After travelling by way of Guatemala, the ultimate cease on my Central America itinerary was Belize. Crossing the border from Guatemala to Belize was a surreal expertise in itself; armed border police watched on as we dragged our wheelie instances by way of the ‘no mans land’ between each nations.
I didn’t count on to see or really feel a complete lot of distinction as quickly as we crossed the border, however I couldn’t have been extra mistaken. Regardless of being positioned subsequent to 1 one other, the identities of Guatemala and Belize are a world aside. Guatemala is stuffed with vibrancy, color and has a robust Hispanic cultural affect, with Spanish being the primary language.
In distinction, Belize has a way more laid-back Caribbean vibe and being positioned proper on the Caribbean sea, there’s a geographical logic to this sturdy cultural affect. Like a lot of the Caribbean, English is the primary language in Belize. The nation has grow to be an on-trend honeymoon vacation spot in recent times, and after visiting for myself, it’s evident why.
And if that hasn’t tempted you adequate, listed below are 10 causes to go to Belize…
1.The Islands and Seashores
Whether or not you’re on the mainland shoreline or one of many many Belizean Islands, the seashores in Belize are stunning. Anticipate finding palm-fringed seashores with powder-soft sand, aqua marine waters and severe Island vibes. Parrot Cove in Hopkins Seashore on the mainland was our base in Belize and is a perfect possibility if you happen to’re brief on time and don’t have time to get out to the islands.
2. English is the primary language
Belize is the one nation in Central America the place English is the primary language. This may increasingly not seem to be a giant deal, however if you wish to go off the crushed observe and don’t communicate any Spanish, Belize is a way more accessible possibility.
3. The Caribbean Affect
From the vegetation to the stilt-houses and the meals to the hospitality, Caribbean affect is in all places in Belize. Many Belizeans have Caribbean heritage and the nationwide spirit is in fact, Rum!
4. The Historical Mayan Ruins
One factor that does unite Guatemala and Belize is that they’re each a part of the Historical Mayan world, which additionally contains Mexico, X and El Salvador. Due to this, Belize is residence to a sequence of fascinating Mayan websites together with Xunantunich, which is positioned 10 minutes drive from the Belize and Guatemala border.
5. Pleasant Locals
The locals in Belize couldn’t be friendlier to travellers. Tourism is an extremely necessary trade in Belize’s economic system they usually welcome all guests with open arms. It’s the small issues like this that may make a giant distinction to a journey expertise.
6. The Meals
The meals in Belize is a luxurious fusion of Caribbean and Mexican delicacies. Vibrant flavours and contemporary, native substances just about come as commonplace. Being on the coast, seafood additionally is available in abundance and couldn’t be more energizing. This ‘pork pibil’ dish was my favorite meal from the entire journey, the sluggish cooked pork was melt-in-the-mouth and extremely flavoured. I nonetheless dream of this meal as we speak!
7. Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
The shoreline and Islands of Belize is residence to the biggest barrier reef within the Western hemisphere, which is alive with marine life. The Blue Gap is probably the most well-known dive website in Belize and is positioned on the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Snorkelers also can get a slice of the underwater motion, by taking a half or full day boat journey to go and uncover a few of the extra shallow dive websites.
8. Journey Actions
Travellers can combine laid-back seaside days with adrenaline-filled journey actions. The longest zip line in Belize is on the Bocawina Eco Resort, however we tried out the zip line at Calico Jack’s jungle resort, which additionally has 3 heart-racing zip line routes by way of the Belizean jungle. When it comes to journey actions, cave excursions, river tubing and waterfall abseiling are all very fashionable.
9. Fly through the USA
In the event you’re flying to Belize from the UK, likelihood is you’ll go through the USA. Decide the appropriate flight and you could possibly be Belize sure through New York, Miami or Houston. Why not lengthen your layover and spend a while exploring considered one of these wonderful cities?
10. An excellent launch pad into Central America
In the event you’re planning an extended, multi-stop journey by way of Central America, Belize is the best place to begin. The friendliness of the locals, English language and chilled-out tradition will ease you in to your journey completely and kit you up for the extra intrepid components of Central America.
Whether or not you’re planning a seaside vacation with a distinction otherwise you’re gearing as much as a 6-month journey of a lifetime, be sure that the attractive nation of Belize is in your journey radar.
Have you ever been to Belize or are you pondering of visiting? Is there something I’ve missed off my record that you simply assume I ought to add? In the event you loved this submit, please leave me a remark within the field under. Jess x
Need extra on Central America? Learn my Final Guatemala Journey Itinerary and watch the video under
