Some of us may still be perfecting our New Year’s Resolution well into January (no judgment here), but it’s never too early to think about Spring Break. March in Belize spells gusty festive-filled winds, carefree attitudes, and anticipation for what the rest of the year will bring. This makes for an ideal short-haul vacation to make the most out of the transitional months. Spring Break may have been dominated by beach-bumming destinations like Cancun or Florida in past years, but things have changed. Savvy travelers crave experiences off-the-beaten-path, and that includes where they decide to spend their much-deserved two-week break. A refined Spring getaway with encounters beyond the beaches awaits in fun-filled Belize; the Adventure Capital of the Latin Caribbean.
If you want some adventure: Western Belize
There’s no shortage of thrill-seeking adventures in Belize. Head to Belize’s Cayo District, the exploration epicenter of this pocket-sized country. From ziplining through jungle canopies, your feet kissing the treetops to caving within dark walls, fingers skimming ancient Mayan pottery. By making Chaa Creek your base, your adrenalin-filled trip will be curated with ease. The dense rainforest clings to the property’s edge, the Macal River filled with eclectic wildlife snakes away through our backyard.
Split a day between learning about Nature’s pharmacology while hiking along the Rainforest Medicine Trail and cave tubing at Caves Branch. Venturing into deep crevices with only a headlamp as your guide may not be the first image of Spring Break one may think of, but it’s bound to be memorable. Whether you’re in high school, college, or have racked up enough PTO, Western Belize satiates the adrenaline junkie in everyone.
If you’re curious about culture: San Ignacio & beyond
No longer do sipping and suntanning cut it to create a fulfilling Spring Break trip. Globetrotters seek deeper connections in their travels, and nothing’s as profound as connecting with people. Belize is home to a prismatic population that makes it easy to fall in love with those different from us. Mayas, Mestizos, Garifuna, Mennonites, Chinese, and more – all who add vibrant threads to the multicolored tapestry that is Belize. When planning a Belize Spring Break itinerary, be sure to add one or two cultural experiences to your roster. It’s time to discard the Instagrammable guidebook and search for meaning within authentic tortilla making, or spiritual Mayan cleansing.
For a true representation of this, visit San Ignacio Town, which acts as a cultural hub to the country. Just a short ride away from Chaa Creek, San Ignacio is teeming with rich culture. Try a chocolate-making class and learn the way Mayas used to create the delicious treat. For a more rustic approach, head to nearby San Antonio Village and learn how to make corn tortillas from scratch. You could even merely sit at the San Ignacio Market on a Saturday and listen to the stories of the vendors as they sell produce, art, and home decor.
If you’re all about food: The Lodge at Chaa Creek
They say Belize is where foodies are born, and every word of it is true. It’s hard not to accept the conversion when there are delectable fry jacks, spice-ridden hudut, and the ubiquitous fresh ceviche. The Belize food scene is a smorgasbord of cultural recipes, all bound to enrich an already eye-opening Spring Break vacation. And you needn’t go far, either. Chaa Creek’s new Open Hearth cultural culinary course offers an exceptional hands-on experience for the inquisitive epicurean adventurer. Offered daily recognizing our five distinct cultures.
Each day is dedicated to a specific culture. As if it’s not enough to merely indulge in the dishes, you also learn how to make them yourself. You get to literally taste the fruit of your labor. Master the chicken salbutes on Mestizo Mondays, or perhaps the discovery of bollitos will come more naturally to you on Maya Fridays. To venture even further than the table, visit Chaa Creek’s very own organic garden on the property.
If you (still) want the beach for Spring Break: Hopkins or Placencia
Still longing for some beach-bumming? Luckily, Belize is not lacking on that front. But instead of heading to the Spring Break magnets of Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye, flip the script. Drive (or fly) down to Belize’s southeast coast. The sleepy fishing village of Hopkins is slowly rousing to its potential. More travelers opt to stay at this coast-hugging destination than its flashier neighbor of Placencia.
Still, no matter which destination you choose the scenic sea views and pastel-hued horizons at dusk and dawn are ravishing. Ivory-colored sand glitters beneath the Belize sun, creating the optimal Shangri-La-esque setting for you to lounge upon. Prop open a book or sip on tropical cocktails as you wait for the March sun to set. After all, some might argue is it even Spring Break if you aren’t tanning beneath palm trees in sunny Belize?
Insider Tip:
Check out the Swimming Suit & Hiking Boots Beach & Jungle combination package; A 7 night all-inclusive Belize vacation package combining a true rainforest and Maya culture experience with the very best of the Belizean Caribbean Coast. This special Belize holiday package partners Chaa Creek with one of the finest Placencia Resorts.
While Spring Break has become synonymous with beach destinations across the world, there’s no reason not to get off the beaten track when in Belize. In fact, the country’s modest size can lead you to experience the best of both worlds on your short trip. To help you get started, Chaa Creek is more than happy to help you plan a safe and enjoyable Spring Break in Belize the likes you’re not soon to forget.