Exploring Belize: First Steps

Belize is a small country in Central America, with a Caribbean coastline and wildlife-filled jungles. It is a popular tourist destination, with a range of activities on offer, from scuba diving to exploring ancient ruins.

The easiest way to get to Belize is by flying into the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. From there, you can get around the country by plane, bus, water taxi, boat, car, or even kayak.

Belize has a diverse range of natural attractions, including the Belize Barrier Reef, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and the Great Blue Hole. It is also home to the highest concentration of jaguars in the world, which can be spotted in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

In addition to its natural attractions, Belize also offers cultural experiences such as the Lebeha drumming centre in Hopkins, where visitors can learn about the Garifuna people, and the Green Iguana Conservation Project, where iguanas are rehabilitated.

When travelling to Belize, it is important to exercise a high degree of caution due to high levels of violent crime, including gang and drug-related violence, throughout the country. It is recommended to avoid non-essential travel to certain areas, such as Southside Belize City, and to take precautions such as avoiding travelling after dark and remaining aware of your surroundings at all times.

Explore the country's diverse cultural heritage and cuisine

Belize is a melting pot of diverse cultures, and this is reflected in its cuisine. The country's cultural makeup is a mix of Creole, Mayan, Mestizo, Garifuna, East Indian, Kriol, Euro-American, Chinese, Lebanese, Mennonite, and Spanish influences. This blend of cultures has resulted in a unique and unforgettable culinary adventure.

Belizean cuisine is influenced by its history, with contributions from the indigenous Mayan people, the Spanish, the British, and the Creole. As a result, you'll find spicy Creole creations, standard English corned beef, and Mayan delicacies like fried paca (a small jungle rodent). For most meals, rice and beans are a staple, and coconut milk, plantains, and hot peppers are common ingredients. A traditional Mayan meal might include suckling pig roasted underground, a delicious favourite in the countryside.

The Garifuna people, descendants of the Carib, Arawak, and West African people, have contributed to the unique flavours of Belizean cuisine. Their dishes include Garifuna fish sere, cassava bread, bundiga (fish soup), hudut, and darasa. The annual Garifuna Settlement Day is a carnival of traditional music, dance, and culinary delights, celebrated with fervour to commemorate the arrival of the Garifuna people.

Chinese immigrants have also left their mark on Belizean cuisine, with Chinese-run restaurants, supermarkets, and laundries scattered across the country. Chinese-Belizean fusion cuisine, found in places like Belize City's Chinatown, offers a delicious marriage of Far Eastern and Caribbean flavours.

Belize also has a significant population of East Indians, who were brought over as indentured labourers in the 19th century. Their influence can be tasted in the piquant curries and rotis served in restaurants across the country, bringing the exotic flavours of the Indian subcontinent to Belize.

Lebanese immigrants, who began arriving in the late 19th century, have also made their mark on Belizean cuisine. Lebanese dishes like kibbeh and hummus are now integral parts of the country's street food culture.

The Mennonites, with their distinctive attire and lifestyle, have been in Belize since the 1950s, primarily engaged in agriculture. They supply the country with poultry, dairy, and produce, and their simple, tech-free lifestyle offers a refreshing contrast to modern life.

In addition to these cultural influences, Belizean cuisine is also shaped by its natural surroundings. With a coastline along the Caribbean Sea, seafood is a staple, and visitors can enjoy fresh catches of fish, lobster, shrimp, and conch prepared in various ways. Ceviche, made from raw fish marinated in citrus juices, is a must-try, as is chimole, a soup made with conch, chillies, and spices.

Visit the ancient Maya ruins

Belize was once the center of the Maya empire, and the ancient ruins that remain are incredible sites for exploring Maya history.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha is a site found close to Belize City. It is relatively easy to navigate, with hardly any steep inclines. The site features two major plazas and pyramids. Altun Ha is so cherished by Belizeans that its outline appears on the country's money, the Belizean dollar, and on the logo of Beliken, Belize's national beer.

Lamanai

Lamanai is the longest-occupied known Maya site in the world. It is located in northern Belize, just 24 miles south of Orange Walk Town. Lamanai means "submerged crocodile" in Yucatec Maya, and the site is masked in crocodile art. The site features three Maya pyramids, the remains of a 16th-century Spanish church, and several noteworthy plazas and temples.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich is a prominent Maya site sitting above the winding Mopan River that flanks San Jose Succotz village. The site features six major plazas, with the tallest structure being "El Castillo" (the castle), which has distinctly carved friezes on the east and west sides. Towering at 130-133 feet, El Castillo offers a bird's-eye view of neighboring Guatemala and the Mopan River below.

