Looking for reasons to visit Belize in 2022? Here goes just a couple – 22 reasons to be specific. Get up close and personal with wildlife. It’s no secret Belize is teeming with unimaginable wildlife. Most of the time you get to see them in their natural element if you’re lucky. But you can still have a one-on-one interaction with some of Belize’s most exotic animals. Take the Blue Morpho Butterfly Center at Chaa Creek, for instance. Here, you learn about the beautifully vibrant butterfly while having them perched on your shoulder. There is also the Belize Zoo, which is conveniently located on the way to Chaa Creek from the airport. Say hello to jaguars, ocelots, scarlet macaws, and more when visiting the world’s Best Little Zoo.
Dive The Wit
In late 2021, the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association sunk the Witconcrete, a 375-foot ship, off the coast of Blackbird Caye. This created Belize’s first-ever intentional wreck dive site. Created as a way to relieve the impact on coral reefs, the Wit hopes to attract diverse marine life as well as enthused divers. 2022 is the year you get to dive the region’s largest wreck diving site!
Explore On Horseback
There are many ways to get around in Belize and one of the most fun – and perhaps most eco-friendly – is on horseback. Horseback riding in Belize continues to be a way to commute for many Belizeans. It’s also a fun and peaceful way to cover the ground of nature reserves, including Chaa Creek’s own 400-acre reserve.
Embrace Mindfulness
Speaking of nature, the surrounding greenery in Belize is a catalyst for one’s mental well-being. Forest bathe in the Mountain Pine Ridge region or meditate in front of the infinity pool. Get rid of distractions when walking our medicinal trail or opt for a much-needed massage at our Hilltop Spa.
Appreciate the cultures
Belize is home to a multitude of cultures that have shaped the traditions and way of life of fellow Belizeans. Now more than ever your trip should include some aspect of cultural immersion. For your 2022 itinerary, book a Garifuna cultural experience or visit the thriving Maya village in Southern Belize.
Diversify Your Palate
On that note, keep the diversity train going by trying out new dishes you normally wouldn’t. One of the best ways to enjoy a new cuisine is by learning how to make it yourself. Chaa Creek’s Open Hearth Hands-On Culinary experience was made for this exact reason. Learn the history of the Mestizo by perfecting salbutes. Or let the Creole dish of ceviche become your new go-to appetizer.
Go Caving
Vast cave systems snake below Belize’s surface, many of which attract knowledgeable archaeologists around the globe. About two hours away from the Lodge lies one of the most sacred caves in the world, Actun Tunichil Muknal. Venture inside its dark depths to discover Mayan pottery and artifacts, and even skeletal remains!
Soar Through The Jungle
The closest experience to Superman that you’ll ever face is ziplining through Belize’s jungles. Strap on a harness, let your guide secure you on the wire, and fling yourself in the air with the rainforest canopy serving as a cocoon. There’s no freer feeling when in Belize.
Step Back In Time
Setting foot on the expansive plazas at each Maya site in Belize will hurtle you back in time. Visit Xunantunich, just a few minutes away from San Ignacio, and experience the teleportation yourself. Or make the trek out to Caracol in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. This is a day trip you can easily arrange with our friends at Chaa Creek.
Befriend A Shark
If you prefer to stick to beaches and oceans, you can’t miss the traveler-favorite Shark Ray Alley off the coast of Ambergris Caye. The reserve contains nurse sharks, stingrays, and giant sea turtles welcoming you for a swim. Dive in and see the gentle creatures up close, yet distant enough that you aren’t crowding their home.
Become A Birder
With more than 500 species of birds, Belize continues to be hailed as a birder’s paradise. If you’d like a taste of the birding life, book a birdwatching experience during your stay at our lodge. Learn the chirps of keel-billed toucans early in the morning or the calls of the blue jays flitting from tree to tree.
Shop Like A Belizean
The lack of large chain restaurants in Belize means each meal means a little more. Especially when it includes shopping for local ingredients. Spend a Saturday morning at the San Ignacio market and browse for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Or you can also purchase one-of-a-kind handmade souvenirs for your friends back home.
Change A Life
Traveling to Belize on its own is life-changing. But what if you could change a life while on your trip in turn? When heading to Belize, we encourage you to participate in our Pack-A-Pound program and bring in supplies to gift to our community. Whether they are school stationery or clinic essentials, your generosity is bound to be received with gratitude.
Learn A New Skill
Try on your jack-of-all-trades hat and pick up some new skills while in Belize. You have your choice of pottery-making, chocolate making, the art of jippi jappa basket weaving, or even Garifuna Drumming! And who’s to say you can’t try them all?
Chase Waterfalls
Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge Region and Southeast Coast are overflowing with waterfalls. While on your trip to Caracol, stop by the massive Thousand-Foot-Falls and admire the valley view. Feeling ambitious? Hike down – and back up – the towering Big Rock Falls.
Rekindle Your Romance
The Central American Country has been on enough honeymoon destination wishlists, and with good reason. Plan a romantic picnic atop a valley or beachside by the Caribbean Sea. Or go the extra mile and book Chaa Creek’s luxurious Ixchel Villa for a truly romantic getaway.
Plan A Buddy Moon
Let’s not forget the ones who have been with us through every up and down. Your squad of friends also deserves all the love, so go ahead and plan the perfect “buddy moon” for 2022. A catch-up was much needed anyway, so why not have it while river tubing down the Macal River? Or bonding over furry critters on our Creatures of the Night experience?
Or Even A Babymoon
More parents-to-be are looking for ways to spend their last “hurrah” before their little bundle of joy arrives. Use the last few months of your or your partner’s pregnancy to cross things off your Belize bucket list. Like visiting nearby Cahal Pech or finally experiencing drifting down the Vaca Lake on a pontoon.
Visit The Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is Belize’s pride and joy, and a frequent contender on many folks’ bucket lists. You can either dive the 407-deep cenote or see the cobalt-colored marvel from above via a 6-seater Cessna. Either way, the ordeal will be astounding.
Hike To The Top
More than half of Belize’s land is carpeted with lush greenery. The foliage provides ample hiking trails the avid outdoorsman would be thrilled to explore. In 2022, take the challenge of hiking Victoria Peak, Belize’s second-highest point. The 2-day journey is arduous, so it’s not for the faint of heart. If you’d like to start off slow, Chaa Creek offers hiking and medicinal trails all around the property.
Canoe To Your Heart’s Content
Did you know our lodge has the meandering Macal River flowing right next to it? Grab a paddle, a partner, and hop on a canoe right at the river bank. You can either explore the surrounding nature or paddle all the way to San Ignacio Town. An admirable feat that takes about two hours.
The Art Of Doing Nothing
All this to say, you can choose to literally do nothing on your vacation. It’s YOUR vacation, after all! And Belize is the ideal base for those wanting to just kick back and relax. No activities, no chock-full itineraries. Whether that’s lounging on your private deck, or suntanning near our infinity pool, there’s no judgment here.
Twenty Twenty-two may seem like a lot at first, but there are a plethora of experiences waiting for you in Belize. And these are just the beginning. To truly get the most out of your vacation, Chaa Creek’s Winter Warmer Early Bird offer lets you save a whopping 20% off your stay from January 12th to February 4th. You’ll do many of the activities on the above list knowing you’re getting a bang for your buck.