Hiking In Belize: What To Wear

Belize is a laid-back country with a Caribbean feel, so the dress code is relaxed and casual. The climate is hot and humid, so lightweight, breathable clothing is a must. Linen, cotton, and rayon are good choices, and you'll want to avoid heavy fabrics like denim. It's also worth packing a sweater or wrap for cooler evenings on the coast or in the jungle.

For beach days, you'll need swimwear, a cover-up, sun protection, and waterproof shoes. If you're planning on doing any trekking or visiting the jungle, light wool is a good choice as it helps regulate your body temperature.

Don't forget your sun hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent. And if you're visiting any ancient Mayan sites, comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Footwear

When hiking in Belize, it is important to wear appropriate footwear. The best shoes for Belize are those that are lightweight, durable, and waterproof or water-resistant.

Keen sandals are a popular choice for travellers to Belize, as they are hardy, drain water well, and are comfortable. The Keen Newport H2s are a good option, as they are specifically designed for hiking in water and have a tough toe guard, which is useful for hiking the ATM Cave.

Merrell hiking shoes are also a good option, as they are lightweight and suitable for warmer weather. For a more affordable option, consider the Merrell Capra.

If you are looking for a shoe that is completely waterproof, consider hiking boots with Gore-tex. These are suitable for colder weather, but may take a while to dry if they get wet inside.

If you are not carrying a heavy pack, a trail runner might be a good option. These are usually lightweight and can combine a waterproof liner with a breathable outer material, which can help to keep your feet cool.

For socks, it is recommended to bring wool socks and sock liners, even for hot weather.

Clothing

Belize is hot and humid, so lightweight, breathable clothing is best. Linen, cotton, and rayon are good choices.

Shorts, sundresses, sarongs, and tank tops are ideal. Local women tend to wear shorts, dresses, and skirts to stay comfortable in the climate. Loose-fitting clothing will help you stay cool in the humidity. To shield yourself from the sun, bring a pair of loose-fitting linen pants, a maxi dress, and a sun hat. Sandals are the ideal footwear for Belize, but pack a pair of hiking sandals or shoes for active days. If you're visiting during the dry season, it can be chilly at night, so pack a sweater and a pair of pants just in case.

The local uniform for men in Belize consists of shorts and t-shirts (sometimes with a collar). Visiting men can plan to dress the same. Shorts accompanied by a loose-fitting shirt and sandals will keep you feeling fresh and comfortable during your stay. For active days, synthetic exercise clothing does well to wick sweat and often offers extra UV protection. A straw hat and polarised sunglasses will give you additional protection from the sun.

If you're trekking, light wool is a good choice as it helps to regulate your body temperature. It will keep you warm in the cold, wick away moisture when it's hot, and doesn't retain odours.

For the beach, daytime essentials include t-shirts or camisoles, a sarong, and shorts. Basic beachwear is all you need: swimwear, a cover-up, sun protection, waterproof shoes, and a beach bag with water and snacks.

Evenings are casual in Belize. For women, a pashmina is a versatile piece that will dress up any outfit, cover you for modesty, or keep you warm. For men, long shorts or pants and short-sleeved shirts are ideal.

Accessories

When hiking in Belize, it is important to consider the hot and humid climate, as well as the possibility of rain. Here are some essential accessories to bring on your hike:

• Waterproof phone case: This will protect your phone from any water damage, especially if you plan to take photos or videos during your hike.
• Hiking socks: Look for socks made from materials such as wool or synthetic fibres, which will help wick away moisture and keep your feet dry.
• Hiking backpack: A backpack will allow you to carry all your essentials, such as water, snacks, and other gear. Look for one that is comfortable and has good ventilation to keep your back cool.
• Water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial in the Belizean heat. Choose a lightweight, reusable water bottle that is easy to carry.
• Sun protection: Don't forget items such as sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong sun.
• Insect repellent: Insects can be a nuisance, especially in the jungle areas, so be sure to bring insect repellent to keep them at bay.
• Quick-drying towel: If you plan to swim or cool off in any bodies of water, a quick-drying towel will be a handy item to have.
• First aid kit: Accidents can happen, so it's always a good idea to have a basic first aid kit with you, including items such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications.
• Snacks: Hiking can be tiring, so bring along some energy-boosting snacks like protein bars, dried fruit, or nuts to keep your energy levels up.
• Rain gear: As Belize experiences rain throughout the year, it is a good idea to bring a lightweight, water-resistant jacket or rain poncho to stay dry.

