Belize Travel Guide

Belize is known for its great food and rich cultural heritage. If you are missing the warmth and fun of a Belize vacation this winter holiday, why not incorporate a tropical dish or two in your celebration? We’ve rounded up links to some of the local favorites that Belizeans across the country will be enjoying over Christmas. From a festive cocktail to the main event or a sweet treat- you may just find a new holiday tradition.

The holiday season is a great time to vacation in a tropical destination. School is out for a long winter break and the temperatures are hovering near freezing. With Belize just a few short hours away from many flight hubs in North America, you can bring your celebration to a warmer climate. You might think that the lack of snow would coincide with a lack of holiday spirit. But that’s not the case! Read on to get a small taste of what to expect when celebrating Christmas in Belize.

From the tiniest of hummingbirds to the prehistoric-looking Jabiru stork, the flying beak that is the Keel-billed Toucan and the awkwardly graceful Brown Pelican, birds are everywhere in Belize. The tiny country has nearly 600 species of birds on record. The sheer number and diversity of birds present in Belize is reason enough to pause and observe what you can see.

Are you a thrill-seeker? Craving an adrenaline rush, even on vacation? The Black Hole Drop is an adventurous tour in Belize that will leave your heart racing. Located deep in the jungle in the Chiquibul National Park, this tour is not for the faint of heart. Take one part jungle hike, one part rappel, one part rock climb and you end up with this UnBelizeable adventure.

With much of its land still forested and under protected status, Belize has countless hiking opportunities. On the mainland, you can hike in the jungle, scale the tallest peaks in the Maya Mountains, rappel into a sinkhole and walk through howler monkey habitat. There is something for all abilities and interests. The many national parks, cultural monuments, and forest reserves ensure that these natural wonders stay pristine and preserved for future generations. The most popular hikes are highlighted below, with some insider tips to ensure that your hike is the best that it can be.

Step back in time as you explore the Belize Maya ruins on your vacation. The well-preserved sites are open to visitors year-round. The ancient Maya people lived throughout Mexico and Central America, and all over Belize. Modern-day Maya still lives here and are an important part of Belizean culture. In Belize, there are three Maya groups- the Yucatec, Mopan, and Kekchi. The culture and population were at its peak from 600-900A.D., and numerous ruins and important historical sites are still easy to visit today. While the full reason for the decline of the ancient Maya is still being parsed out by archaeologists, evidence points to a combination of overpopulation, deforestation, warfare, drought, and the arrival of Europeans as contributing factors. The Maya civilization was quite advanced and included a detailed and accurate calendar. In addition to the many temples and ceremonial centers to be found at the archaeological sites in Belize, the Maya people placed high ceremonial importance on the cave systems found throughout the country. Pottery, stone tools, and other ritual objects have been found deep within the karst cave formations.

A tropical vacation is something we all dream about, especially after summer comes to a close. As the weather begins to turn colder, a trip to Belize and time on a tropical island begins to sound very enticing. One of our most-often-asked questions is in regard to the beaches in San Pedro. While the main attraction in Belize is the Barrier Reef for snorkeling and diving, there are some great beach destinations to enjoy as well. Nearly all of the resorts on the island are beachfront and have manicured sandy beaches. No matter where you choose to stay on the island, you have a variety of beaches to explore and enjoy some fun in the sun.

By now, you’ve probably heard the hype about scuba diving in Belize. The Belize Barrier Reef stretches the full length of the country and is peppered with hundreds of islands, or, Cayes (pronounced, “keys”). In addition to the world-class scuba diving to be found under the waves, there is much to do back on shore, as well. The combination of luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, fun beach bars, and excellent jungle adventures on the mainland ensures that your nights and interval days will not be wasted.

Belize is a world-renowned fishing hotspot. Come try your luck in the crystal waters off of Ambergris Caye. Whether you are looking for a trophy, dinner, or just the experience of being out on the blues with a line in your hands, Belize is the destination for you. There are three main types of fishing in Belize: fly fishing in the flats, deep-sea fishing across the reef and reef fishing. Each type of fishing trip takes you to a different marine habitat near Ambergris Caye where you can target different sport fish.

Lazy days by the pool or wandering the picturesque streets of San Pedro are only a small part of what you can do with your Belize vacation. Add a little adventure, thrill seeking or learn a new skill by trying a watersport in Belize. The Caribbean Sea is the ideal backdrop for a day you won’t soon forget. The three most popular watersports are kite boarding, parasailing and jet skiing. Try something new or revisit an old favorite on your next vacation in San Pedro. Read on for more on each option and the best watersports outfitters on the island.