Hummingbird Highway: Belize's Scenic Route

The Hummingbird Highway in Belize is a scenic route that connects the capital city Belmopan in the north to the coastal town of Dangriga in the south. Named after the abundance of hummingbirds in the country, the highway is a paved, two-lane road that stretches for approximately 53 miles (86 km). It passes through the northern part of the Maya Mountains, small villages, citrus orchards, and several scenic rivers. The highway offers panoramic views of the diverse landscapes of Belize and is known as one of the most beautiful drives in the country and Central America.

The Hummingbird Highway is a modern, paved, two-lane roadway

Starting in Belmopan, the highway passes through the northern part of the Maya Mountain range, providing breathtaking vistas of the majestic mountains and surrounding rainforests. The road winds through citrus orchards, with miles of fragrant citrus trees lining the valleys. It also passes through several small villages, where colourful homes adorned with Coca-Cola and Belikin Beer signs invite travellers for refreshing drinks and barbecue delicacies.

Along the Hummingbird Highway, there are numerous bridges, some of which are one-lane, dating back to before World War II. These bridges were once used for transporting bananas and citrus fruits, a reminder of Belize's agricultural past. The highway also offers a range of eco-resorts and budget accommodations for those who wish to extend their journey.

The drive along the Hummingbird Highway is filled with natural wonders and cultural delights. It takes approximately two hours to cover the entire length of the highway without stops. However, travellers often take their time to enjoy the scenery and explore the various attractions along the way. These include St. Herman's Cave, the Inland Blue Hole National Park, the Sibun River bridge, Five Blues Lake, the Hummingbird Gap, and the Mullins River bridge.

The Hummingbird Highway is not just a means of transportation but an experience in itself. It showcases the natural beauty and cultural richness of Belize, making it a favourite among visitors seeking to explore the country's scenic routes. The highway's name is derived from the abundance of hummingbirds found in the area, adding to its charm and allure.

It is approximately 53 miles long and connects Belmopan to Dangriga

The Hummingbird Highway in Belize is a modern, paved, two-lane roadway that was inaugurated in 1994. It is approximately 53 miles long and connects Belmopan, the national capital, to Dangriga on the southeastern coast.

The Hummingbird Highway is a scenic route that offers panoramic views of the different landscapes in Belize. The highway passes through the northern part of the Maya Mountains, crosses several scenic rivers, and passes by fragrant citrus orchards. It takes about two hours to drive the full length of the highway, but travellers often make stops along the way to enjoy the scenery and take photos. The highway is also home to various villages, restaurants, and attractions.

One notable attraction along the Hummingbird Highway is St. Herman's Cave & The Inland Blue Hole National Park, located at Mile 42. Visitors can go on a cave tubing adventure or take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Blue Hole. Another popular stop is Miss Bertha's Famous Tamales, where visitors can enjoy delicious chicken tamales, hot sauce, and cold sodas. The highway also passes by eco-resorts, such as the Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant, and national parks, including the Billy Barquedier National Park.

The Hummingbird Highway is not just a beautiful drive, but it also holds historical significance. The highway follows the old right-of-way for the now-defunct Stann Creek railroad. The bridges along the route, many of which are one-lane only, date back to before World War II and were used for the transportation of bananas and citrus fruits. The highway is a testament to Belize's agricultural past and has contributed to the development of the region.

The Hummingbird Highway is a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the natural wonders and cultural delights of Belize. It provides a unique opportunity to experience the country's breathtaking beauty, warm hospitality, and fascinating history.

It passes through the Maya Mountains, several scenic rivers, and fragrant citrus orchards

The Hummingbird Highway in Belize is a feast for the eyes. This 86-kilometre (53-mile) route is considered the most scenic drive in the country, passing through the Maya Mountains, several scenic rivers, and fragrant citrus orchards.

The Hummingbird Highway is a modern, paved, two-lane roadway that was inaugurated in 1994. It connects Belmopan, the national capital, to Dangriga on the southeastern coast. The highway offers a panoramic view of all the different landscapes in Belize, from the mountains to the rivers and orchards.

The highway winds its way through the northern part of the Maya Mountain range, a majestic and natural masterpiece adorned with countless palm trees that create an illusion of vast rainforests. The Maya Mountains are a highlight of the drive, and their awe-inspiring beauty will take your breath away.

