How to get the most out of your Belizean Holiday

Belize is really two countries, and I have always recommended that the best way to "do" Belize is by spending a week on the water, and a week inland (or half & half of whatever the length your trip). Firstly, it helps if you have a clear idea of whether you'd prefer the beach only, the mainland only, or just want to enjoy all we have to offer. Every region of the country has numerous facilities, offering a wide range of comfort levels.

On the Water

Of the cayes, Ambergris is by far the largest and most developed for tourism. It has well over 50 lodging facilities, and San Pedro Town has plenty of restaurants, and some night life. Rooms run from US$25 to $250, and more. It is very close to the reef, so if you plan to spend most of your time on, in or under the water, this is a prime consideration, since other cayes or coastal areas can require up to 45 minutes' boat ride each way. Nearby Caye Caulker is fast developing into a mini-Ambergris, with several tourist facilities already in operation. Although there is not much of a town yet, the caye does have a bit of a "party life" reputation. Cayo Espanto, off the southern tip of Ambergris, is a resort that encompasses an entire small island, and is very exclusive.

The Placencia peninsula in the Stann Creek District, is the mainland equivalent of San Pedro, although on a smaller scale. With over 30 hotels/resorts, and more on the way, there is also the full price range available. Almost all of these are on the beach. Luba Hati is a lovely, Mediterranean style hotel with seven elegant rooms, and a fine Italian restaurant. Green Parrot Beach Houses is a group of six wooden houses on stilts, each housing up to four adults at one price. They also have two rustically romantic, thatched cabañas, ideal for couples, and a lovely stretch of beach. There are two villages on the peninsula, Seine Bight and Placencia, which give the area its local flavor.

You can swim from the beach at all of these areas, but the best snorkeling is always found off shore around the reef and small cayes. There are plenty of fishing guides offering their services at these locations. Your hotel can also help arrange your activities. For folks who want only to dive, fish and eat, Turneffe Island Lodge is an all-inclusive facility (bar, equipment and service, extra), way out on Turneffe Atoll. It has recently undergone extensive refurbishing and offers comfortable accommodation. Their boat will pick you up in Belize City and transport you to this relaxed, isolated paradise. They offer dive, fish, and dive/fish packages; plus a special, do-nothing, "beachcombers" rate.

Head for the Hills

For the inland experience, Belize presents a variety of activities: Caves (with and without rivers), Maya ruins and culture, jungle and rain forest full of exotic birds and wildlife, hiking, beautiful rivers for canoeing, kayaking, and swimming; and an opportunity to encounter the cultural diversity of our people. The Cayo District has all of these, but the southern districts of Toledo and Stann Creek have plenty to see, also. Of all the districts, Cayo is the most developed for tourism, with the widest diversity of lodging facilities, ranging from "jungle luxury" to downright adventure. Mopan River Resort and duPlooy's are among those offering the former, while Ian Anderson's can give a good dose of the latter! Cayo is also the jumping off point for excursions to Tikal, Guatemala.

Toledo and Stann Creek Districts offer the most of the rain forest and its wildlife, with some coastal areas, a few less familiar Maya ruins; and probably the richest cultural experience in the country, being home to many Garifuna and modern-day Maya peoples, living in more traditional ways. With over 500 documented species, bird-watching is fantastic anywhere in Belize, but Cayo and the south are rich in habitat, and sure to please serious and casual birders.

Northern Belize is beginning to develop its tourism potential, and is home to three well-established, upscale resorts: Lamanai Outpost Lodge (adjacent to Lamanai ruins), and Chan Chich (uniquely situated within the plaza of a ruin), both are in Orange Walk District and offer great bird-watching, among other activities; and Maruba Jungle Resort & Spa, in the Belize District. There are also a handful of nice, smaller hotels springing up around Corozal and the surrounding areas.

What to Expect

The average cost of a double room in Belize is US$100 per night. And while this is still a lot of money to most people, some are surprised to find rather primitive facilities at this price and even higher. The right combination of this "primitiveness" and basic comfort, is what we call the unique experience of Belize. Some call it "eco-tourism." Whatever the name, you have to realize that in a developing country, not all regions have all the amenities that you would find back home. Many lodges are deep in the jungle, and generate their own electricity. Some shut their generators down during the night. It is difficult and costly to operate air conditioners under these circumstances, but a few (very expensive) resorts manage it. This ruggedness is part of what makes Belize such a unique destination. Some hotels in San Pedro and Belize City will have the amenities and appearance of a regular "hotel." But this is not the norm.

Folks traveling in large groups, say eight or more, can greatly reduce the cost of their holiday in a couple of ways. Many resorts offer villas or suites, with two or more bedrooms, a kitchen, and living area. Other facilities are small enough that you can qualify for group rates, and have the place virtually to yourselves! For example, Ek' Tun (at left), in the Cayo District, has only two cottages. Each is suitable for four to five people. (This beautiful place also provides the ultimate privacy for couples.) Other small guest houses and hotels have five to ten rooms, offering you the same possibilities.

The bottom line is, if you want a totally unique travel experience, with friendly people, beautiful surroundings, and plenty of adventure, Belize is waiting for you. If you're looking for huge, air conditioned rooms, 24 hour discotheques, hair salons and health clubs, try Cancun, please!