Belize
MAYAN CULTURE: Jaguar Pyramid and other ruins
Belize is a tiny country squeezed between the Caribbean Sea, Mexico and Guatemala and covers an area about the size of Wales.
It is the only English speaking country in Central America, yet its culture and history draws from a mixture of Caribbean, Spanish, English and Mayan. Sybarites will want to head for the coast and the second largest barrier reef in the world, second only to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, where snorkellers and divers can enjoy the clearest waters anywhere. Underwater visibility in some areas can be up to 60 metres ahead. The less active can just relax on the beach or pontoons of the country's numerous cayes and islands and enjoy the still blue waters. Water babies can leave the coast for a while and explore Belize's vast network of rivers, lakes and caves by canoe. Slipping silently along these waterways is the ideal way to enjoy the astonishing diversity of bird species or perhaps spot one of the five different species of wildcat, which live deep in Belize's forests. Belize was also once populated by the Mayan Indians and their legacy is a wealth of temples and edifices, accessible by boat or 4X4 vehicles. Caracol, Xunantunich, Altun Ha and Lamanai are all worthwhile day excursions, not to mention the ancient Maya burial caves at Actun Tunichil Muknal.
Rarely considered as a destination to visit, the little-known countries of Guatemala & Belize together offer luxurious relaxation, adventurous expeditions, romantic honeymoons and family holidays. There really is something for everyone.
Flights & Facts:
Fly to: Guatemala City - daily via Miami.
Flying Time: Guatemala - 12hrs; Belize 12hrs 30 mins.
Time Difference: GMT -6hrs
Visas: Not required for UK passport holders
Health Requirements: Yellow fever if arriving from an infected area
Best time to travel: Nov - Apr.
Weather:
Guatemala’s rainy season runs from May to October, and the dry season from November to April. The climate also varies according to altitude. The low-lying jungle areas such as El Peten are generally hot and sticky, in contrast to the highlands which are pleasantly warm during the day but can be very cool at night. Belize is hot and humid throughout the year but also has distinct seasons. The wet season runs from mid-May to November and the dry season from February to April. In between, temperatures are at their coolest.
A&K Recommends
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Central and South America | Guatemala
Duration: 13 days
Antigua (2 nts) - Tikal (1nt) - Mountain Pine Ridge (3 nts) - Chan Chich (2 nts) - Ambergris Caye (4 nts)
• UNESCO Site of Antigua
• Private charter flights
• Mayan ruins of Tikal and Caracol
• Wonderful rain and pine forest
• The world’s second largest barrier reef
Culture | Wildlife
from £2,975 per person
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Central and South America | Belize | Ambergris Caye
2 rooms
Located on the soft sands of Ambergris Caye, Azul Villas comprises just two luxurious villas sitting either side of a swimming pool. Each of the villas has two bedrooms and ...
5mins From Beach
from £559 per person per night
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Central and South America | Belize | Mountain Pine Ridge
17 rooms
Hiding in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Blancaneaux Lodge is set overlooking the Privassion River. Riverfront cabanas and exclusive villas have thatch-roofs, local artifacts, and extensive hardwood decks. Activities ...
from £89 per person per night
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Central and South America | Belize | Gallon Jug
12 rooms
Chan Chich Lodge hides within a 250,000 acre reserve abundant with wildlife. The Lodge spreads out amongst a plaza of an ancient Maya city and has 12 simple thatched-roof cabanas. ...
from £85 per person per night
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Central and South America | Belize | Placencia
20 rooms
Set on the beach just north of the Creole village of Placencia, Turtle Inn is the completion of Francis Ford Coppola’s dream. This relaxed beach hotel offers Balinese-inspired seafront cottages, ...
5mins From Beach
from £99 per person per night
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Central and South America | Belize | Ambergris Caye
45 rooms
Casual but refined, this charming Caribbean hotel overlooks one of Ambergris Caye’s fine white sand beaches. Choose between thatched Casitas, Plantation Rooms or Villas, all air-conditioned with balconies and only ...
5mins From Beach
from £65 per person per night
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Central and South America | Belize | Cayo Espanto
7 rooms
Cayo Espanto is an exclusive destination of five one or two bedroom villas, each with a private butler, and set apart on a beautiful white sand private island. Cuisine is ...
5mins From Beach
from £490 per person per night
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Central and South America | Belize | Cayo District
23 rooms
Set in the foothills of the Maya Mountains on the banks of the Macal River, this comfortable jungle lodge has thatched cottages and exclusive Tree Top Suites. Activities include nature ...
from £112 per person per night