10 reasons why Belize is Central America’s hidden gem

Forget Tulum and Cancun, Belize is the place to go for picturesque beaches, well-preserved Mayan ruins and a thriving culture that will leave you fascinated

You only need to hit the Hummingbird Highway to fall in love with Belize’s varied landscape.

Mangroves and citrus trees line the 55-mile winding road from its capital Belmopan to the coastal town of Dangriga, only disturbed intermittently by small villages with colourful houses. Head west and you'll reach the lively city of San Ignacio – a mandatory stop for travellers exploring the country's archaeological treasures.

Ancient Maya archaeological site: Xunantunich, San Ignacio 
Belize Tourism Board

As well as inland adventures, Belize also has the second longest barrier reef in the world, were you can swim with nurse sharks and gawp at the extraordinary marine life including corals, turtles, and stingrays.

With so much on offer, here's what you need to know...

Archaeological sites

Well-preserved Mayan temples and caves cover the length and breadth of Belize. The largest and most visited site is Caracol, where the Caana pyramid takes centre stage. Also in the Cayo District is Xunantunich, which boasts intricately hand-carved friezes and stelae. Stand atop its tallest building, El Castillo (The Castle), and you can spot Guatemala in the distance.

Actun Tunichil Mukhnal or ATM
Belize Tourism Board

The jewel in Belize’s crown is Actun Tunichil Mukhnal or ATM. Such is the popularity of this cave that visitors are willing to hike, cross the river (three times) and swim to get to it. Within the caves, you will find calcified pottery, sacrificed human remains and the famous ‘Crystal Maiden'.

Wildlife

Twenty-eight per cent of Belize is protected land, making it a refuge for rare, and otherwise unseen wildlife. Birders should head to Mountain Pine Ridge and Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary to spot jabiru, Muscovy, scarlet macaws, egrets, and double-crested cormorant.

Mountain Pine Ridge
Belize Tourism Board

Chiquibul National Park and Cockscomb Wildlife Reserve, which is also the world’s first jaguar preserve, offers visitors the chance to wander through ample of green nature trails leading to breathtaking peaks and secluded waterfalls. If you’re lucky you may even spot a puma or margay en route.

Barrier reef

The variety of sea life and crystal-clear waters make Belize one of the best places in the world to go deep sea diving and snorkelling. A short boat ride from the island of San Pedro, Hol Chan Marine Reserve has a rich array of corals, tropical fish, and sea turtles. The brave can even have a go at swimming with sharks and manta rays.

The Great Blue Hole
Belize Tourism Board

Off the coast of Belize City is the Great Blue Hole - a deep blue circular sinkhole deemed the holy grail of dive sites because of its unique stalactite formations. Non-divers can hop on a tiny plane to admire this spectacle from the sky.

Garifuna Culture

Travel off the beaten track to explore Belize’s vibrant Afro-Caribbean Garifuna Culture in the Stann Creek and Toledo districts. The Gulisi Garifuna Museum in Dangriga is a great place to start. They house a comprehensive collection of artefacts along with photographs giving a detailed account of their migration.

Garifuna drummers
Belize Tourism Board

Your trip to this region would be incomplete without learning how to play the traditional Garifuna drums. Made from mahogany wood and deerskin, this instrument is the life and soul of every party.

Food and drink

Rice and beans with chicken stew may be the traditional dish but it certainly isn’t the only cuisine on offer.

Try the traditional Garifuna dish Hudut (made of fish, plantain cakes, and coconut stew) in Hopkins village, Placencia or at Tuani’s in Dangriga. Taste the signature fried chicken platter at Elvi’s Kitchen - a family-run restaurant on the island of San Pedro. They also serve mouth-watering Mayan-inspired pork and seafood dishes, and sublime cocktails. When the night falls, hang out with the locals at Juvinie’s Ceviche Bar or sip a chilled Belikin on the beach.

Belize produces some pretty fine rum too. Taste some of the homegrown brands at Traveller’s Maya Juice in San Ignacio and learn more about the process and production of Caribbean’s favourite drink.

It’s an English speaking country

Unlike other Central American countries, you won’t have to brush up your Spanish here. This former British colony is English speaking, which makes travelling and making friends really easy. Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize gained independence in 1981 after 119 years of colonial rule. Today, the face of the queen still smiles from the local dollar.

It’s relatively unexplored

Belize attracts fewer visitors in comparison to its neighbours Mexico and Guatemala making it all the more appealing. The roads here are empty, key attractions fairly crowd-free and the beaches, still tranquil. Most tourists head to its biggest island Ambergris Caye – a hub for water activities, all night dives and overall chilled vibe. And with so many islands to choose from, you can pick one that suits your taste, or just hire one if you like.

Luxury Resorts

Don’t let Belize’s backpacker reputation fool you. Its exceptional coastline and more than 200 atolls and cayes are attracting the best names in luxury resorts. From Francis Coppola’s Turtle Inn in Placencia to the newly opened Mahogany Bay in Ambergris Caye, this country is well on its way to becoming the hottest honeymoon destinations. Following suit are actor Leonardo Di Caprio’s eco-resort Blackadore Caye – scheduled to open by the end of this year - and Four Seasons Caye Chapel which will start greeting guests to its private island by 2021.

Adventures

Attach a headlight, rest on a giant inflatable tube, sit back, and go on an adventure to explore the crystal formations and stalactites that lie within the Chiquibul Cave System - the longest in Central America. You can book your tubing experience with any of the tour operators mentioned here.

Adrenaline junkies can hire a jet ski on the island of Caye Caulker or go wakeboarding and waterskiing.

Caye Caulker
Belize Tourism Board

Weather

The average temperatures hover around 29 degrees Celsius making it a pleasant country to visit all year round. The hurricane season between mid-May and mid-November brings in some rain but never enough to dampen the fun. The summers can be sweltering but there is always the vast rainforest to provide welcome relief.

Getting there

American Airlines flies from London Heathrow to Belize City via Miami, from £550 return. Tropic Air operates domestic flights to various destinations within Belize.

Where to stay

Hidden Valley Inn and Reserve in the Mountain Pine Ridge area have beautiful cottages nestled in the woods, private waterfalls, and hiking trails. Suites start from £150 per night including breakfast.

Pelican Beach Resort in Dangriga is a five-minute walk from the airport and overlooks the Caribbean Sea.

Two nights in Ramon’s Village on the island of San Pedro costs £400.

Getting around

For more information, go to the Visit Belize Tourism Board website.

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