Intro to Belize
Belize is quickly becoming one of the hottest travel destinations in the Caribbean! Here’s the basics on this really unique and beautiful country so you can decide if it’s a place you’d like to visit!
Belize is unique in that it is simultaneously Caribbean and Central American. In case you aren’t quite sure, Belize is just south of the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico and just east of Guatemala. It’s the bright pink one on the map. While it’s obviously part of central America in terms of its location, it also shares a lot in common with Caribbean countries culturally and energetically. There’s a long coastline on the Caribbean Sea, and Belize was a British colony. In fact it’s still part of the Commonwealth.
Like many former British colonies in the Caribbean, the official language is English, but it isn’t always easy to understand because most people only speak English in school or in an official capacity. Most people here most often speak Kriol, and while it shares a lot of words with English, it’s its own language and has a pretty different grammatical structure. Also like much of the Caribbean, the vibe here is very laid back. Things get done on Belize time, and very little is rushed. Hurrying is rarely the order of the day, and almost everyone has a hammock for midday heat.
The Kriol people are the descendants of British colonizers and African slaves. There are also a large number of Latino people here in Belize, most of them having immigrated from Mexico, Guatemala or Honduras, though many have been here for many generations. We also have a sizable number of Garinagu. The Garifuna people are the descendants of indigenous Caribbeans and Africans who escaped from slavery after a slave ship sank near St Vincent. They were eventually forced from St Vincent by the British and now live mostly in coastal Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. We also still have some Maya, including a champion pok a tok team (the ancient Mayan ball game). The remainder of the population is largely East Indians and Mennonites, with a few immigrants from the US, Canada and Europe. This is truly a multicultural destination.
Our food reflects this wide variety of influences. For a country this size, we have a pretty fabulous food scene. Hopkins, in particular, has some really amazing restaurants, as well as street food. Here you can also learn how to cook traditional foods and even learn to make chocolate.
The biological diversity of Belize is equally impressive. In a country that is basically the size of the US state of Massachusetts, there are a wide variety of ecosystems from the mountain pine ridge to fully tropical jungle, savannah, mangrove coast, broadleaf forest, rich riparian areas, sandy beach and all the way to the coral reef and islands. And don’t forget the caves! Belize has a truly amazing number of both plant and animal species, and an incredibly high percentage of protected land.
We have such a wide variety of fun outdoor activities. If you like snorkeling, diving, fishing, hiking, tubing, kayaking, spelunking, swimming, SUP, rock climbing, birdwatching, or just beach bumming, Belize is your spot. You can also explore vast ancient Mayan sites and practice your drumming and dancing. You won’t be able to pack it all in, but you can always come back!
I’m glad to help you plan the best itinerary for you, your family, or your group. I’ll make sure you have a great place to stay and the best guides to share their knowledge of the most wonderful places!
