Back in the early 1990’s not many people had heard of Belize, unless you were an avid scuba diver exploring the Barrier Reef and the Blue Hole.
Working on cruise ships throughout Central America, I began to develop a deep love for the Mayan culture and its people, so weekly visits to Belize would allow me to research the country’s strong Mayan influence and architecture. There are close to 30 additional Mayan ruin sites in the country, such as Caracol, Lamanai, Cerros and Xunantunich but the most visited archaeological site is Altun Ha. For more information about the Mayan Ruins in Belize, check out the website of Belize’s National Institute of Culture and History (NICH).
In addition to my fascination with the Mayans, I am also an animal lover and the wildlife in Central America is spectacular. It is not surprising that Jaguars make their home in this beautiful country and even less surprising that these animals were once hunted to the brink of extinction. To learn more about the Belizean Jaguars, you can visit the Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and Preserve, where there are approximately 200 of these amazing felines. Unfortunately, the chance of a visitor seeing one in the preserve is 17,000 to 1. Other animals protected in the sanctuary include the armadillo, the scarlet macaw, the keel-billed toucan, the Baird’s tapir and various species of monkeys.
With a diverse population comes a wide variety of options when it comes to cuisine. Of course there are the foods that are influenced by Belize’s neighboring Central American countries, but there are also dishes that have a more “Jamaican/Anglo-Caribbean” influence. And if this does not suit you, there are also a number of fast-food restaurants from which to choose as well.
Today Belize continues to draw divers to its fascinating underwater world and the area has become a port for major cruise lines, so things have drastically changed in many ways. But this does not seem to change the hospitality of the local Belizeans and their generous disposition. So take a moment to immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of Belize and you will be pleasantly rewarded.
Fun Facts About Belize
• It is the only country in Central America where the official language is English.
• Its population in 2014 was 340,844 & continues to grow annually at approximately 2%
• It has the lowest population density in Central America
• It is considered both Central American and Caribbean
• It was previously named British Honduras until its name changed in 1973
Is Belize on your bucket list or have you already had the opportunity to visit this amazing country? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for going down memory lane as I share my experience of visiting Belize and Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Altun Ha Mayan Ruins: I would suggest contacting a local tour guide for this trip who will provide transportation as well as a guide to walk you through the site.
Belize Exotic Adventures or Belize Fun Tours
Where to Stay:
Chateau de Pradines
Rock, Stone Pond, Belize
Telephone: 501 623 8656
Where to Eat:
Mayan Crystal Skull Mampi Diner
Rock Stone Pond, Belize
Telephone: 501 600 344
What to Eat:
- Ceviche is a seafood dish made from raw fish cooked by the use of citrus juice.
- Papusas are a popular street food also known as stuffed corn pancakes. Usually comes with hot sauce and a side of coleslaw.
- Tamales are a traditional Mayan food and wrapped in plantain leaves instead of corn husks
- Rice and Beans: made in coconut milk and pinto beans
- Conch Fritters: Conch is a staple in Belize and this is their most popular appetizer
- Chimole is a Creole stew made from local spices such as garlic, cumin and oregano.
- Seafood which includes white fish, shrimp and lobster
What to Read:
- Ping Wing Juk Mo, by various writers
- Maya Cities and Sacred Caves: A Guide to the Maya Sites in Belize, by Dr. Jaime Awe
- Tropical Nature by Adrian Forsyth
- Maya Art and Architecture by Mary Ellen Miller
Photo Guide for Belize:
- Baron Bliss Lighthouse is located at the mouth of Haulover Creek in Belize City
- Barrier Reef
- Beaches
- Belize and Orange Walk Clock Tower
- Belize Sign
- Corozal Bay and its teal waters
- Hawkesworth Bridge in San Ignacio
- Hummingbird Highway connects Western Belize and the South
- Mayan Temples
- Mountain Pine Ridge which is the home to 1000 foot falls, Rio On Pools, Big Rock Falls, and Caracol
- San Ignacio Murals‘ colorful artwork
- Tropic Air flights for amazing views of Belize’s Barrier Reef.
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