Why I fell in Love with Belize

A tiny country with an incredible amount to discover

Where exactly is Belize?

It’s a question I’ve been asked many times.

It is tucked away on the Caribbean coast of Central America, nestled between Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south and the sparking Caribbean Sea stretching all along it’s eastern border. It’s a small country – you can drive from the north to the south in a matter of hours. But what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in history, culture and adventure.

And somewhere along the way, I fell completely in love with it.

I’m not sure how or where it happened. It could have been the first time I stood among the ancient Maya temples, surrounded by jungle and listening to nothing but the birds chirping in the trees. Maybe it was when I was floating through a cave deep beneath the Belizean rainforest. Or perhaps it was sitting beside the Caribbean Sea, watching the most amazing sunset with a cold drink in my hand.

The truth is I think it was probably all of these things. Because that’s what makes Belize so special.

Jungle, Adventure and the Caribbean – all in one place

Belize is one of those rare destinations where you can experience an astonishing variety of history, culture and adventure without spending days travelling between them.

One minute you can be walking through dense, lush rainforest, surrounded by tropical birds, howler monkeys and ancient trees. The next, you can be standing in front of a Maya temple that has been there for over a thousand years. You can hike through the jungle, explore ancient Maya sites, go bird watching, swim in waterfalls, zip line through the forest or venture underground into spectacular caves.

And then there is the Caribbean.

Belize has hundreds of miles of coastline and is home to part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef. Just offshore are crystal-clear waters, coral reefs and an incredible array of marine life.

You can snorkel alongside colourful fish, rays and turtles, dive the reef take a boat out onto the Caribbean or simply find a quiet spot on the coast and do absolutely nothing.

But…….

If you’re the sort of traveller who gets bored lying by a pool or beach then Belize is also the place for you.

Adventure is everywhere.

There are caves to explore, rivers to swim and tube, jungle trails to discover and waterfalls to chase. You can soar through the rainforest on a zip line that ends in a cave, kayak along rivers, go tubing through underground caves or take a boat deep into the jungle in search of wildlife. There are experiences for all levels – from gentle nature walks and wildlife watching to more exhilarating activities for those who want their heart rate raised a little.  

Ancient Maya history around every corner

As a self-confessed history buff, one of the things that makes Belize particularly fascinating is its Maya heritage.

This isn’t history that only exists in a stuffy museum. It’s all around you. Deep in the jungle you can find extraordinary ancient Maya cities, temples and ceremonial sites. Places such as Xunantunich, Cahal Pech and Caracol offer a glimpse into a civilisation that flourished across this part of Central America for thousands of years.

Stopping at the top of an ancient temple, looking out across the jungle canopy, is an experience that is difficult to put into words.

And then there are the caves.

To the ancient Maya, caves weren’t just geological formations. They were sacred places, entrances to the underworld and important sites for rituals and ceremonies. Exploring them today gives you an extremely unique perspective on the people who lived here centuries ago.

Wildlife at every turn

Belize is also a dream destination for anyone who loves wildlife.

The country’s forests, rivers, reefs and coastline provide habitats for an incredible variety of animals and birds.

You might see a toucan high up in the trees, the unmistakable call of a howler monkey, which sounds like a dinosaur roar or simply catch sight of a crocodile sunbathing beside a river.

And that’s before you get into the marine life.

Belize’s waters are home to dolphins, manatees, turtles, rays and hundreds of species of tropical fish.

So, why Belize?

Because it offers a bit of everything.

Jungle, Caribbean beaches, Ancient Maya cities, Caves, Wildlife, Adventure, Culture, Food, History and the friendliest people. All packed into a small country small enough to explore without spending your entire holiday sitting in a car.

That’s what I love about Belize.

You can have an adventure in the morning, explore thousands of years of history in the afternoon and watch the sun disappear over the Caribbean Sea in the evening.

And tomorrow you can do something completely different.

That is the Belize I fell in love with.

And it’s the Belize I want you to discover.

Welcome to Belize Maya Heritage Tours

Belize Maya Heritage Tours was created in order to share these places and experiences with people who want to see more than just the obvious tourist attractions.

Whether you want to explore ancient Maya sites, disappear into the jungle, go cave tubing, zip line into a cave, discover Belizean wildlife or simply experience the country at a slower pace, there is so much to explore.

Your Belize adventure starts here