Belize is easily one of my favorite countries, hands down. I loved everything about my visit to Ambergris Caye, a small island off the coast (that is, except the 15-minute, prop plane ride that felt like 3 hours). So here are 5 reasons you should pack up your stuff and visit Belize…right now.
The Ruins
The Mayan ruins are an amazing archaeological site to behold! The grandiose scale, the detail and the fact that they are still standing, is monumental. Located on the mainland of Belize, there are a few options to choose from if ruins are on your radar.
Altun Ha is a popular site choice, but on my visit we chose Xunantunich, another popular site. We originally had to change dates because Prince Harry (yes, THE Prince Harry) was visiting, but when we made it there it was great learning about the culture behind the site. Scaling the ruins was a hike, but the views were worth it. Not to mention from Xunantunich you can see Guatemala, as it is near the border. Tip: Choose an excursion that includes cave tubing (and also possibly ziplining). I am generally not a huge partaker or this type of activity, but it was super memorable and not to be missed.
The Blue Hole
Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. And the Blue Hole is the highlight of any diver’s dream. Even when you just Google it, you will understand why. I don’t dive, but both diving and snorkeling in Belize allows the adventurous to view the beautiful reefs and copious fish and marine life. The water is warm and appeared to be mostly calm.
The People
Belize has some of the most amazingly kind people I have ever encountered. I have to admit, we were a bit thrown by it at first. We happened to be there during an election, and the residents were genuinely enthused about the political process. People wore shirts and there were rallies in the streets.
But that wasn’t the surprising part. As we were walking down the street, people just came up to us and talked to us. Being visitors, we naturally had our guard up a bit. “Is this your first time in Belize?” “Are you enjoying our country?” “Where are you from, LA?” I am still not sure how they knew we lived in LA, but there was a genuine concern as to whether we were enjoying ourselves and what we thought of the country. This type of interaction happened enough, along with ‘hellos’ and smiles, that we came a bit accustomed to it.
Even when walking the streets of San Pedro well after midnight (which was exceptionally safe… safer than walking the streets of most U.S. cities at that time of night), people were warm and friendly. We weren’t haggled to buy the street vendors wares. It was a very low key and chill atmosphere, with street food and socializing.
The Culture
Belize has a unique history and culture. It is a part of the British commonwealth, but is comprised of a strong mix of cultures. It has pronounced African roots, along with a Latin American/Spanish influence, all wrapped in the backdrop of the Mayan ancestry. In some individuals, you can see the strong Mayan/Yucatan Peninsula roots and influence that is pervasive in the area. It is amazing to see such a blend of cultures, combined with the history of the Mayan ruins and Creole influence.
The Vistas
This almost goes without saying. Did you see the main picture???
The views from Ambergris Caye are absolutely stunning. The colors—the oranges and the multiple shades of blue of the Caribbean Sea—are not to be missed. The waters are calm along the coastline, but you can see the vibrant hues of blue even walking along the beach. And those sunsets…Wow. It is picturesque to the max!
Bonus: The Cheap Airfare
One added bonus that makes all of the difference is the cheap flights. I have been seeing flight deals as low as a couple to a few hundred dollars on-and-off to Belize for months. It is easily accessible, connecting both through Miami or Dallas, and even on points or miles it is a relatively low cost. Even Southwest Airlines flies to Belize City now. For example, on American Airlines, a domestic round trip on miles is a minimum of 25K miles; Belize is a minimum of 25-30K. So for only a the same amount or few thousand miles more, you can hit the gorgeous shores of Belize. Isn’t that incentive enough? Tip: If you play to stay on one of the Cayes, don’t forget to book either a 15-minute puddle-jumper or a 2-hour ferry ride, as all international flights arrive in Belize City (BZE).
So there you have it. Five reasons to visit Belize now. Sound off: Why do you love and recommend Belize?
Belize sounds absolutely gorgeous! It’s been on my travel bucket list for a while now and it sounds like now may be the time to plan a trip since airfare prices are down.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison Jones
Belize sounds amazing! I’ll be adding this country to my LONG bucket list of places I want to visit. Good to know that the flights are pretty inexpensive.
