After travelling by 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 circumstances by the ‘no mans land’ between each international locations.
I didn’t anticipate to see or really feel an entire lot of distinction as quickly as we crossed the border, however I couldn’t have been extra incorrect. Regardless of being situated subsequent to at least one one other, the identities of Guatemala and Belize are a world aside. Guatemala is stuffed with vibrancy, color and has a powerful Hispanic cultural affect, with Spanish being the primary language.
In distinction, Belize has a way more laid-back Caribbean vibe and being situated 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 turn out 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 lovely. Look forward to finding palm-fringed seashores with powder-soft sand, aqua marine waters and critical Island vibes. Parrot Cove in Hopkins Seaside on the mainland was our base in Belize and is a perfect choice in the event you’re quick 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 converse any Spanish, Belize is a way more accessible choice.
3. The Caribbean Affect
From the vegetation to the stilt-houses and the meals to the hospitality, Caribbean affect is all over the place in Belize. Many Belizeans have Caribbean heritage and the nationwide spirit is in fact, Rum!
4. The Historic Mayan Ruins
One factor that does unite Guatemala and Belize is that they’re each a part of the Historic Mayan world, which additionally contains Mexico, X and El Salvador. Due to this, Belize is house to a sequence of fascinating Mayan websites together with Xunantunich, which is situated 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 elements just about come as customary. 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 at this time!
7. Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
The shoreline and Islands of Belize is house to the most important 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 situated on the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Snorkelers may get a slice of the underwater motion, by taking a half or full day boat journey to go and uncover among 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 the Belizean jungle. By way of journey actions, cave excursions, river tubing and waterfall abseiling are all extremely popular.
9. Fly by way of the USA
When you’re flying to Belize from the UK, chances are high you’ll go by way of the USA. Choose the fitting flight and you could possibly be Belize certain by way of New York, Miami or Houston. Why not prolong your layover and spend a while exploring considered one of these wonderful cities?
10. An excellent launch pad into Central America
When you’re planning an extended, multi-stop journey by Central America, Belize is the best start line. The friendliness of the locals, English language and chilled-out tradition will ease you in to your journey completely and equipment 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 certain 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 listing that you just assume I ought to add? When you loved this publish, 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
