Belize holidays

Who is Belize best for?

As a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Belize's barrier reef has been a long-time favourite among avid divers and seasoned snorkellers, who head here to witness astonishing marine life. There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife encounters on land, and more recently the country has gained a reputation as an adventure destination, where thrill-seekers can get their fill of white-water rafting, ziplining, tubing and kayaking. Belize's many Mayan ruins cater to history buffs and culturally curious travellers, with active archaeological sites allowing visitors to learn about this ancient civilisation.

What you can find in Belize that you won't find anywhere else?

Formerly British Honduras, Belize is a country defined by various cultures, languages, and ethnic groups including descendants of the Mayans, whose civilisation dominated this region for centuries. Mayan links are evident in well-preserved remains such as Xunantunich, with its plazas and temples, and Caracol's 138ft tall Sky Palace Pyramid.

What is the best option for a Belize holiday?

Inland Belize is home to dense rainforests but also - bizarrely - pine forests more reminiscent of Europe than Central America. Here there are luxury lodges that are the perfect place for some luxury holiday downtime before or after the beach, or for anyone crossing over into Belize from Tikal in Guatemala (an excellent combination). And on the subject of Tikal, while none of the Mayan sites in Belize matches the imperious site in Guatemala, the likes of Cahal Pech are definitely worth a visit, as are the cave systems, such as at Actun Tunichil Muknal, which were often used as Mayan sacrificial sites. Spooky but spectacular.

And then there are the beaches and Cayes of the coast with excellent laidback lodges (with more popping up all the time) from which to explore the Lighthouse Reef System, the second longest reef system in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reef is also home to the Blue Hole, a perfectly circular sinkhole filled with countless species of marine life including angelfish, sponges, barracudas and different species of shark as well as impressive coral formations and extraordinary stalactites. The water temperature is a thoroughly civilised 76 degrees (or even warmer) as far down as 130 feet, making this a bucket list essential for divers. Closer to the surface, the Cayes and coastline are also home to the extraordinary and endangered manatee or sea cow.

Special Things to Do in Belize

Our Latin America team have stayed in all the best lodges throughout the country and work with the top guides for cultural and wildlife excursions. We only use the finest dive operators and can arrange dive trips to see whale sharks in this, one of the few places on the planet where marine biologists know when, why and where they congregate. The last Original Travel consultant to dive in Belize saw eight whale sharks on his solitary dive. Not a bad return.