The most amazing place in the entire world to visit has to be Belize. It is located on the East of South America and borders on to Mexico. It has just about everything you could wish for. It is an intriguing, beautiful country with lush tropical rain forests, pristine beaches, ancient Mayan cities and the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere.
I am hard pushed to stop at ten reasons, I could go on and on about this simple, exquisite country.
A bit of casual Spelunking!
Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest Island and also the most popular destination. It is laid back and low key, with wonderful places to stay. Apart from lounging on the beach and soaking up the sun, you can partake in water activities like kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing or be daring and rent a jet ski. Scuba diving and snorkelling are out of this world and a big draw for visitors. The Belize barrier is less than a mile off shore, allowing for countless dive sites and snorkel stops within a 15 minute boat ride.
Caye Caulker is located about a mile from the barrier reef and a popular stop for budget holidays. It is popular with those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With vivid turquoise waters and a vibrant local vibe, the island is becoming increasingly popular with travellers wanting to experience local Belizian culture, whilst still enjoying a tropical holiday. Only 5 miles long, Caye Caulker’s watchword is ‘go slow’, reflected in the primary mode of transport on the island, golf cart or bicycle.
Mayan ruins are in abundance in Belize. A few have been excavated over the years so that Belizeans and visitors can enjoy them. As the cradle of the ancient Maya Civilization, Belize has literally more Maya Ruins per square mile than any other country. A couple of them are practically a couple hundred yards off the main highway – for example Xunantunich. It is hard to find another country with so many of these majestic pyramids within walking or hitchhiking distance.
Many tourists hire a car for a couple of days and take off along the bumpy highways to explore inland areas and wildlife parks. You can drive, hike, or have a tour guide take you to your favourite destination, be it birding, spelunking (cave exploration), racing river rapids, or exploring underground rivers once used by the Mayas for sacrificial rituals. Or you can spend a couple nights at a remote jungle lodge and maybe catch a glimpse of a passing tapir or jaguar.
Water & Adventure Sports & stroke some rays!
The islands offer a wealth of things to do, water sports being the main draw. You can opt for anything from snorkelling and diving to windsurfing and kite surfing. Full day excursions can take you to see everything from local manatees or all the way to a Mayan Temple on the western border of Belize’s mainland. Mainland tours include, diving, caving, tubing, zip lining and the Belize zoo, a must to see.
Belize also has a remarkable Jaguar reserve which is one of the only reserves of its kind - definitely worth a visit.
When you’ve had enough sun, why not pop over to Caye Coffee, for a tour of the facility and if you time it right, they could be roasting coffee beans. The smell is out of this world and you can pick some up to take home with you.
The Belizian Melody Art Gallery is also a welcome addition to any visit, paint your own or choose from a plethora of work by over 100 local crafts people.
Shark Ray Alley is a must to see. Giving a shark a belly rub, is one I can definitely cross of my bucket list of things to do before I die! This is an incredible and once in a lifetime experience.
Alternatively, why not take a lazy all day catamaran cruise. Have a swim with sea turtles and rays and the guides know all the best snorkel stops. A hot lunch aboard, followed by a sunset cruise on your way back in. What could be better?
Canoe trips down the Macal, Sitee and Belize Rivers are popular options for those on family vacations and looking for a relaxing tour of the countryside without hiking through the jungle.
Belizian food is simple, always fresh and amazing. Belize is a melting pot of cultures and their food reflects this. The many cultures that make up this little country guarantee gourmet meals that will intrigue your palate. Being a maritime state, Belize enjoys a bounty of seafood and most restaurants will be happy to serve up your favourite lobster, sea bass, shrimp, conch, and swordfish. Fresh fruit and vegetables abound in the interior and are shipped daily to all areas of the country – anything from papayas, mangoes, kiwi fruit, watermelon, melons, soursop and pineapples.
