Why a holiday in historic Belize belongs on your bucket list

Telegraph

2 days ago

Stand before the 130ft-high pyramid of El Castillo at Xunantunich, overlooking the Mopan River, with its extraordinary carved frieze, and you'll feel powerful echoes of an ancient Maya civilisation that thrived for centuries. It is just one of hundreds of evocative monuments built by the Maya in Belize, a Central American country that packs an astonishing variety of history and nature into its diminutive borders.
Caana is another structure that commands a visit – a gigantic pyramid encompassing several temples and palaces that is the centrepiece of Caracol, which was once a huge city of 140,000 inhabitants. Nestled in the lush jungle, these and other impressively well-preserved gems have the advantage of not being overrun by visitors.
Many settlements were lost under foliage over the centuries after the Maya reign but have been carefully unearthed by archaeologists who have maintained the monuments' special relationship with the wild landscapes. Nearby visitor centres explain the purposes of the key buildings and reveal their remarkable prowess in astronomy, mathematics and art.
Belize is barely larger than Wales, so you're never far from an inspiring historical site, making it easy to combine an investigation of the country's deep history with an exotic wildlife experience or a thrilling Indiana Jones-style adventure. At the very least, a visit to any of these sites will be accompanied by the sights and sounds of colourful birds and possibly monkeys too.
The vast Hokeb Ha (Blue Creek) Cave, which can only be accessed by swimming through its crystal waters, is close to Lubaantun Archaeological Park, known for its unique slate buildings that were constructed with equally unique methods, with no mortar used. Artefacts from sacred ceremonies have been found inside the cave and, if that isn't enough, one of Belize's glittering waterfalls is also close by.
Insights into the secrets of the Maya have also been revealed through the vast array of tools, vessels and weapons – along with skeletons – found in Belize's best-known underground complex, the ATM Caves, which were only rediscovered in 1989. Far from disappearing completely, the Maya civilisation has endured: its descendants are very much alive today, and their influence can be found in the vibrant melting-pot that is modern Belize.
As well as Maya, there are several other key cultures. Mestizos are the people of Maya-Spanish heritage, resulting from the country's colonial days. Garifuna people can trace their roots to Carib, Arawak and West African ancestors. More familiar will be Creole, where the European-African spirit infuses food, art and music. Of course, to really get to know a place's culture you have to dine there, and the cuisine of Belize perfectly reflects the amalgam of people living there: Maya, African, Spanish and Caribbean flavours have all left their mark.
Rice and beans is the staple dish that's served everywhere but there are plenty of others that warrant a try. Look out for crispy conch fritters, just one example from the bountiful Caribbean Sea, and garnaches, which are fried tortillas topped with beans, cabbage, salsa and cheese. Then there's pibil – tender, slow-roasted pork. Don't be surprised to see meat pies at breakfast, and evening meals can be washed down with the local Belikin beer.
To enjoy a blissful, authentic getaway to Belize that takes advantage of lower travel costs, visit during Green Season, which runs from June to November. With fewer tourists present, you have greater freedom to explore the country's countless natural and historic treasures. It's also worth trying to coincide your visit with one of the many festivals. These can be high-energy carnivals, with elaborate costumes and drumming (held in September), or more quirky events such as the Monkey River Festival (which happens in May), featuring traditional games and dancing. There are also fiestas to celebrate chocolate, cashews, mangos and lobsters.
To make the most of a holiday in Belize it's best to book with a company that knows the country inside out. Journey Latin America is the UK's top specialist in travel to Latin America. Founded in 1980 this specialist tour operator has been creating award-winning tailor-made holidays and leading small, escorted group tours to every corner of the region for over 40 years. With a longstanding team of travel experts – all of whom have lived, worked or travelled extensively throughout the area – its staff pride themselves on being the most knowledgeable people in the industry when it comes to travel in Latin America.
A 12-day Signature Belize Tour with Journey Latin America costs from £3,550 per person. This includes transfers, domestic flights, excursions and good-quality hotels on a bed and breakfast basis.