Belize is a tropical paradise in Central American with sandy shorelines on the beautiful Caribbean Sea. The country itself is a perfectly blended cocktail of equal parts jungle, paradise and history. If you are the type of vacationer who loves the relaxation of a beach oasis but cannot turn away from the thrills of adventure and discovery, Belize is an excellent choice to top your travel bucket list!
What to Do
Belize is home to some incredible beaches that are sure to carry your woes away. Of them all, the Placencia Peninsula is widely agreed upon by locals and tourists alike to have the best beaches anywhere in the country. These beaches are known for having the softest white sand and plenty of shady spots under palm trees. Many resorts, like the Naïa Resort and Spa, a favorite for travelers, have built cottages and beach houses at the sand’s edge, allowing guests to wake up and feel the powdery sand beneath their feet in just a few steps.
Long ago, when Belize was the homeland of one of the greatest ancient civilizations ever known, the ancient Maya. The Mayan people are indigenous to Central America and ruled Belize long before and well into the common era. Although many years have passed since their peak in 300 A.D. the relics of their life remain. Belize is filled with ancient Mayan structures and sites open for the public to explore. The most famous site in Belize, Altun Ha, is a favorite for history-buffs and other visitors. Altun Ha is the name given to an archaeological site of a Mayan City, just 31 miles north of Belize City. The site is comprised of many temple pyramids and staircases. The tallest pyramid, “Temple of the Masonry Alters,” is a towering 52 feet high. Walking through the ancient city transports you to the past, giving you a rare look into what life might have been like over a millennium ago.
Next, just about 43 miles from mainland Belize City lays a natural marvel of wonder that offers a once-in-a-lifetime diving trip, the Great Blue Hole. This phenomenon is a marine sinkhole dead center in the Lighthouse Reef, a rare natural occurrence that has become the most unique diving spot in the world. Snorkeling and diving around the edges of the reef offer a wide range of marine life and stalactite-filled caves, while venturing out into the turquoise blue abyss leaves divers wowed by curiosity.
In the animal world, no predator can match the sleek stealthness of a Jaguar. Sadly, these gorgeous big cats are near threatened, and the population is in steady decline. Enter the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve in Belize, the only jaguar preserve in the world! Stretching a vast 150 square miles, the preserve provides Jaguars a protected habitat as much of their ecosystem has been impacted by the logging industry. Through research and conservation, Cockscomb strives to revive the Jaguar population and protect the species well into the future.
The preserve is available for guided tours and while seeing a Jaguar is uncommon due to diminishing population, the preserve is inhabited by Belize’s other cats: Puma, Margay, Jaguarundi and Ocelot. Additionally, guides will point out signs of Jaguar life, such as hunting grounds and prints. Walking through the preserve is like walking through a whole different world dominated by the animal kingdom, making it perfect for any nature lover. Who could pass up an opportunity to see such a magnificent animal?
What to Eat
Belizean cuisine focuses on fresh ingredients, often harvested from the sea. And for many locals, it does not get any fresher or more delicious than Ceviche. This bright seafood dish involves uncooked fish or shellfish that is marinated in lime juice. The acidity of the lime causes a reaction that essentially cooks the fish without any heat required. The fish is then served with other complimentary fresh ingredients such as tomato, avocado, onion, cilantro and other fresh produce. Though you can find many different types of Ceviche in Belize, it is commonly made with Caribbean shrimp. The dish takes on a complete new level of texture as the shrimp adds a certain crunch to the bite and compliments the citrus exquisitely.
Another food that has been wildly popular in Belize for a long time is Tamales, an iconic celebration meal. In fact, the making of Tamales has been a staple of Belizean food dating all the way back to the Mayans! What makes the Belizean tamale different Mexican tamales is the cooking process. In Belize, Tamales are wrapped in plantain leaves instead of traditional corn husks and features more recado roja, a red spice paste local to Central America.
Although many stands and restaurants claim to have the country’s best tamales, you can find locals, including tour guides, chowing down at Mama’s Tamales in the heart of Belize City. Serving happy customers for over 50 years, Mama’s Tamales uses a secret family recipe that is a real authentic taste of Belizean home cooking.
When to Go
The best time to embark for Belize would be the winter months, November-April. These months are not only Belize’s dry season, but temperatures flex between 73-82 degrees during this time. This makes Belize ideal for those looking to escape the winter blues back home. Whether your vacation involves lounging beachside or a grand jungle adventure, the weather will likely be perfect for your travels. If you are an animal or nature lover who needs the best shot possible of encountering a Jaguar, they are more commonly seen during the rainy season in June and July.