Siobhan
http://www.befreeproject.com
Those dawns are so beautiful I would like a spot right there to watch the sun go up and down. Plus cheap airfare…you are talking my language
Beautiful photos. My step-grandmother was from Belize. I was thinking of going via a cruise, but these pics make me think a day isn’t enough.
Belize is one of the places I definitely want to get to. It is such a beautiful place!
I mean, I would go for the views alone but glad to hear that it’s actually safe and you were haggled. I hate going on vacation but then end up feeling so scared everywhere I walk. Makes my trip horrible.
Jennifer, yes it was very safe on Ambergris Caye. I have heard that Belize City isn’t the best at night, but you want to be on the ocean anyway!
Belize is definitely a place I really want to visit. Every picture I see looks gorgeous and everyone who goes says how wonderful it is. I can’t wait for it to be my turn!
Ahhh that water is calling out to me. I miss traveling but due to health problems, I only travel once or twice a year at best. I’m going to put Belize on my bucket list and I hope it’s sooner rather than later that I can visit.
These are great reasons to visit Belize! The picture of the water is incredible- the water looks so blue and beautiful!! Now, I just have to find time to travel more!!
Belize is on my short list of places to visit. It is, indeed, beautiful. That photo of the sunset is incredible. Wish I was there now.
Looks like a really beautiful place to visit! Your pics are great!
It does sound really nice. I’d love to be able to go for the sights and the culture. I’d make sure to see some ruins too.
What beautiful pictures! I have been hearing more about Belize lately. Looks like a great way to spend your vacation!
Wow, it’s so great to hear that the people are so friendly and concerned about your wellbeing! I’ve been to so many places where visitors are “just another tourist”. I’m glad to see that isn’t the case in Belize!
Wow what some amazing places to visit – the ruins look very eerie.
OMG, this looks amazing. I’ve always wanted to go to Belize.
Beautiful!! The scenery is everything. Belize is on my travel list to visit within the next 2yrs!!
Great post! Thx for sharing
Haven’t been but heard good things. And a few there is nothing to do there things. Either way I’ll get there.
I have a friend who’s from Belize, but you just gave me 5 more reasons.
Yesssss Belize and the Mayan Ruins are definitely on my list of places to visit. And the fact it’s so cheap to get there? It might happen sooner than later 🙂
OMG this pictures are beautiful. I’ve heard Belize but never thought of going. But these pictures make me want to look at making this trip in the future.
I have a friend from Belize and he has always told me how beautiful it is. I hope one day to plan a trip to Belize for me and my husband.
Wow, what a beautiful place to visit! Gorgeous pictures! I hope to be able to visit there one day!
My mom has friend from Belize and growing up he always talked about how beautiful it was. As a child I just listened but I didn’t really understand. WOW!
The photos alone have convinced me to go to Belize! Looks SOOO beautiful wow!
Thanks Stephen! It is beautiful indeed!
Belize is one of those countries that is consistenly rated must visit destination. I love all the photos and reasons for visiting. I definitely need to get on the Belize must see train.
Belize has been on my travel bucket list for a long time!! I can’t wait to go one day!!
if only i could pack my things and go there in this very moment! it’s so beautiful and you did such a beautiful job with the images!
I am right there with you Aaronica!
I know quite a few people who have been to Belize recently. The pictures are all fantastic! So beautiful!
I saw a great deal fare for Belize yesterday. It’s definitely ‘on my list’ now.
Donna, yes! I am always on the lookout for deals and Belize is so gorgeous!
Those are some amazing pictures. I think Belize always sounds so pretty.
Thanks for sharing Belize was not on my radar. It sounds lovely!
I could just relax there forever Joy! LOL
I can’t believe I have not been here! I have distant relatives who migrated to Belize from Jamaica and when they visited they raved about it. I didnt know about the large barrier reef!
Nadeen, it was magical. Definitely high on the countries I’ve visited list, that is for sure.