Belize Travel Guide on things to do, food, hotels, transportation, hotels, and much more! Plan your vacation with our Belize travel tips.
This has always been one of my favourite picnics spots in all of Belize. Even on the warmest days Mountain Pine Ridge is always refreshing and is one of those places that may seem like a bit of a drive, but once there you think, “That wasn’t far. Why don’t we come here more often?” About fifteen miles from San Ignacio, it’s on the sort of road you take your time driving on, but the views are so pretty you don’t mind.
“Honeymoons are such an important life event for couples that they’re willing to go that extra bit more to share something extraordinary, and more and more they’re discovering that Belize offers the same level of quality and service that more established destinations do, but at a lower cost.
When people think of Belize, the first things that usually come to mind are the world class dive sites, the pristine rainforests, the remnants of the vast Maya Empire dotting the landscape, and the warm friendly smiles of the Belizeans
Ms Fleming Bradley said the recently inaugurated direct flights from Maya Flats, near Chaa Creek, to Ambergris Caye makes it easier for Chaa Creek’s guests to attend the festivals this year. “You can have breakfast in the rainforest listening to parrots and toucans and then be dining on lobster next to the sparkling Caribbean that afternoon with one short plane ride in between. That makes Lobster Fest 2013 even more attractive,” she said.
Mr Choco recently said, “One of the issues guides constantly face is water. Visitors need constant supplies of fresh drinking water, but at the same time, plastic water bottles are becoming an environmental nightmare all around the world.
First of all, I’ve done the math, and I don’t think I’d save any money by holidaying up here. We did it the year before last, and after the gas, admissions to parks and other attractions, eating out and everything else, we spent a lot more than we’d budgeted for.
One of the things Chaa Creek prides itself on is providing an informal learning experience for our guests by stimulating interest in Belize’s fascinating history, natural environment and culture, and then providing the tools to follow up that interest. For example, guests can wander up to the Belize Natural History Centre (NHC) and get a glimpse into the local ecology, Maya culture, flora and wildlife at their own pace, and then feel free to ask our knowledgeable licenced naturalist guides questions.
In order to survive in the increasingly competitive tourism industry, even the most remote resorts must pay careful attention to their kitchens as travellers are placing greater emphasis on a quality dining experience, the food and beverage manager of a popular Belizean eco resort advises. Bryony Fleming Bradley, of The Lodge at Chaa Creek in western Belize, said that the days of adventurous travellers being satisfied with food that was simply hot and palatable are over. ”Some years back, our guests would always comment at how happily surprised they were with the quality of the food we served, as it usually exceeded their expectations of what would be found in such a pristine location.
The Belizean culture is unlike anything else on Earth. It’s a unique blending of many different influences, ranging from the Spanish Mestizos, to the German Mennonites, and the Ancient Maya. Today, aspects of these people live on in the nation of Belize and its folktales. Here are some of the land’s most compelling legends:
The Natural Child World article also highlights other hotels and tour operators in the US, Australia, Mexico and other locations that share a similar commitment to sustainability.
Chaa Creek naturalist guide and Natural History Centre assistant manager Brion Young said that several people had recently called his attention to an April 2013 article in Travel + Leisure magazine, and that this highlights the importance of celebrity endorsement of local conservation efforts.
It’s a country of freedom-seekers. The pirates came to ply their pirate trading out of view. The Mennonites came from Germany and the Netherlands so they could be Mennonites without anyone bothering them. The British came to do their banking in private. And the folks from the surrounding countries have made their way across Belize’s borders over the decades in search of safety.
Ambergris Caye hovers in a vacation sweet spot: just enough amenities to make it exciting, but not so overdeveloped that you’re tripping over flip-flopped tourists. A mangrove swamp is the eye of this white beach island, the largest in Belize, and golf carts are the main form of transportation along the sandy roads.
Drinking Coconut Water in Belize has its benefits! The term coconut can refer to the entire coconut palm, the seed, or fruit which botanically is … Read more
With the easterly breeze and the calm waters, conditions on Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are perfect for wind and kite surfing. There are schools on both islands offering lessons and rentals. For the serious surfers, it is possible to windsurf the 12 miles between Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye and back, although a pit stop is recommended!
With so many hotels around the world, sure, there are lots of choices to decide on. From the simplest hotel to the most luxurious and – the weirdest accommodation, travelers will never find it hard looking for a place to stay.
