All About Belize

10th February 2018

Belize may just be the ultimate Rainforest and Reef destination, a place to zip-line and unwind, to go from the swaying treetops to the swaying soft coral, a place to be entranced by the languid Caribbean charms of this fascinating Central American country.

Belize's Barrier Reef

The Belize Barrier Reef stretches for 185 miles and is the longest Barrier Reef in the northern hemisphere, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and making Belize a magnet for divers and snorkellers from around the world.

There are four hundred Cayes (islands) and three distinct atolls making up the Barrier Reef of Belize.

Undoubtedly the most famous diving destination in Belize, the Great Blue Hole was cited by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top 10 dive destinations in the world. 43 miles off the coast, this large sinkhole offers clear water, superb visibility and the chance to dive or snorkel with sharks.

Meet the Maya

Belize is home to the heartland of the ancient Mayan civilisation and exploring Mayan ruins and learning about this exotic culture is one of the highlights of a Visit to Belize.

Mayan culture dominated Central America from around 250 to 900 AD and remnants in the form of 1400 Mayan sites are found throughout Belize.

Amongst the best Mayan sites in Belize are Xunantunich, a Classic Period ceremonial centre; Lamanai, in the Orange Walk region and occupied for over two millennia and Caracol on the western edge of the Maya Mountains within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve.

Birding in Belize

Whether you’re an expert birder or you can barely tell a Toucan from a Macaw, Belize is home to over 500 species of exotic and often very colourful birdlife.

We can design a trip for you specifically to include some of the best birding spots or you can just enjoy the birdlife as your travel around Belize.

The Coastline of Belize is a great place to see migratory birds whilst you are likely to encounter toucans and other resident species anywhere in the Rainforest of Belize.

The Cockscomb Basin Forest Reserve is not just the world’s only Jaguar Reserve but is also renowned for its bird population with over 300 resident species.

Cayo's Caves

Cayo is the region of Western Belize bordering Guatemala and home to incredible rainforest, Mayan ruins, waterfalls, spectacular caves and Mestizo culture with its tempting cuisine.

The Cayo district is a perfect base for adventure in Belize, with jungle hikes, zip-line adventures and river journeys all on the menu.

Stay in one of the several excellent eco-lodges in Belize’s Cayo District such as Chaa Creek, Gaia River Lodge or Chan Chich Lodge.

For a real taste of luxury in Belize, be sure to stay at Blancaneaux Lodge, a 20-room luxury lodge in Belize’s Cayo District and former family home of film director Francis Ford Coppola.

Diverse Cultures

Creole culture is one of the foundations of Belize, with its own dialect of English and a blend of customs and cuisine familiar throughout Belize.

Northern Belize is dominated by Mestizo culture, a mix of Spanish and traditional Amerindian influences.

The south of Belize is a blissful region and culture home of the Maya and Garifuna.

The traditions of the south are only part of the charm, add the scenic jungle views and island options and you have all the makings for the ultimate adventure.

Southern Belize is home to Maya, Garifuna, East Indians and Chinese communities, with agriculture and tourism the main industries.

Getting into the rural hinterland of Southern Belize is getting off the beaten track but well worth it and you will feel far removed from the resort areas of Ambergris Caye once you make it to this region of Belize.

We highly recommend a stay at Belcampo Belize, a pioneering rural farm project.

Island Escapes - Ambergris Caye

With such alluring names, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker hold the promise of dreamy Caribbean escapes in the North of Belize.

From cobblestone streets of bustling San Pedro outward to the northern and southern ends of the island, there is a wide assortment of restaurants, bars, shops and hotels on Ambergris Caye to suit all budgets.

Take little naps on the beach, swim with the sharks in shark alley or make small talk with the locals. In Ambergris Caye, going big or small is up to you.