6 days ago
Why Belize is the ultimate holiday for unforgettable outdoor adventures
Most people know that the longest coral reef in the world is off the north east coast of Australia, but do you know where the second-longest can be found? The Belize Barrier Reef runs 190 miles through the Caribbean Sea, parallel to the beautiful coast of this little Central American country.
Mention Belize to any scuba diver and they will instantly think of the Great Blue Hole. This gigantic, perfectly round sinkhole has a diameter of 1,000ft and plunges down 400ft to a mysterious cave. Exploring the Great Blue Hole is a bucket-list experience for divers but much of its abundant marine life can be viewed by snorkelling novices too. Rich in marine life such as docile nurse sharks, green turtles and eagle rays as well as myriad colourful fish, the reef has a wealth of excellent snorkelling spots. You could even spot a manatee, the huge but gentle aquatic mammal that can weigh half a ton. Popping up through the reef are the Belize Cayes, a series of delightful islands that invite a relaxing stay beside a white-sand beach while providing easy access to those marine marvels.
Above sea level, much of Belize is smothered with dense jungle. This tangled foliage conceals an incredible display of wildlife, including one of the largest concentrations of jaguars in the world. These magnificent big cats are very elusive but you could spot one on a guided hike in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. If you don't spot a jaguar, there's plenty else to see such as toucans, howler monkeys, jaguarundi wild cats and at least 300 bird species. Rainforest hikes often lead to an exquisite waterfall and pool in which to take a refreshing dip. Popular choices are Big Rock Falls in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve – the waterfall 'massage' is revered – and the more remote Davis Falls in southeastern Belize, which drops about 500ft.
Also lurking in the jungle are several impressive cave systems, and enterprising local people have developed ways to help visitors explore them in an eco-friendly manner. You can climb into an inner tube to drift along the Caves Branch River as it winds in and out of eerie subterranean chambers. At Barton Creek Cave, you penetrate a mile inside a mountain on a canoe, wearing a headlamp while a guide explains how this underground world was sacred to the ancient Maya civilisation.
Indeed, one fabulous asset of Belize is the ease in which visitors can combine nature-based activities with a journey back in time to the country's numerous inspiring archaeological Maya sites such as Caracol. You can gaze in awe at a 1,500-year-old pyramid in the morning then trek to a waterfall in the afternoon – or try horseriding or ziplining if you prefer. On a holiday in Belize, you'll never run out of adventures. You could board a shaded pontoon for a river cruise, visiting several waterfalls, with birds and monkeys flitting amid the tropical trees, trek through the steep peaks and gorges of Mountain Pine Ridge or look for parrots and iguanas as you kayak along the Macal River. Back on the coast, join a boat trip to fish for bonefish and tarpon, or cherish the phenomenon of bioluminescence near the village of Hopkins.
Get the best out of a trip to this idyllic hotspot by taking advantage of the lower travel costs, including airlines and in-country hotels offering discounted rates for rooms and add-ons, which include meals and on-site activities. Visit during Green Season, which runs from June to November and you can truly recharge by enjoying uninterrupted access to the island's abundance of stunning natural wonders.
Whenever you choose to go, it's best to let the experts decide. Journey Latin America is the UK's leading 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 more than 40 years. With a longstanding team of travel experts – all of whom have lived, worked or travelled extensively throughout the area – Journey Latin America's staff pride themselves on being the most knowledgeable people in the industry when it comes to travel in Latin America.
Belizeans are very proud of their country and its blend of cultures and the steps they take to protect them have won international recognition. Belize is part of the Maya Forest Corridor that tries to ensure endangered jaguars can travel freely through Central America. Many visitors make a beeline for the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, where dedicated staff look after howler monkeys. Community tourism is encouraged too, with the Belize Tourism Board helping visitors to engage with the Afro-Indigenous Garifuna culture through activities such as language lessons, music and dance. Enriching and expressive, Belize offers a satisfying, multi-facetted Caribbean holiday amid pristine nature.
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.
