As entry protocols to many countries begin to relax, Belize should be your first vacation destination. If you’re fully vaccinated, you can travel to Belize without a negative COVID-19 test. If you’re unvaccinated, you can still visit Belize by taking a negative PCR test. Belize also got rid of mask mandates in outdoor spaces and all curfew mandates so you can fully enjoy your vacation.
Belize is a small country on the coast of Central America, east of the Caribbean Sea. Belize may be small but it’s not lacking in adventure. You can explore the jungle and experience the majestic ancient Mayan ruins or you can scuba dive on the Belize Barrier Reef. If you want to explore a country full of culture, history, lush jungles and beautiful beaches, Belize is your go-to destination. Use the new app Karambol to plan an unforgettable, adventure filled trip to Belize!
Belize City
Most people start their holiday in Belize in the former capital and largest city, Belize City. Belize City is home to the largest airport and sea port in Belize. There are many historical and wildlife sites in Belize City that are a must see!
The karambol app recommends the Museum of Belize as one of the first things to do in Belize City. The Museum of Belize is located in the Fort George District and is a modern museum that provides an overview of the history of Belize. Hosted in a former prison, you can find fascinating artifacts such as jade pieces, preserved insects, and cultural exhibits. The Museum of Belize is a must if you want to learn more about the history of Belize.
If you want to actually experience the history of Belize City, Altun Ha is definitely worthwhile. Altun Ha is the ancient ruins of a Mayan city. Altun Ha was an important Mayan trading and agriculture town that existed from 200 BC to around 900 AD. The largest tempin in Altun Ha is the “Temple of the Masonry Altars” which stands 52 feet tall and is on the logo of the beer “Belikin”.
Another place worth seeing in Belize City is the Community Baboon Sanctuary. Confusingly called the baboon sanctuary, the preserve is actually the habitat of the black howler monkey. The sanctuary is home to not only the monkeys, but diverse plants and animal species that are native to the Belize River valley. Visiting the Community Baboon Sanctuary helps support research and the community.
Cayo
Karambol suggests Cayo as another must-see in Belize. As the largest district in Belize, Cayo is where the capital city, Belmopan, is located and is known as the cultural heart of Belize. Cayo is known for its amazing traditional Belizean dishes such as garnaches, salbutes, panades and black relleno. If you’re a foodie, Cayo is the place to be!
St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park is a fascinating site that contains two cave systems, St.Herman’s and Crystal cave and is also the location of the Inland Blue Hole. St. Herman’s Cave can be explored without a guide and is about a 20 minute walk through with giant stalactite and stalagmite formations that jut out from the walls of the cave. Crystal cave can only be visited with a guide and is a fun physical challenge for those who love to explore caves. If you get to the end of the cave you will experience glittering crystal formations and ancient Mayan relics. The Inland Blue Hole is a sapphire-colored sinkhole that is surrounded by limestone rock walls and jungle vegetation. This sinkhole is a fun spot to go swimming or tubing and is only around 25 feet deep.
Another astounding Mayan ruin is the Xunantunich ruins. Xunantunich means “Maiden of the Rock” and is named after a local legend of the ghost of a Mayan woman with fire-red eyes. There are three ceremonial plazas surrounded by palaces, pyramids and residential mounds. The most prominent ruin is El Castillo “The Castle”, which is covered in stunning stucco friezes and is the second tallest structure in Belize. A knowledgeable tour guide would be an asset at Xunantunich to explain the ruins and show you all the sights.
If you’re interested in wildlife and animals, Chaa Creek Natural History Museum & Butterfly Farm, and the Green Iguana Conservation Project in Cayo are unmissable. Take a leisurely hike up tree-covered hillsides above the Macal River to reach The Lodge at Chaa Creek where the museum is found.This nature museum has majestic displays of native Belize flora and fauna and the butterfly farm with eye-catching iridescent blue butterflies. The San Ignacio Resort Hotel houses the Green Iguana Conservation project which collects and hatches iguana eggs and raises the reptiles which visitors are allowed to stroke and handle. The San Ignacio Resort Hotel also offers luxury rooms surrounded by picturesque tropical wildlife if you need accommodation while visiting San Ignacio.
Cayes of Belize
A caye is a sandy, low-elevation island that forms on top of coral reefs and Belize has over 200 of them! Belize has the second largest Barrier Reef with unique reef species and hundreds of tropical fish species. Karambol recommends the Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker as a must visit, and is a favorite for travelers.
Ambergris Caye is the largest caye in Belize stretching about 25 miles long and is a popular destination for good reason. Ambergris Caye is just less than one mile west of Belize Barrier Reef and is a top spot for sailing, snorkeling, diving, and fishing. If you want to see the unique barrier reefs and swim with diverse marine life, head to Hol Chan Marine Reserve. It’s situated at the southern tip of Ambergris and means “Little Channel”. It has great diving and snorkeling sites and wondrous coral formations. For more snorkeling and dive spots in Ambergris Caye, make sure to visit Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Canyons!
Caye Caulker is a tiny, laid-back island just a few miles off the coast of Belize City. Caye Caulker is a popular stop for people looking to relax, with Caye Caulker’s motto being “Go Slow”. There are no cars on this five mile long island, most people ride a golf cart or bicycle wherever they need to go. If you want a lazy day after traveling all over Belize, head to the Split, which is a narrow channel that splits Caye Caulker into two. The Split has clean, deep waters and is great for a relaxing swim. Near the Split is Northside Beach Club, previously known as Koko King. It is a fun beach party with a fully stocked bar and activities such as paddleboarding and self-guided kayaking. Northside Beach Club is a great place to hang out and meet other travelers.
If you want to travel as the COVID-19 restrictions ease, now is the perfect time. Use the Karambol app to plan a fun, action-packed vacation to Belize. Travel through beautiful Belize cities and make sure to visit the Belize Barrier reef and the many Mayan ruins on your trip! The karambol app will make an itinerary for you so you don’t miss out on all the best places to visit for an unforgettable vacation.