Today, we will explore the beauty and wonders of Belize, a Hidden Gem in Central America. Belize is located in Central America and is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and the South. Did you know that the Travel and tourism industry revenue in Belize is expected to increase by 2.1 million USD between 2024 and 2028? With this growth in Belize’s tourism sector, we can say that Belize is becoming a preferred choice among tourists. Before visiting Belize, you may think “What’s so special about Belize?”

Well, there can not be a single answer to this question. Because the country offers a lot of things to its visitors. There are a lot of special things that you can explore in this beautiful country. Belize is famous for its incredible biodiversity, dynamic culture, adventurous activities, and delicious dishes. It is home to pristine beaches and you can also visit the second-largest Reef system in the world, the Great Blue Hole, and other many more natural wonders.

You’ll also find warm and welcoming Belizean people who come from really diverse backgrounds creating a vibrant Melting Pot of cultures. The official language of Belize is English. The local currency is the Belizean Dollar but US dollars are also widely accepted. The current exchange rate is two Belizean dollars to one US dollar. Belize has a very tropical climate so pack lightweight and breathable clothing along with sun protection. You are also recommended to drink bottled water to avoid dehydration. In this blog, we will explore the most special attraction in Belize.

Amazing Destinations

You will find the most colorful and diverse places in Belize. Most of the tourists are attracted to Belize for its beautiful tourist attractions. There are a lot of tourist attractions in Belize which invite visitors from all over the world. Let us explore the most amazing destinations in Belize:

Ancient ruins of Xunantunich: Xunantunich is about a two-hour drive from the airport. It’s one of the most impressive and easily accessible ruins in Belize. The entry fee is about $10. Once you reach there, you can hike on the pyramid which is over a few hundred feet high. When you reach the top of the pyramid, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding area. 

Big Rock Falls: It’s about an hour’s drive from the town of San Ignacio. Make sure you have a four-wheel drive car to get there. It’s gonna be driving on bumpy dirt roads. It is a massive waterfall in the middle of the Jungle. The weather is mostly hot and humid in Belize, so you can enjoy swimming in the water. You can safely jump from the ledges into the water to make it more adventurous. But before you jump into the water, make sure that it is deep enough so that there won’t be any injury. You can also simply enjoy relaxing on the top of the waterfall in the fresh and cool water. When you visit Belize, you should visit Big Rock Falls and enjoy your time with your family or friends.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve: If you love snorkeling and swimming, then you should visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve. You will need a tour guide to go there and it will cost you around $30 – $40 per person. It is about a 30-minute boat ride away from San Pedro. Once you reach Hol Marine Reserve, you can start enjoying your water activities. The water is crystal clear here. You can see fish, turtles, stingrays, and other marine species. You can swim in the clear water of Hol Chan Marine Reserve with these beautiful marine creatures. It is a wonderful experience in Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

The Great Blue Hole: This Great Blue Hole is famous all over the world. This is the most preferred destination of each tourist visiting Belize. It is located near the Lighthouse Reef Atoll in the middle of the ocean. This giant blue hole is over 400 feet deep and 1000 feet wide. Scuba divers and snorkelers have been cruising the surface waters for decades, but few have dared to venture deeper and explore what lies beyond the blackness. You can reach here by boat or you can even take the plane which will cost you around $250. 

The Secret Beach: The Secret Beach is a wonderful tourist attraction in Belize. It is located near San Pedro. Golf carts are the most common means of transportation there. Secret Beach is approximately 4-5 miles away from San Pedro. Though its name is Secret Beach, it is not so secret anymore. It has become a famous tourist destination, you can find a lot of tourists enjoying it here. There is a cool sign “Secret Beach”, you can take photos there to save these memories forever. There are many restaurants, and some of them have tables and chairs placed out in the water to make visitors’ experience more exciting. In most of the restaurants, the chairs and umbrellas are complementary. You can enjoy a lot of things like bars, water sports, music, massages, food and drinks.  

Famous Belizean Cuisines

Belize offers flavourful cuisine to its visitors. Traditional Belizean cuisines are a blend of multiple cultures. Let us explore the most famous dishes in Belize.

Hudut with Fish and Sere: This dish is one of the most famous Belizean dishes. What makes it more delicious is its flavor consisting of fresh fried fish, tasty coconut milk, plantains, and cassava. This popular traditional dish comes from the Garifuna culture. The fresh coconut milk soup served like sauce adds even more taste to this dish and it is served with fu-fu which adds a lot of taste to it. The fu-fu is made up of green and ripe mashed plantains. 

Black Dinna: it is a healthy dish that is similar to Chimoli. It is a soup with black color and it comes from Mayan and Mestizo cultures. It is prepared with onions, chopped chicken, sweet pepper, garlic, tomatoes, oregano, and fiery habanero peppers. This dish also has boiled eggs in it. The black color of this dish is due to the black ricotta which is cooked with burnt tortillas. This is not only a healthy food option but also a tasty one. 

Tamales: it is a must-try food when you visit this country. This dish comes from the Maya tradition. It is also one of the most famous, delicious and rich Belizean dishes you can ever try. It is prepared with chicken and tomato-based sauce which is quite juicy and covered by a mass of a corn-based dough cloaked in plantain or banana leaves. This dish has a very unique taste and smell. Tamales is loved nationwide.

Stewed Chicken with Rice and Beans: This dish is famous all over Belize and it is one of the most delicious combinations ever. This dish has chicken simmered and stewed in gravy all together with rice prepared in beans and fresh coconut milk. They add a side of potato salad, coleslaw, and slices of fried plantain. When you visit Belize, you should try this dish. 

These are not the only dishes that you can enjoy in Belize, there are a lot of delicious dishes waiting for you. When you visit this beautiful country, you can try street food, other traditional dishes, desserts, and drinks. Belize offers a variety of food to satisfy your taste buds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Belize is a beautiful destination that offers an abundance of natural beauty, a rich history, and a diverse culture, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation alike. From exploring ancient ruins and swimming in crystal-clear waters to enjoying delicious Belizean cuisine, there’s something for everyone. The warm hospitality of the Belizean people further enhances the experience, ensuring your visit is memorable. Whether you want to dive into the depths of the Great Blue Hole or relax at Secret Beach, Belize promises a unique and memorable experience.