Caracol

Caracol is Belize's largest ruin, located in the Cayo District. This site was once the center of power in the Maya world and home to over 120,000 people. Its Caana pyramid remains the tallest human-made structure in Belize. The site spans roughly 25,000 acres and features two ball courts, a central plaza, and several smaller structures.

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech is located in San Ignacio Cayo district on the western exit of the town leading to Benque Viejo del Carmen. The site means "Place of Ticks" in the Yucatecan Maya language. Research in 1988 found ten mounds. Excavations show that Cahal Pech was inhabited from 1000 B.C. to around 800 A.D. The site provides a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area. Thirty-four structures fill the 2-acre area, including temple pyramids, two ball courts, an altar, and five plain stelae.

Scuba dive in the Blue Hole Natural Monument

Scuba diving in the Blue Hole Natural Monument is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This famous site, originally discovered by Jacques Cousteau, is a giant marine sinkhole off the coast of Belize, near the centre of Lighthouse Reef, a pristine atoll found in the Caribbean Sea.

The Blue Hole is a thrilling dive site, offering a unique ecosystem to explore. Divers can venture down to 400ft, where they will discover an array of coral, tropical fish, and mysterious stalactites. The hole is circular, with a diameter of 300 metres and a depth of 124 metres. It is distinguished by its dramatic contrast between dark blue, deep waters and the lighter blue of the surrounding shallows.

When planning a trip to the Blue Hole, it is important to note that this dive site is best suited to advanced divers with outstanding buoyancy control and experience diving to 30 metres or below. The passageways to enter and exit the Blue Hole include "full overhead" environments, which do not offer direct access to the surface. Divers should also be certified in cave diving and mixed gases, as the Blue Hole is anoxic and devoid of life below a certain depth.

If you are not a certified diver, don't worry! Snorkelling in the Blue Hole is also a thrilling option. The wall of the hole is rich with underwater life, and you can still experience the unique ecosystem and stunning shades of blue that this site has to offer.

The Blue Hole is typically accessed via boat from the coastal tourist communities in Belize, with most trips lasting eight hours or more. It is best to visit during the dry season, with ideal weather conditions most likely in April and May.

Party on Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is not known for its vibrant nightlife, but there are plenty of options for those who want to party. The island is on "island time", so there's no judgement for starting with a daytime party on the beach!

The Split Beach

The Split beach is the main attraction, thanks to its seaweed-free waters.

Lazy Lizard Bar & Grill

Lazy Lizard is a casual, comfortable, family-friendly restaurant and bar. It's known for its tropical drinks, loud music, and stunning views from its second-floor balcony.

Barrier Reef Sports Bar

The Sports Bar is like a community living room, attracting locals, expats, and tourists alike. It hosts a variety of events, including live music, trivia, holiday parties, darts, cards, and dancing.

El Portal Island Lounge And Tapas

El Portal is one of the best places for nightlife in Caye Caulker.

West Bay Beach Club

West Bay Beach Club is another great option for dancing and nightlife.

The Dock – Bar & Coffee Shop

The Dock is a great spot to chill and party, offering both coffee and cocktails.

Southside Pizza

Southside Pizza is Caye Caulker's one and only biker bar!

Explore the jungle on a pontoon boat ride

Belize is known for its lush rainforests and ancient Maya structures. One of the best ways to explore the country's natural beauty and experience its pristine waterfalls is by taking a pontoon boat ride through the jungle.

Jungle Splash Eco-Tours offers a unique and memorable experience with its Jungle Pontoon Waterfall Adventure Tour. This tour takes you deep into the heart of the Maya Mountains, where you can discover hidden waterfalls and explore the dense tropical jungles of Western Belize. Board the Jungle Gypsy pontoon boat and navigate the calm waters cutting through the mountains, keeping an eye out for howler monkeys and other elusive jungle creatures.

The tour includes stops at multiple waterfalls, where you can choose to climb the falls, swim, or simply relax on the boat. One of the highlights is the Sandpaper Waterfall, which stands at 130 feet high and offers a unique climbing experience due to the calcium deposits that provide a perfect grip. You'll also have the opportunity to go tubing, enjoy a BBQ lunch on board, and even try optional cliff jumps and rope swings.

The tour departs from San Ignacio Town and includes transportation, a guided tour, equipment, lunch, and refreshments. It's tailored to all ages and fitness levels, offering a safe and fun adventure for everyone.

So, if you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Belize, the Jungle Pontoon Waterfall Adventure Tour is a great choice. You'll get to explore the rich jungle ecosystem, spot wildlife, and enjoy the beauty of untouched nature.

Frequently asked questions