As the highway twists and turns, it also crosses several scenic rivers. These include the Sibun River and the Mullins River, offering refreshing breaks from the drive. The route also passes through fragrant citrus orchards, a testament to Belize's agricultural past. The country is known for its production of bananas and citrus fruits, and these orchards are a delightful part of the drive.

In addition to the natural beauty, the Hummingbird Highway also offers a glimpse into the local culture. Along the way, local families extend their warm hospitality, offering refreshing coconut water, fresh corn, and an array of delectable fruits. The highway also passes through charming small villages, where homes are adorned with colourful Coca-Cola and Belikin Beer signs, alluring visitors with the promise of cold drinks and sizzling barbecued delicacies.

The Hummingbird Highway is not just a road; it's an experience that leaves an indelible mark on every traveller's heart. It's a journey through the natural wonders and cultural delights of Belize, offering a unique and unforgettable taste of the country.

It is the fastest way to get to the western and southern parts of Belize

The Hummingbird Highway in Belize is a paved, two-lane road that connects the country's central region to its southeastern coast. It is approximately 53 miles (86 km) long and takes about two hours to drive from end to end without stops. The highway is known for its scenic beauty, passing through lush landscapes, charming villages, and popular tourist destinations.

Starting in Belmopan, the highway winds through the northern part of the Maya Mountains, offering panoramic views of the diverse Belizean landscapes. It crosses several scenic rivers, including the Sibun River and the Mullins River, and passes through fragrant citrus orchards. Along the route, travellers can enjoy various activities such as cave tubing, ziplining, and exploring nature trails.

The Hummingbird Highway is the fastest way to get to the western and southern parts of Belize. When travelling from Belize City to the southeast, the route follows the Western Highway to Belmopan and then continues southeast on the Hummingbird Highway towards Dangriga. This combination of the Western Highway and the Hummingbird Highway is the quickest way to reach destinations like Dangriga, Placencia, and Punta Gorda in the south.

The highway offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. It passes through small villages, where colourful homes and barbecue stands invite visitors with the promise of refreshing drinks and delicious local cuisine. The route also showcases Belize's agricultural past, with historic one-lane bridges that once served the banana and citrus fruit industry.

In addition to its scenic beauty and cultural delights, the Hummingbird Highway provides easy access to several eco-resorts and national parks. The St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park, located at Mile 42, features an underground cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a picturesque cenote for swimming. The Billy Barquedier National Park, near Dangriga, is another hidden gem, boasting over 1,600 hectares of tropical rainforest and an array of wildlife.

Whether you're seeking breathtaking scenery, cultural immersion, or outdoor adventures, the Hummingbird Highway offers a memorable journey through the heart of Belize. Its convenient access to the western and southern regions of the country makes it an ideal route for those looking to explore the diverse attractions that Belize has to offer.

There are several villages, restaurants, and attractions along the route

The Hummingbird Highway in Belize is a modern, paved, two-lane roadway that was inaugurated in 1994. The highway is approximately 53 miles (86 km) long and connects Belmopan, the national capital, to Dangriga on the southeastern coast. The route offers a panoramic view of all the different landscapes in Belize, from the Maya Mountains to fragrant citrus orchards. Along the way, there are several villages, restaurants, and attractions to explore.

One notable stop is St. Herman's Cave and the Inland Blue Hole National Park, located at Mile 12.2. Here, you can go cave tubing, explore the cave with a guide to see Mayan artefacts, and take a dip in the sapphire blue waters of the Inland Blue Hole. The park spans over 500 acres and offers a unique natural experience.

For a delicious treat, make sure to visit Ms. Bertha's Tamales (Mile 27 in St. Margaret's Village). Ms. Bertha's chicken tamales with spicy habanero sauce are famous across Belize. It's a beloved family-run business, carrying on Ms. Bertha's legacy with her delicious recipe.

If you're looking for a place to stay, Pineapple Hill Lodge offers a unique and immersive experience in the heart of the rainforest. With accommodation options scattered throughout the property, you'll feel at one with nature. The Treetop, a two-storey treehouse with stunning views of the jungle pool, is a highlight for many visitors.

Another notable stop is the Billy Barquedier National Park, located near Dangriga. This park is home to an array of wildlife, including howler monkeys and jaguars. A short hike through the jungle leads to a beautiful waterfall, and for the adventurous, the Jaguar Trail offers a challenging hike to an observation tower with spectacular views.

The Hummingbird Highway is not just a road; it's an experience. With its stunning scenery, charming villages, and delicious food offerings, it's a must-visit destination in Belize that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

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