BELIZE: DIVERSE | COLORFUL | LAIDBACK
Belize is located in Central America and is known for its extreme biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems. A country with a mix of various cultures and languages, you’ll find plenty to explore from Mayan ruins to lush jungles to colorful reefs. It is a seafood paradise with menus changing regularly to reflect the catch of the day.
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BEFORE YOU GO
GETTING AROUND
There are plenty of ways to get around in Belize. For long distances, planes and rental cars make travel easy. For more local travel, take a bike, taxi, or water taxi. Taxis are not metered so make sure to settle on a price before taking off.
STAY
While you will find plenty of hotels with modern amenities, you won’t forget that you’re in Belize for a reason – paradise. Here is a list of hotels that will allow you to discover the beautiful country without sacrificing comfort or style.
EAT
Belizean cuisine is a mix of Caribbean, Mexican, African, Spanish, and Mayan culinary influences. Seafood is fresh and plentiful in most of the country's coastal and island destinations. Fresh fish, lobster, shrimp, and conch are widely available and almost always on the menu. Other than seafood, rice and beans is a major staple, as is stew chicken.
DRINKS
Belize is heaven for rum drinkers. Mixed with just about anything, many locals mix it with refreshing tropical juices. Beachfront bars and clubs, though plentiful, tend to be more casual. For something a little more sophisticated, head to one of the top-end hotel bars.
SEE & DO
Belize is compact, but don't let its size throw you off because there’s plenty to see and explore. The barrier reel is a paradise for swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers. Impressive Mayan archeological sites keep the culture-hounds satisfied. Naturally, jungles full of exotic plants and animals provide adventure every step along the way.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System - UNESCO
Bioluminescent Tour - Hopkins Bay Resort
Blue Hole - UNESCO
SPA
Treatments vary among spa resorts, but all feature the most well-known pampering treats like Swedish massage, facials, body scrubs, and more. The products used are indigenous to the local area and many incorporate traditional Mayan healing treatments.
SHOP
Belize is best known for its chocolate and habañero pepper sauces. Locals celebrate yearly with a mouthwatering Chocolate Festival simply not to be missed if you happen to be in town. The Cotton Tree Lodge offers a guided chocolate tour of a cacao farm which gives a look at the various stages of processing. IXCACAO Maya Belizean Chocolate also offers tours.
If you’re feeling a bit spicy, request a walk-through of the Marie Sharp’s hot sauce factory to learn more about their well-known Belizean hot sauces.
No doubt each tour ends with an opportunity to purchase products on-site to take back home and enjoy.