Toiletries

When packing for a trip to Belize, it's important to consider the hot and humid weather, as well as the variety of activities you might engage in, such as hiking, snorkelling, and exploring ancient Mayan sites. Here is a list of toiletries you may want to bring to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable trip:

• Sun protection: sunscreen (reef-safe), sun hat, sunglasses, rash guard, and lip balm with SPF.
• Insect repellent: mosquito repellent, bug spray, or Badger Balm to protect against mosquito bites and sand flies.
• Aloe vera gel or lotion for sunburn relief.
• Personal hygiene products: deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap or body wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, and feminine hygiene products.
• Hair care: a small hairbrush, hair products, hair ties, headbands, or other hair accessories to manage your hair in the humid weather.
• Skincare: moisturiser, night cream, makeup removing wipes, and any other skincare essentials.
• Makeup: if you plan on wearing makeup, pack your usual products, but be aware that it may not last long in the heat.
• Shaving products: shaving cream, razors, or hair removal creams.
• Vaseline: a versatile product with multiple uses, such as protecting your skin.
• Basic first aid: band-aids, anti-itch cream for insect bites, anti-diarrheal medication, pain relievers, and any other personal medications.
• Motion sickness relief: if you are prone to motion sickness, consider bringing sea bands or motion sickness medication.
• Hand sanitiser and sanitising wipes: for maintaining hand hygiene, especially during travel days.
• Toilet paper: consider packing some in a ziplock bag, as it may not be readily available everywhere you go.
• Laundry detergent: if you plan on doing laundry during your trip, bring some detergent or laundry sheets.

Remember to pack all your liquids in TSA-approved travel-sized containers and to protect your toiletries from any potential leaks during transit.

Electronics

When hiking in Belize, there are a few key electronics items you may want to consider bringing along to enhance your experience and ensure your safety. Here is a list of electronics items that could be useful:

• Camera: If you want to capture stunning visuals of the diverse landscapes in Belize, a camera is a must-have. While smartphones often have decent cameras, consider bringing a mirrorless or DSLR camera if you want to take your photography to the next level.
• Drone: Drones can capture breathtaking aerial footage of your surroundings and are becoming increasingly popular for hiking videos. However, keep in mind the weight and size trade-off, as well as any permits required for flying drones in certain areas.
• Power bank: For long-distance hikes or overnight trips, a power bank is essential for recharging your electronic devices. Calculate your energy needs based on the duration of your hike and the number of devices you plan to charge. A 20,000mAh power bank should be sufficient for a 7-day hike.
• Fitness watch: These watches offer features like heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, and elevation tracking. The Garmin Fenix 6 Pro is a popular option among hikers.
• Two-way communication device or GPS: For long-distance hikes, consider bringing a GPS device or a two-way communication gadget for safety and navigation. Options like the Garmin InReach Mini 2, Garmin InReach Explorer, SPOT, or a PLB (personal locator beacon) can provide peace of mind during your journey.
• Headlamp: If you plan on hiking in the dark, a headlamp will illuminate your path. The Nitecore NU25 headlamp is lightweight and offers different lighting modes, making it a popular choice among hikers.
• Solar charger: If you're hiking in a sunny location, a solar charger can be a convenient way to keep your devices charged without relying on power outlets.
• Fast-charging plug: To reduce charging time, consider investing in a fast-charging plug. The Anker 711 Charger (Nano II 30W) is a compact and efficient option.
• Waterproof phone case: To protect your phone from water damage, especially during water-based activities or in rainy weather, a waterproof phone case is essential.
• Waterproof bag: To keep your electronics dry during water activities or in humid environments, store them in a waterproof bag.
• Adapter and voltage converter: If your electronics are not designed for the local voltage (110V in Belize), you will need a voltage converter. Additionally, a travel adapter plug may be necessary to match the local power outlets.

Frequently asked questions