for paddlers. The rivers, originating in the Maya Mountains, meander slowly through the mainland jungle.

Ziplining and Cave Tubing

For thrill-seekers, Belize offers ziplining through the rainforest canopy and cave tubing at Caves Branch. Cave tubing involves exploring ancient Mayan ritual caves, floating down rivers into unique underground worlds.

Eco-Lodges and Resorts

Belize is known for its eco-lodges and jungle resorts, offering immersive travel experiences for visitors. Some popular options include The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Blancaneaux Lodge, and Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort. These accommodations often provide onsite activities and adventures, contributing to a unique and sustainable travel experience.

Belize's food and culture

Belizean cuisine features a variety of spices and ingredients, with corn playing a significant role. It is used in tortillas, tamales, bollos, and tamalitos. Black beans, squash, plantains, and fresh fruit are also commonly used in Belizean dishes. The use of seafood is prominent, likely due to the country's location on the eastern coast of Central America, with fish and chicken being more popular than beef or pork.

One of the most popular dishes in Belize is rice and beans, which is considered the national dish. It is typically served with a choice of meat, such as chicken, pork, lobster, or game meat, and spiced with recado, a local spice of Mayan origin made with annatto seeds. Another classic Belizean dish is stew chicken, which is made with a variety of spices and herbs and often served with rice and beans.

Belize also has a variety of street food and snacks, such as salbutes, garnaches, and panades. Salbutes are small fried corn tortillas topped with cabbage, chicken, avocado, and hot sauce. Garnaches are similar but are fried until crunchy and topped with beans, cheese, and onions. Panades are fried corn dough stuffed with chicken, beans, or fish and served with salsa or cabbage.

For breakfast, Belizeans often enjoy fry jacks, which are deep-fried flour dough pieces served with fried sausage, bacon, beans, and eggs. Another popular breakfast dish is the Johnny cake, a bread made with flour, coconut milk, baking powder, salt, and sugar, typically eaten with refried beans, cheese, or stew chicken.

Belizean desserts often feature local ingredients such as coconut, corn, and traditional spices. Popular choices include dukunu, a sweet cornmeal dish wrapped and boiled in a plantain leaf, and various cakes and tarts made with coconut and other sweet ingredients.

In addition to its culinary delights, Belize also offers a range of cultural experiences. The country is known for its beautiful beaches, reefs, and marine life. The Garifuna culture, a blend of African, Caribbean, and Belizean influences, contributes a rich tapestry of rituals, traditions, and artistry, including their unique language and dishes such as hudut, a fish stew. The Maya culture, with its ancient history and extensive trade networks, has also left a significant mark on Belizean culture and cuisine.

Frequently asked questions