If you are looking for a holiday destination that is small and friendly, plan a trip to Belize. This beautiful country is often overlooked by those searching for a Caribbean paradise, but their loss is your gain because if you take a trip to Belize you will soon discover paradise on earth. And there is more than enough to keep you occupied 24 hours a day as you will see from the following list of the 25 things you can do on a Belize vacation.
Bryony Fleming Bradley, who manages the Hilltop Spa at Belize’s Chaa Creek eco resort, said that the March 16 2013 Huffington Post article confirms that the health benefits of a tranquil vacation are now well documented.
Yes, in the heady multicultural mix that is Belize, the Irish are well represented. From the early days of the Baymen and buccaneers, many of whom hailed from the Emerald Isles, to present day Belize, Celtic surnames and even the odd lilt of a brogue are common. Irish priests have always been an integral part of Belize’s religious and educational life, and the Royal Irish Rangers were stationed here for years.
Ms Fleming and her husband Mick moved to the tiny English speaking country over 30 years ago just as it was making the transition from the former crown colony of British Honduras to the modern, independent nation of Belize.
Often described as entries into the watery Maya underworld, caves were used by the Maya for religious purposes and they strongly believed that life and death occur at the liminal zones ( see anthropological definition of liminal below) between this world and the other world.
A new Fox News article highlighting Belize as one of the world’s best values for a spring break vacation featured Chaa Creek even before the Belizean eco resort announced significant spring discounts, marketing manager Larry Waight said today. “We think travellers will be very happy to hear that Chaa Creek was identified by Fox News as one of the world’s very best spring break value destinations, and they’ll be even happier to know that we’re offering 15% discounts off of all accommodation from April 7 to May 31 this year,” Mr Waight said. “What Fox news considered to be a great deal just got even better,” he added.
After two days of hiking, climbing and swimming, I was ready for a bit of a change of pace, so we headed to the eco jungle resort, Chaa Creek. At this 365 acre resort, you’ll have everything at your fingertips to customize your own jungle adventure. I had met someone from Chaa Creek a few years ago at a travel trade show and had been staring at their promotional disc for years, waiting for the day I’d get to Belize so I could stay there. After checking in to our private thatched cottage, we met with the concierge to organize the activities for the following day. Many are included in your stay, but a few such as horseback riding and canoeing carry a small surcharge.
Two of Belize’s most popular eco resorts have just announced a new springtime savings deal that sees, for the first time, an inland rainforest lodge and a Caribbean beach resort offer a joint discount on one combined Belize vacation package deal. Lucy Fleming, owner of the Lodge at Chaa Creek, made the announcement today February 20, 2013 that Chaa Creek and Chabil Mar Villas on Belize’s Placencia peninsula will be offering a 10% discount off a combined inland and Caribbean coast all-inclusive Belize vacation package for the entire month of May.
Here at Chaa Creek, the home of adventure romance, where Cupid cavorts with Ix Chel, the Maya goddess of love, we want to wish lovers all over the world a very happy and seductive Valentine’s Day.
The tiny Caribbean nation of Belize is part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, which stretches from Mexico through Central America and is home to a diverse range of birds and wildlife. Mr Choco said that this, combined with Chaa Creek’s own 365 acre private rainforest reserve, has created an unparalleled opportunity for birding. “We’re basically a protected region within a protected region, so it’s a great sanctuary for local and migratory birds, and that’s why we have such an abundance of wildlife here,” he said.
The natural beauty of Belize combined with its rich cultural heritage make a perfect magnet for Valentine’s lovers! Here are some fun places to explore in Belize this Valentine’s Season:
Protected rainforests, Maya ruins, Caribbean beaches and the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. Add English as the official language and the widely accepted U.S. dollar, and you can get a great vacation on easy mode in Belize.
“February and especially St Valentine’s Day has always been a big month for us here at Chaa Creek, and this year we’re offering even more special activities and tours aimed at giving couples a truly exceptional exotic getaway. Love will definitely be in the air all month long,” she said.
“ATM is a relative newcomer to Belize’s Maya attractions, but word of mouth has steadily increased interest in it in recent years,” Mr Waight said, “It’s certainly one of the most captivating things I’ve experienced anywhere, and without exception our guests return from excursions to the cave completely amazed. It’s an experience that’s difficult to put into words,” he said.