From the beach to the rainforest, Belize is a breath of fresh air

When Alaska Airlines introduced a direct flight from Seattle to Belize City’s Goldson Intercontinental Airport in November, I jumped at the option to be on the inaugural flight. The immediate flight from Seattle is seasonal, mirroring substantial time in the Central American country of Belize, usually regarded November by means of April — the ideal time to trade Seattle’s clouds and rain for some warm temperature and sunshine.

But there are advantages to checking out Belize in the summer season, even if it suggests changing planes in Los Angeles. Resorts are much more economical and there are fewer crowds, and daytime temperatures regular in the mid-80s. (Do not forget about to pack sunscreen!)

Outside of its wonderful Caribbean seashores and water pursuits, Belize has a wealthy lifestyle and history. Belize’s official language is English, so it’s straightforward for visitors to talk and get around, and dining places and outlets are incredibly affordable even in the course of higher year.

If you’re hunting for a sunny Caribbean getaway that blends snorkeling with sharks and checking out historical Mayan ruins, glance no further more than Belize. Here’s what you must know.

Having there

Until immediate flights from Seattle and Los Angeles launched past November, receiving to Belize from Seattle was an ordeal that frequently included various connections. Although the immediate flight from Seattle to Belize Town is seasonal, Alaska, United Airways and American Airlines still offer you immediate, 12 months-round flights from Los Angeles, so it is an uncomplicated layover.

Cayo: In which to continue to be

Immediately after landing in Belize Metropolis, start by heading to Cayo, a district in western Belize identified for its parks, ecological reserves and archaeological internet sites. The push is approximately 90 minutes. You can either prepare a automobile rental or use a auto support. I’m not a admirer of driving, so I opted to use Yute Expeditions for transportation from the airport to the Cayo District. A profit of Yute Expeditions: You can use their services through your remain in Cayo.

The drivers are prompt, welcoming and keen to share their understanding and insider suggestions so you can make the most of your time in the spot.

Positioned in the forest of Belize, Ka’ana Resort provides a blend of suites and non-public villas. Ka’ana generally has a selection of specials and package deals, which can be discovered at kaanabelize.com.

For a working day of peace, remain on-site and book a spa appointment, acquire a yoga class or relax in the pool overlooking the jungle. Be absolutely sure to look at out Ka’ana’s Natural Garden, too. Cooks at the resort’s on-internet site cafe, La Ceiba, use clean ingredients to prepare scrumptious Belizean fare.

What to do

A working day lounging poolside and having fun with a spa appointment is absolutely pleasing, and it’s the perfect way to recharge after a working day of travel.

But by Day 2, you will want to investigate Cayo, which has so significantly to supply. A ought to-see place is Xunantunich Maya Web page I’d propose a tour for the reason that the guides have so a lot awareness.

Xunantunich is found in the Belizean rainforest, exactly where a guide leads you on a journey through plazas, palaces and temples close to the 1,400-12 months-old settlement. A highlight is the historical ball court docket, exactly where warriors battled it out in a superior-stakes atmosphere — both equally victors and losers were at threat of shedding their heads (pretty much). As you consider in the magnificence of the ancient ruins, your guideline will tell you all about the tradition and beliefs of the Mayan persons. Upon reaching the major, you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic see of the ruins towards the backdrop of the encompassing mountains.

If you are remaining at Ka’ana, your transportation and pro guidebook can be booked straight as a result of the vacation resort. I opted to get to Xunantunich by automobile for the three-hour tour, but there is a different guided tour choice that provides you to the site on horseback. This can also be booked via Ka’ana.

Just after a morning of checking out Xunantunich, you are going to operate up quite an appetite. Our driver shared his favored nearby spot for lunch: Benny’s Kitchen area. This everyday, open-air cafe serves up inexpensive, genuine Mayan dishes — and it is one of the greatest meals you will have in Belize. 

A different fantastic action is a horseback riding tour at San Lorenzo Farms. A guide potential customers the way at a leisurely rate so you can admire the agriculture, vegetation and gardens, as nicely as the tropical birds and monkeys that phone the farm household.

San Pedro: Exactly where to continue to be

Discovering the history and rainforests of Belize is not to be missed, but when you’re in a coastal place, you will without doubt be keen to appreciate some seaside time and drinking water things to do. San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is the fantastic position.

From Cayo, head again to Goldson International Airport for a puddle jumper flight on Tropic Air to San Pedro.

Verify-in is just 30 minutes just before departure and the flight time is a grand whole of 15 minutes. Conveniently, the aircraft lands just 20 minutes from numerous seaside inns and resorts. Renting a auto is an option, but examine with your hotel, because a lot of give transportation from the airport. A driver from Victoria Dwelling Resort & Spa was waiting around for us when we landed, and this resort is a real treat.

Victoria Property is right on the Caribbean Sea. Simply because we’d be being there for the remainder of our excursion, one particular of the initially issues we did was routine our coronavirus assessments for the day right before departure. (See notes on COVID-19 safety measures down below.) Make testing preparations in progress to prevent disrupting your family vacation.

What to do

Like Ka’ana, activities can be booked straight by means of Victoria Property. Thanks to its proximity to the sea, you really don’t have to journey far for most of these expeditions.

A wonderful way to finish your very first working day in San Pedro is by having a sunset cruise on a catamaran that departs from the hotel’s dock. The two-hour tour is a soothing and stunning way to kick off your time in San Pedro. The guides are organized with appetizers like ceviche and chips with guacamole, as nicely as alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

Victoria House’s cafe, Palmilla, is great for a late meal after you return from the cruise. Despite the fact that you just cannot go erroneous, the seafood dishes are particularly amazing the cashew-crusted fillet and the stone crab were extremely advised by restaurant staff members.

A further really don’t-miss out on action is a snorkeling tour, which also conveniently leaves from the lodge dock. Belize is renowned for its diving waters. The boat provides you to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, wherever you are dealt with to attractive coral reefs. Next up was Shark Ray Alley, exactly where you can knock “swimming with sharks” off your bucket listing. (They are welcoming nurse sharks.)

You’ll definitely want to examine downtown San Pedro, much too. While going for walks is an alternative, golfing carts are the most popular approach of transportation. Victoria Dwelling lets attendees borrow golfing carts to head downtown. There are a selection of modest art galleries downtown to browse, and you will discover pleasurable souvenirs at lots of stores like Sea Turtle Reward Shop, The Belize Chocolate Business, Belizean Breezes Cleaning soap Co., and D & G Great Jewellery and Arts.

When it is time to bid goodbye to Belize, just take an additional brief Tropic Air flight again to the Belize City, wherever you’ll board your flight again to The usa.

Lingering COVID actions

As of March 1, entirely vaccinated travelers are no longer required to existing a negative coronavirus exam in get to enter Belize. In its place, you’ll existing your proof of vaccination when you arrive in Belize. If not able to offer proof of vaccination, you ought to current possibly a detrimental PCR take a look at taken within 72 several hours of arrival or a adverse quick exam taken in just 48 several hours of arrival.

The region has also lifted its mask mandate but, personal establishments are entitled to need masks, so have a mask on hand.

COVID-19 suggestions are normally subject matter to adjust, so be certain to check out travelbelize.org for the most up-to-day data as you approach your vacation.

It’s essential to remember that, as of publication, you will want a destructive examination to reenter the United States, regardless of vaccination status. Check with your hotel if testing is supplied, or discover a listing of tests internet sites accepted by Belize’s Ministry of Wellbeing & Wellness at travelbelize.org.